Five of the most well-designed movies and tv show
There have been some amazing movies and shows that have had an influence on my interest in developing better writing skills. Here is a list of 5 of my favourite examples
“It is then discovered that the prisoner had committed suicide as a result of a conversation with Dr Lecter, reinforcing the antihero identity.”
1: The Shining
This classic Horror film has been a staple of psychological torment in cinema, benefiting from the phenomenal direction of Stanley Kubrick and the unparalleled sense of dread unique to the writing of Stephen King. This is a good film to watch for the cinematography, as well as how writing and dialogue play a big role in building up the atmosphere. While it is made clear in the film that the character portrayed by Jack Nicholson slowly loses his sanity, this may not have been as evident if the script directions and descriptions from the book had been poorly written. One could write “Jack was happy and normal looking at the start, and then appeared broken by the end” but that would not do the same justice as a more descriptive sentence such as “The character of Jack Torrence begins the movie presenting as a relatively laidback and agreeable author, wearing a neat suit and tie, with combed hair and a charming smile, but over the course of the story becomes disheveled, paying less attention to his appearance as his mind turns on him, leaving him with a vacant, far-off expression.”
2: Silence of the Lambs
Silence of the Lambs (SotL) revolves around an FBI agent named Clarice Starling trying to track down a serial killer named Buffalo Bill, which she does by getting advice from another one. Dr Hannibal Lecter, as portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, was a respected doctor who was also a cannibal and had been secretly feeding his colleagues human remains disguised in meals. In SotL he is locked away, and Clarice visits him to gain insight into the criminal mind. His abilities and experiences as a psychiatrist help Clarice to find the serial killer, at the cost of some conversation. In this aspect he is more of an antihero than a straight-up villain, offering his services to stop a deranged murderer, albeit for his own benefit. He considers his actions morally justifiable, while still having a sense of honour and respect. This is seen early in the movie when another prisoner verbally and then physically assaults Clarice and Dr Lecter promises her retribution. It is then discovered that the prisoner had committed suicide as a result of a conversation with Dr Lecter, reinforcing the antihero identity.
3. Sherlock (2010 — 2017)
Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle, has been portrayed countless times in film and television, and there have been a few takes set in the 21st century. Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the role in this series which brings a more modern interpretation of the character. Robert Downey Jr plays Sherlock in the film adaptations in a way that paints him more comically, a genius that somehow can think in slow motion and use it to fight, whereas Cumberbatch’s version is a lot more withdrawn and observational, accentuating the reclusiveness needed for thinking. One way this is shown is on multiple occasions he would berate/criticise another character for being a distraction.
4. Rick and Morty
This animated science-fiction show started as a poorly animated satirical impression of the main characters of Back To The Future and evolved into a fully developed world of its own. Rick, a scientist, and his grandson travel through dimensions on various `pop-culture-inspired journeys. The show has been praised for being generally quite accurate with scientific references (within reality) and has a knack for breaking the fourth wall. There are multiple episodes referencing simulations and that they are aware they’re fictional. Dan Harmond, one of the creators and writers makes a reference to the writing concept of the hero's journey which is an excellent meta-explanation. There has been quite a toxic fanbase for the show, and while not great, this still shows a level of effective writing similar to having an annoying advertisement stuck in your head.
5: Archer
This series parodies the whole spy/secret agent genre. It follows Sterling Archer, the protagonist, who works at a secret agency run by his mother, Mallory Archer. The episodes tend to focus on the slightly unstable and narcissistic nature associated with the archetype of a spy, with Archer being a highly skilled agent who is insufferable to be around. This points out how if James Bond were real, he would be quite unlikeable and how the charming, confident façade is superficial. The dialogue and scene transitions in this animated show keep the story moving along at a consistent pace, allowing the viewer to laugh without relying on sitcom-esque techniques such as pre-recorded laughs.