Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Beta Way, Desire Lines, Story-telling and Blockbusters


Beta Way
Originally uploaded by _helen_.
Here's a classic Philippines version of a desire line that was adequately "addressed". (Note: U.P. College of Engineering building across the Liberal Arts building was completely erected in 1951)

Speaking of desire lines, John Truby argues that:

"One element essential to good storytelling is a strong desire line. The main character wants something very specific and with great intensity. This desire line serves as the spine of the story.

In blockbusters, this desire line is almost always positive; the hero wants to solve something or create something of value. In 'Star Wars,' Luke wants to save the Princess and restore the Republic. In 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' Indiana Jones wants to find the Ark before the Nazis use it to become invincible and take over the world. In 'Forrest Gump,' Forrest loves Jenny and wants to marry her. In 'Outbreak,' the hero wants to defeat the virus and save the town."

For what that was worth. Oh next time, please remind me to resist temptations to stray too far.

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