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Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies summary
Brief summary
Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies by Blake Snyder is a guide that analyzes successful films to reveal the key storytelling principles and techniques that can help writers create compelling screenplays. It offers valuable insights for aspiring screenwriters.
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Table of Contents
Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies
Summary of key ideas
The Basics of a Successful Movie
In Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies by Blake Snyder, we embark on a journey to understand the intricacies of successful movies. The book is an extension of Snyder's first book, Save the Cat!, where he introduced us to the basic structure of a successful screenplay, focusing on the importance of a compelling 'Save the Cat' moment for the protagonist. In this sequel, Snyder takes us through 50 iconic movies, breaking down their story structures, character arcs, and plot points to illustrate his principles.
Snyder begins by explaining that a successful movie should have a clear and engaging premise, a compelling character with a clear goal, and a series of obstacles that the character must overcome. He calls this the 'beat sheet', a 15-beat structure that forms the foundation of a successful screenplay. This structure is then demonstrated and explained using the 50 movies he has chosen, ranging from classics like Star Wars to modern hits like Avatar.
The Importance of Structure and Character Development
Throughout Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies, Snyder emphasizes the importance of structure and character development. He uses the example of Jaws to illustrate the concept of 'theme stated', where the movie's central theme is introduced early on. In Jaws, the theme is fear, and it's introduced when the characters discuss a shark attack at the beginning of the movie.
As we progress, Snyder introduces us to the importance of character arcs, demonstrating how characters should evolve and change over the course of the story. He uses the character arcs of Neo in The Matrix and Maximus in Gladiator to illustrate the concept, showing how their initial states and final states are dramatically different, making their journeys compelling and satisfying for the audience.
Plot Twists and Emotional Resonance
One of the key aspects of a successful movie, according to Snyder, is the presence of plot twists and emotional resonance. He uses The Sixth Sense as an example to illustrate how a well-executed plot twist can elevate a movie from good to great. He also discusses the concept of 'all is lost', a point in the story where the protagonist hits rock bottom, and all seems hopeless. This moment is crucial as it sets the stage for the protagonist's final push towards victory.
Moreover, Snyder emphasizes the importance of emotional resonance, arguing that successful movies are those that evoke strong emotional responses from the audience. He uses Titanic as an example, explaining how the movie's tragic love story resonates with the audience, making it a massive success at the box office.
Conclusion: A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Movies
In conclusion, Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies is a comprehensive guide to understanding the anatomy of successful movies. Through a detailed analysis of 50 iconic films, Blake Snyder demonstrates the key principles of successful storytelling, including structure, character development, plot twists, and emotional resonance. Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, a movie enthusiast, or simply curious about the mechanics of successful storytelling, this book offers valuable insights into what makes a movie great.
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What is Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies about?
Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies by Blake Snyder is a guide to understanding and analyzing successful movies. Using his "beat sheet" method, Snyder breaks down various films to show how they follow specific storytelling patterns. This book is a valuable resource for screenwriters and anyone interested in the art of storytelling through film.
Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies Review
Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies (2007) is a guide that analyzes successful movies to reveal the blueprint for captivating storytelling. Here's why this book stands out:
- It breaks down films into clear story beats and narrative structures, providing valuable insights for aspiring screenwriters and movie enthusiasts alike.
- Through its analysis of popular movies, it offers a deep understanding of what resonates with audiences, helping readers hone their storytelling skills.
- The book's practical approach to storytelling techniques ensures that it is informative and engaging, making the exploration of film storytelling anything but dull.
Who should read Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies?
Aspiring screenwriters looking to understand the structure and storytelling techniques of successful movies
Filmmakers who want to analyze and deconstruct popular films to improve their own storytelling skills
Anyone interested in gaining a deeper appreciation for the art and craft of cinema
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Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies FAQs
What is the main message of Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies?
The main message of Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies is understanding the key elements that make a successful movie.
How long does it take to read Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies?
The estimated reading time for Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies is a few hours. Blinkist summary: 15 minutes.
Is Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies a good book? Is it worth reading?
This book is worth reading for its insightful analysis of what makes movies engaging. It's a valuable resource.
Who is the author of Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies?
The author of Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies is Blake Snyder.
What to read after Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies?
If you're wondering what to read next after Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
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- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda