Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting (Methuen Film) [Paperback]

Robert McKee (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 466 pages
• Publisher: Methuen Publishing (November 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0413715604
• ISBN-13: 978-0413715609
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #171,066 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant - the first and last word on storytelling for film/TV, September 20, 2010

By 

Grady - See all my reviews

This review is from: Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting (Methuen Film) (Paperback)

I have worked in film and TV for 15 years in various roles. I've attended McKee's lectures in person, and I highly recommend that anyone who wants to be a film/TV professional pay the money and go to the seminar in person. McKee's a master teacher, and his material is dead on. But, if you can't attend the seminar, then get the book. It's a smart, funny, personal, comprehensive approach to the craft of storytelling. As I put in response to a negative commenter here: In my experience, if you want to work in film or television, you absolutely NEED to read this book -- along with William Goldman's books, and Judith Weston's books. Those are the big three masters of the craft. Start here, with McKee's Story. Then go to William Goldman for historical perspective and great stories of the industry from the ultimate insider. Then go to Weston's books for the vital link between story/emotion and actor performance. It'll change your life, and at least give you a chance to navigate the near-impossible path to life as a professional creative in this business.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A exhaustive discussion of story, April 3, 2010

By 

Paul Minty "Mintleaf - a creative ratbag sinc... (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting (Methuen Film) (Paperback)

McKee writes with experience and depth, discussing in fine detail the elements of story and how they apply to screen-writing.

The lessons in this book can be applied well beyond screen-writing. The discussions of story acrs, character development, use of dillemmas and how scenes build to acts can all be applied to any form of story telling.

The approach is sound as McKee refuses to apply a pseuodo-scientific approach. McKee instead discusses real works in detail, grouping them to show themes in story-telling but refusing to apply false categories generated by a sham theory of literature. McKee has great experience teaching professionals how to write, perhaps this approach reflects that experience.

I noticed a big contrast between this book and some books that I have read about the craft of writing. The other books try to make writing simple, giving recipes, check-lists and encouragement; unfortuneately, this approach sometimes fails to teach me lastign lessons. However, McKee, whilst more difficult to read and apply in the short term, passes on information that is more useful and of greater flexibility.

I recomend this book to anyone who is learning to write. It is hard work to read, but very exciting to enter into a rich and professional discussion of story.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth it!, November 14, 2010

By 

Olivia's mom "Emily" (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting (Methuen Film) (Paperback)

I've heard quite a bit about this book. I've found it to be a tremendous resource in understanding the heart of what makes a film compelling. The attention to detail makes it a thorough perspective in story telling.
I haven't finished the book yet, but that's been my experience so far.