“This is an excellent tool for writing, with one caveat: it's not a formula, and applying it as such will ensure your story is flat and uninspired. (To be fair, the author points it out himself.)
The structure Vogler (and Campbell before him) speaks of are primordial and it's a good thing to be aware of them, which is a purpose well-served by this book. There's a little bit of self-fulfilling prophecy in their usefulness, though: when they're applied to movies that have little or no link to the traditional heroic structure (say, Pulp Fiction, which the author analyzes), it suddenly feels more like pseudoscience, trying to fit the theory to reality however hard one must hammer on the square peg.
But that being said... If you're writing a story, it's a good idea to read this book. You can use it to find the archetypes in your own story, and reinforce them for maximum effect. You can also troubleshoot your story, and find simple ways in which to make it stronger.
Overall, a very useful book, if taken in the right context.”
Daniel Roy wrote this review Monday, August 4 2008.
(
reply |
permalink )
