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starringskie's review against another edition
3.0
This book took me way longer than books of its size usually do (three weeks), but I feel that it was time well spent. McKee gives interesting insight and even more interesting examples (I'm pretty sure Casablanca and Kramer vs Kramer are his favorite movies, and he sold them well enough to make me want to check them out. I'm not touching Chinatown with a 10ft pole, though), even if he sometimes gets repetitive or talks too much about a subject.
My particular edition of the book was terrible, full of spelling and formatting mistakes, but that's not the author's fault. Still, if you are Brazilian, don't read the first edition of the book.
My particular edition of the book was terrible, full of spelling and formatting mistakes, but that's not the author's fault. Still, if you are Brazilian, don't read the first edition of the book.
weltlage's review against another edition
2.0
I read this book because it was often mentioned by journalists when it came to the question of which books they recommend to other journalists who want to learn how to write better stories. While this book is certainly good at analyzing structure and giving instructions in this regard, a major update is urgently needed.This book is bursting with patriarchal, heterosexist and other unreflected ideas. They can be found not only in ( e.g. anti-queer) examples, but also in the fundamental perception of what defines a good story.
To be honest, I am shocked by how often this book was recommended. Because stories shape our reality - and these stories are no longer suitable to deal with our reality responsibly.
To be honest, I am shocked by how often this book was recommended. Because stories shape our reality - and these stories are no longer suitable to deal with our reality responsibly.
camila87's review against another edition
4.0
“Subtext is present even when a character is alone. For if no one else is watching us, we are. We wear masks to hide our true selves from ourselves.”
sophiadh's review against another edition
4.0
A dense book full of wisdom. This was the first time I think I’ve ever found myself copying down quotes into my notebook for inspiration. It is not the kind of book that you devour in large chunks. It took me a while to finish. I found the first third to be rather dry, but I think that was because I was trying to read it too quickly. Once I slowed down, reading 10-15 pages at a sitting, I found myself more absorbed. Although McKee talks about how to write a screenplay his advice translates very well to any kind of fiction writing. McKees knowledge of film is extensive. There is a long list of the films he references throughout the book at the back. Although I did not know many of the films, he illustrates each of the story elements he talks about with one or more film examples, making them more concrete. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys story telling.
stefanicox's review against another edition
4.0
Problematic in the choice of films that are put on a pedestal and the general focus on white men, but also genuinely the most helpful book on story structure that I've read in my life.
giuliasacco's review against another edition
5.0
Un bel viaggio nel cinema e nella scrittura.
Tanti suggerimenti, spunti e riflessioni che ti aprono un mondo.
Tanti suggerimenti, spunti e riflessioni che ti aprono un mondo.
casualspoons's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5
A decent introduction to storytelling, but won’t service much past the broad and basic. This text also suffers greatly from antiquated stereotypes towards PoC, native people, and LGBTQ. There’s better options out there.
A decent introduction to storytelling, but won’t service much past the broad and basic. This text also suffers greatly from antiquated stereotypes towards PoC, native people, and LGBTQ. There’s better options out there.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Transphobia
bernieanderson's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book so much. I did the audio book. And am now getting an analog version because it's that important. I'm not a screenwriter -- and have no intention of becoming one -- but I feel that studying this book will help us tell better stories, no matter what the medium.
vinjii's review against another edition
4.0
If you only want to read one or two books on writing, then choose Stephen King's 'On Writing' and this one. But if you only ever read one book on writing, this should be it. The writing itself is a bit dry and it's long and requires attentive reading, but the content is important and it'll definitely get a deserving spot in my library.