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DRAFT ZERO

DZ-54: Thematic Sequences

How does removing character and plot question force your audience to engage with theme?

Legacy Episode — Migrated from our original site. Will take time to tidy up!

⏱ 2h 49m
10 OCT 2018

Show Notes

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!

Audio quotations used for educational purposes only. Timestamps indicated below. Chapter markers included in the mp3. Watch it on on YouTube.

Read the transcript on GitHub or in HTML.

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EPISODE LINKS

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

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


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

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