Yesterday, after I finished revisions to my story and finished the middle of Liv, I sat down to watch a little TV. Last week, I'd TiVo'd The Nine but hadn't watched it.
Wow.
I haven't finished it yet (DD finished her seatwork FAST yesterday, so "mom time" was shortened dramatically), but WOW.
In the first five or ten minutes, we're introduced to the characters who are important to this story -- the nine hostages along with another bank teller and the bank robbers. And we have to care about them or this story doesn't work.
Five or ten minutes.
Five or ten pages.
The writers of this story took one or two significant character traits and amplified them. This is who the cop is. This is who the bank manager is. This is who... well, you get the idea. I was fascinated - both as a writer and as the audience.
I want to create memorable characters like that. And I want to make them three dimensional, believable and interesting. And, yes, I'd like to do it with only a page or two.
Certainly, it's a bit easier to do that with a television show. You can see gestures, clothing, facial ticks, etc., without having to take the time to describe them. But still. Wow.
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7 comments:
I still have this on tivo waiting for me. Was going to try to watch it last night, but I got Ugly Betty out of the way. I'm really looking forward to this show, I've heard great things about it.
fleajdpr-fleeing lemurs emerge at junctions demanding peppered radishes.
This sounds intriguing. Is it out on DVD yet?
A,
It's a brand new series that just started last week... I imagine you'll have to wait another 6-9 months before the DVD comes out ... though they'll probably repeat it at some point!
sbhoqeli - Silly bunnies hopped on quilts every last inning
I enjoyed The Nine but not as much as a lot of other people. I think I'm probably still annoyed that they used it to replace Invasion which I loved.
pzjyo - pretty zebras joyfully yell "oy!"
I really enjoyed The Nine & was glad I caught the opening episode (after Lost, which was a huge mess of an unbelievable storyline). What I liked most about The Nine was the way you are teased into knowing that all these interesting relationships have developed between the characters, and that curiosity is going to keep you coming back again, to find out WHAT REALLY HAPPENED during those 52 hours.
Great premise.
I'm pretty bitter about the loss of Invasion too, especially leaving it off the way they did. And now one of my other favorite new shows has been canceled (Three Moons Over Milford) and another may go the same way (Men In Trees).
As for Lost, I guess I'm in the minority (though I hope not) of those who are still intrigued by the show. Of course I want answers, but I won't give up on it.
zutpumnk-ziti uncooked takes plenty unyielding munching not koolade
I agree! I thought it was awesome.
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