Product Description

Long considered the bible for storytellers, now Michael Tierno shows how Aristotle's Poetics can be an invaluable resource to screenwriters. Breaking down the fundamentals of screenwriting chapter by chapter, Tierno uses examples from some of the best films ever made to demonstrate how one can apply Aristotle's ancient insights to modern-day screenwriting. Written in a highly readable, informal tone, Tierno makes this monumental work accessible to beginners and pros alike in areas such as screenwriting, film theory, fiction and playwriting.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33259 in Books
• Published on: 2002-12-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Synopsis
In ARISTOTLE'S POETICS FOR SCREENWRITERS, Tierno examines the fundamentals of screenwriting using techniques outlined in the Poetics, then applies these concepts to modern movie classics including Citizen Kane, Rocky, Pulp Fiction and many more. This highly readable guide covers a multitude of topics, from plotting and sub-plotting to dialogue and dramatic unity. Along the way, Tierno also gives tips based on his years as a story analyst, where he has learned what studios look for when they read a screenplay. His quick wit and easy-to-follow explanations of some of the Poetics' most difficult passages illuminate one of the most important books on story structure ever written.

Customer Reviews

Excellent book that you can return to again and again.
Ditto for the first reviewer. I have a large collection of screenwriting books and have taken several screenwiting courses - but I just wish I'd come across this little gem years ago. One can clearly see where a lot of "new" screenwriting books obtain their underlying theory - directly from Aristotle. The book is a wonderful read; extremely understandable and well written. If you are interested in improving your own screenwriting skills, then I would recommend this book wholeheartedly. The author, Michael Tierno, summarises Aristotle's arguments and theory in an exemplary manner - 5 stars.

A great read.
This is the kind of book I will be going back to time and again. Aristotle's Poetics are broken down so a layman can understand them with out having to actually grapple with Aristotle's version unaided.
A nice comfortable read that explains what we do not realize we already know.