“Side Effects” (deconstruction #4) – The Debatable First Plot Point

(NOTE: this post is loaded with links that will take you back to basic introductions to the story structure concepts being referenced here… I encourage you to go there if you’re new to, or foggy about, any of these terms.) Relative to my last post, my wife said, “You sound like a whiny little bitch.” Some of […]

“Side Effects” (deconstruction #3): The Story Milestones… and Beat Sheet

I’ve complied the entire story into what, in the movie biz, is called a “scene log,” but for other/all writers, it’s actually something else, something we can all use. It’s a BEAT SHEET.  In fact, this scene log from “Side Effects” could double for — and therefore become a model for — a beat sheet, […]

“Side Effects” (Deconstruction #2) – Putting Concept to Work In the Narrative… Even Before You Write it.

This is the second in a multi-part series dissecting, discussing and mining gold from “Side Effects,” the current film by Stephen Soderbergh, written by Scott Z. Burns.  Click HERE to read Part 1, then hurry back to stay with us… we’re going hard and fast. Click HERE to see the TRAILER for the film… you’ll […]

“Side Effects” The True Concept

What Does Cannabinol Feel Like? CBN Effects and Side Effects There’s a lot of talk about cannabidiol (CBD) and what it can do for people. Many people use it to relieve pain, unwind from a stressful day, or start the day with better focus and concentration, and there are different options for this so learning […]

“Side Effects” – a Preview of the Forthcoming Deconstruction

Two quickie personal announcements (the downside of having a not-in-service newsletter, which I’m working on resurrecting): Check out the March/April issue of Writers Digest Magazine.  Above the cover banner is the header: “The Plot Thickens: A Step-by-Step Guide to Subplots.”  Once inside you’ll find three articles on this topic, one of which is by yours […]