Story: Principles of Material, Structure, Style, and Screenplay

Author: Robert McKee
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-08-01
Features: Story differs from other popular books on screenwriting techniques in that it discusses form rather than formulas. McKee uses over one hundred films as examples to teach readers principles of screenwriting that transcend rigid doctrines and uncover the often-overlooked components that make great works exceptional. Starting with basic concepts (what is a beat? a scene? a scene sequence? a scene climax? a film climax?), McKee not only brilliantly explains the intricacies of the standard three-act structure but also reveals the mysteries of atypical structures (such as two-act, seven-act, or even eight-act films), pointing out the limitations of each type. He emphasizes the importance of theme, setting, and atmosphere, as well as the significance of character and characterization as a pair of relative concepts.