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5 Screenwriting Takeaways: HBO Max's 'Love Life' season two

November 2, 2021

Season two of Love Life opens with an omniscient voice-over that feels like the thesis statement for this season: “There is no destiny. There are no soulmates. There is no 'one.'” It may sound dark, but it’s also realistic. Particularly with a season...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: ‘Dune’ creates thriller on new planet

October 29, 2021

Dune is not a re-make of a 1980s film; it’s the first part of what is expected to be a series of films based on the 1965 novel of the same name by Frank Herbert. While there are some similarities to the Star Wars saga in terms of a young, reluctant w...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: Signature Wes Anderson is back with 'The French Dispatch'

October 26, 2021

The French Dispatch is about as Wes Anderson as Anderson gets, and most fans will likely be pleased with this latest outing from the beloved director. The set design is off the charts, the characters are as quirky as ever, and the droll wit seems to ...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: 'The Last Duel' is a true story of one woman's struggle in 14th century France

October 23, 2021

More than 650 years ago, the last officially recognized judicial duel was fought in France. Why this duel took place is the story behind Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel, which tells the narrative in three chapters from three characters’ points of view a...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: The dramatic intersecting storylines in Hulu's 'Dopesick'

October 19, 2021

Dopesick is clearly out to hold Big Pharma accountable for the opioid crisis that still riddles America. It’s also an interesting piece of entertainment, cleverly interweaving unexpected storylines to express the personal toll the crisis has taken on...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: How ‘No Time to Die’ keeps action fresh

October 15, 2021

For nearly 60 years, Agent 007 has been saving the world from some of the most villainous heels attempting to rule the world — or destroy it. This month marked the 25th outing for the super spy whose drink of choice and love life are both legendary. ...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: HBO Max's hilarious comedy 'The Other Two'

October 11, 2021

The Other Two is very adept at turning tragedy into comedy. In its second season, the half-hour comedy serves up both with a healthy side of pathos. In season one, audiences met Brooke and Cary Dudek (played by Heléne York and Drew Tarver respectivel...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: 'The Many Saints of Newark' expands the 'Sopranos' universe

October 8, 2021

Who is Dickie Moltisanti? That’s the question that lies behind The Many Saints of Newark. The film's marketing describes it as "a Sopranos story," which is crucial to consider as the Sopranos universe begins what is likely to be an expansion. The hit...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: Netflix's arresting and captivating 'Maid'

October 4, 2021

Maid is the long-awaited adaptation of Stephanie Land’s novel: "Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive". The show was brought to Netflix by a team of heavy hitters; TV veteran John Wells (ER and Southland) steered a production team ...