§ RESOURCES / FILMMAKER INDEX
David O Russell
Writer / Director
Films Discussed 3
- · American Hustle (2013) (d/w)
- · Silver Linings Playbook (2012) (d/w)
- · The Fighter (2010) (d)
Draft Zero Episodes 2
DZ-33: Protagonist vs Hero - Dawn of Character Function
How does splitting 'character functions' enhance theme?
We are often told that our ‘protagonist’ needs to be a active. That they need to be compelling. That they need to change. And - old faithful - that they need to be likeable. But after looking at MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, STAR TREK (2009), THE FIGHTER, and SICARIO, Chas and Stu learn that your primary character does not need to do all these things. In fact, they learn that splitting these functions between your primary characters can reinforce theme and create potential for different types of narratives… →
Listen to see how splitting character functions across your cast sharpens what your story actually means.
DZ-7: On Rewriting - How much Bull is left in the Hustle?
What can be gleamed from the substantial rewrite of a famed spec?
Stu and Chas look at AMERICAN BULLSHIT (the 2010 Black List spec script by Eric Warren Singer) and the film it became… AMERICAN HUSTLE (co-written and directed by David O’Russell), which garnered 10 Oscar nominations in 2014… →
Listen to learn how impactful rewriting can be.