Storytelling
Three-Act Structure in Movies, Explained
Most Hollywood films follow the same three-act structure. Here’s how it works, and why almost every screenplay uses it.
Storytelling
The Mystery Box Is Broken, and Here’s How to Fix It
From Lost to Game of Thrones to The Rise of Skywalker, the “mystery box” style of storytelling is coming up short. Here’s why — and how to fix it.
Storytelling
Why Damien Chazelle’s First Man Feels So Empty
Why, despite some stellar filmmaking, does First Man fail to satisfy?
Business Advice
11 Surprising Facts About How Movie Box Office Works
How Hollywood and America went crazy over box office reports… and why the numbers aren’t always what they seem.
Storytelling
Why Black Panther and Wakanda Are the Keys to Marvel’s Future
How the success of Black Panther changes action movies and lays the groundwork for Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Storytelling
10 Subtly Amazing Moments in Lady Bird
Lady Bird is a movie that does nearly everything right. Here’s why Greta Gerwig’s solo directorial debut works so well.
Storytelling
The Story Problems in Molly’s Game
Molly’s Game is missing three key ingredients that keep the story from being truly satisfying.
Storytelling
The Real Hidden Genius of Pulp Fiction
When Pulp Fiction debuted in 1994, writer-director Quentin Tarantino was hailed as a filmmaking genius, and his movie rewired filmmakers’ brains for the next 20 years. The film earned tons of buzz for a number of valid reasons: its unexpected revival of John Travolta’s career its profanity-fueled pop culture dialogue Read more…