Draft Zero: a screenwriting podcast

DZ-54: Thematic Sequences


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Listen if you want to make theme your primary driver (for a sequence)

Chas and Stu are joined, once again, by the inestimable Stephen Cleary. This episode is a spiritual sequel to our last episode with Stephen, the one on sequence structure. That episode explored how sequences could be broken into plot, character, and plot/character sequences.

Well, Stephen’s back to talk about a different type of sequence: the thematic sequence. By limiting (or removing all together) questions related to character or plot, filmmakers can force their audience to engage with the deeper, underlying meaning of the story.

Our deep dive onto this topic focuses on LOVE ACTUALLY, THE EXTERMINATING ANGEL, APOCALYPSE NOW, and IN THE BEDROOM. But it wouldn’t be a Draft Zero without numerous digressions including into HUNGER, GET OUT, INFINITY WAR, and THE THIN RED LINE.

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes.

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  • Thanks to our Patrons, especially Khrob, Theis, Sandra, Jesse, Randy, Paulo, Thomas, Jennifer, Malay, Alexandre and Lily.

    ———

    CHAPTERS

    • 00:01:51 – Introduction: Thematic Sequences
    • 00:10:21 – What Is A Thematic Sequence?
    • 00:13:33 – Love Actually
    • 00:42:29 – The Exterminating Angel
    • 02:42:41 – Wrap Up And Key Learnings
    • FILMS

      • LOVE ACTUALLY (2003) — (w) Richard Curtis
      • THE EXTERMINATING ANGEL (1962) — (w) Luis Bunuel, Luis Alcoriza (d) Luis Bunuel
      • APOCALYPSE NOW (1979) — (w) John Milius, Francis Ford Coppola (d) Francis Ford Coppola
      • IN THE BEDROOM (2001) — (w) Todd Field, Robert Festinger (d) Todd Field
      • SCRIPTS

        • Study the script: LOVE ACTUALLY (2003) — Richard Curtis
        • Study the script: APOCALYPSE NOW (1979) — John Milius, Francis Ford Coppola
        • SHOT ZERO DEEP DIVES

          • Five Shots: DEAD PRESIDENTS
          • LINKS

            • YouTube: GET OUT - Dinner Party Scene
            • YouTube: APOCALYPSE NOW - Because its judgement that defeats us
            • EPISODES IN THE SEQUENCES SERIES

              • DZ-43: Driving Sequences - Character and Plot Intensity
              • DZ-54: Thematic Sequences
              • DZ-89: Opening Sequences
              • RELATED EPISODES

                • DZ-41: Theme and Worldview
                • DZ-43: Driving Sequences - Character and Plot Intensity
                • DZ-45: Arguments of the Scene
                • ———

                  More Draft Zero is brought to you by our awesome Patreons.

                  If you enjoy the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a rating on Spotify, or a review on Podchaser.

                  We are @stuwillis, @mehlsbells and @chasffisher on Twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter.

                  Full show notes at: https://draft-zero.com/2018/dz-54/

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                  Draft Zero: a screenwriting podcastBy Chas Fisher and Stuart Willis

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