Comments on: On creating emotion

By: Karl

Karl — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:33:13 +0000

Put it simply, I cried, and I cried, and I cried, and I cried.

One of the things that will touch me in a movie scene is when I see a group of people, set up in earlier scenes, appear during a man's final moments as he reviews his life, and this one is especially poignant because the man in question, Ed Bloom, had such a magnificent, adventurous life and met so many colorful, wonderful 'returning' characters who have all been affected deeply, changed even, like Jenny, by this strong, brave man.

Makes me hope, makes us all wish I guess, to be someone like Ed Bloom, or to blessedly have someone like him in our lives.

By: John

John — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:11:40 +0000

@racicot:

Neal Cassady lived in Boulder at some point, but I don't think he was really "from" there. But I'm too lazy to Google.

@Hunter:

I actually adore The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and Josh, who is so busy working on the former that I only see him on random kid playdates.

Reminder to everyone that the script is in the library if you want it.

By: Kirsty

Kirsty — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:58:02 +0000

Just with regard to the actual writing side of this, and watching the scene from Big Fish again, isn't it amazing how the best films can completely toy with your emotions?

'...a very big fish.'

It's such a comedic end to that line -- you want to laugh and cry all at the same time.

I have often found that wonderful writers kill you with laughter, right before, or just after they break your heart.

By: Kirsty

Kirsty — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:36:30 +0000

Great writing, great delivery, perfect timing, and the perfect mood.

In almost every emotional experience I've encountered with a movie -- with possibly the exception of REALLY clever comedy -- I can feel it coming, I can see it coming, and if it hits just right... I'm crying/laughing/hiding before the moment even happens.

I think John nailed it here =)

By: RobertP

RobertP — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:21:29 +0000

Danielle could also look up the screenplays to films that she enjoyed or had an emotional impact on herself or others. There is a good chance they are online and in printable form.

By: Hunter

Hunter — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:56:05 +0000

Wow, posting youtube bootlegs from your own movie, I love it!

Also, was that a series bash against Friedman or a joke?

That scene was much better than I remember Big Fish being...You've just convinced me to go buy/rent it.

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:58:45 +0000

Just watching that clip again brings back the same bittersweet feelings I had in the theater. Thanks again, John. Maybe someday I can thank you in person.

By: Robert LaRue

Robert LaRue — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:03:19 +0000

John, thanks for the insights. The Extended Essay for the high school IB diploma is hardly a “simple high school essay” (which are not your words, I know)… and Danielle has been contributing time and skills to film projects Joe and I are working on, as well as studying like crazy for the IB. I’m gearing up to teach film production at Fairview next year and this site will be required reading.

By: misskate

misskate — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:55:00 +0000

@Thomas While I agree with almost everything you said, I would just like to point out that an extended essay for the IB Diploma could never be considered “a simple high school essay”. Rather it is an externally assessed paper that is probably more rigorous than most college papers. But, I second your toast!

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:38:25 +0000

Danielle, you might want to check out the first chapter of James Lipton’s book, Inside Inside. He talks about his interview with Scorsese on emotion & film. Here’s an excerpt, “…that the juxtaposition of any two images creates, according to Scorsese… a nonexistent image, “another thought that comes into your mind”- an entirely new reality that has been created (literally) by the filmmaker. In sum, your thoughts have been edited by the editor…”

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:42:27 +0000

Long time reader first time poster. I am an unemployed writer at the moment so in order to eat I am forced to have a day job. I have a 20 minute commute to work and the first thing that i do upon arriving to work is turn on my computer and grab some coffee and I check a few of my favorite sites. I was pleased to see the post today as it mentioned one of the most beautiful cities in our country. The city of Boulder which is nestled up against the Rocky Mountains just 20 miles west of Denver. I was unaware and now rather pleased to read that you went to Fairview. I was born and raised in Denver and spent many weekend nights in and around the Boulder area hiking,learning and partying with some of the best people Colorado has to offer.

I enjoy reading your thoughts and helpful advise please keep it up.