When Syd Field interviews Michael Arndt, the discussion is about crafting story and happy endings. You have to watch this interview in segments, which is annoying, but worth it just to watch the discussion about the Little Miss Sunshine scene when Duane figures out he's color blind. I love that kid. I think he's my nephew.
Peculiar to me, though, was hearing Arndt sing the virtues of simplicity - not because I don't like simplicity - but because he says that it is easy to make something big and noisy and complicated but it is difficult to make something small, quiet and simple.
Oh, so THAT's why Bruckheimer, Lucas, and Spielberg make such big and noisy and complicated films -- it's easy!
Have I really gotten so arrogant that I've second guessed the same Oscar winning screenwriter twice in one week? Shame on me. Shame. Shame. Shame. I really do like this guy. Really. Me and my Gomer Pyle alter ego.
I guess the level of difficulty is all in the pen of the beholder.
5 comments:
Is that your jealousy, Marry Ann, rearing its ugly head? I say let Michael Arndt have his moment in the sun. He just won an Oscar fro crying out lound. Michael Ardnt has EARNED the right to spout off and give his opinions on craft.
Outside the box, Marry Ann. Someday, God willing, YOU may be in Micheal Ardnt's position. At which time the world will be more open to what you have to say.
- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA
I don't think so, E.C., I think it's my claws in defense of writers like Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio who write those big, noisy films and work their little fingers to the bones through hurricanes and in scorching heat. Maybe it WILL be me one day. I dunno. If so I'm sure I WILL stick my foot in my mouth. I'm quite good at it as an amateur writer.
Perseverance furthers no matter what (i.e. "big" or "small") but at any rate: thanks for the interview link! This is very cool stuff.
Paul Haggis is still my personal hero, but hopefully Arndt can keep it going and challenge for top spot on my pedestal
Well, I've heard he's writing Toy Story 3 so we can use that as hero job interview!
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