Strange Attractors

Question 1

A Larger World Revealed

Answer 1

A film that shows the world to be a larger, more magical, more complex place than is commonly believed (or swap world for human spirit)

Eg’s: Shawshank Redemption, The Matrix

Question 2

Universalness

Answer 2

A film that touches on something we’re all familiar with, like monster under the bed or getting wisdom teeth pulled

Eg’s: Big, Monsters, Inc.

Question 3

Classic Echoes

Answer 3

The film utilizes themes from classic drama, like self-identity, self-worth, class structure, fate that have echoes in classic films, like Rocky, Animal Farm, etc.

Eg’s: Star Wars (father’s approval, underdog), Shawshank (faith)

Question 4

Implies A Situation

Answer 4

The concept is itself a situation, and the resolution for that situation are your sequences for Acts II and III

Eg’s: Die Hard (cop trapped in tower with terrorists who take ex-wife hostage), Home Alone, The Sandlot (kid sucks at baseball makes friends who are good)

Question 5

Behind The Scenes

Answer 5

When a film gives you special knowledge; knowledge that people who didn’t see the film don’t get to have

Eg’s: Top Gun (naval aviators, Bull Durham (minor league baseball)

Question 6

Good Roles (And Good Titles)

Answer 6

When the film implies a good role for an actor, so he/she falls in love with the film and you’re in good shape

Eg’s: Ghostbusters (cool suit, fighting ghosts, Back to the Future, Avatar (first 3D movie star)

Question 7

Concepts Cannot Be Done Again

Answer 7

It’s so unique that when you do it all other films that share that conceit cannot be made

Eg’s: Pacific Rim (Godzilla remake-ish), Ender’s Game (video games aren’t video games)

Question 8

Contains Known Elements

Answer 8

The film concept utilizes (and plays on) elements that already exist within the audience’s awareness

Eg’s: Liar Liar (we know lawyers lie)