The Power of Film dives deep into the art of storytelling by examining the defining principles and inner workings of the greatest American classic films from the past century.
EPISODE 1
Memorable and Popular
Using iconic scenes from many of these classic films, this series explores films that were both popular and memorable.
EPISODE 2
Trapped Between Fate & Destiny
Nearly all memorable stories, whether told in movies or in real life, are about traps; the most memorable are generally about the loss, sacrifice, and ultimate triumph the central character must engage in to escape their trap.
EPISODE 3
The Power of Character Relationships
The structure of most memorable plots centers on a single individual, around whom all the most important action and the other characters revolve.
EPISODE 4
Heroes and Villains
Memorable films tend to be a compensation for what we don't see much of in the real world -- justice, commitment, and altruism. Film drama frequently treats the central characters as if they were heroes or villains, but often the two are very much alike.
EPISODE 5
The Power of Paradox
In almost every memorable film, things are not what they seem, and learning the truth about characters and situations creates much of the tension in the film. Often, the truth of the film is quite paradoxical, which is what makes us want to keep watching.
EPISODE 6
Love and Meaning
Many of cinema's most memorable love stories end with the separation or death of one or both lovers; the paradox underlying the film helps explains why they stick in viewers' memories.
