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Robert McKee

Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting Hardcover – November 25, 1997

by Robert McKee (Author)

4.7 2,990 ratings

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Robert McKee's screenwriting workshops have earned him an international reputation for inspiring novices, refining works in progress and putting major screenwriting careers back on track. Quincy Jones, Diane Keaton, Gloria Steinem, Julia Roberts, John Cleese and David Bowie are just a few of his celebrity alumni. Writers, producers, development executives and agents all flock to his lecture series, praising it as a mesmerizing and intense learning experience.

In Story, McKee expands on the concepts he teaches in his $450 seminars (considered a must by industry insiders), providing readers with the most comprehensive, integrated explanation of the craft of writing for the screen. No one better understands how all the elements of a screenplay fit together, and no one is better qualified to explain the "magic" of story construction and the relationship between structure and character than Robert McKee.

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Print length

480 pages
Language

English
Publisher

ReganBooks
Publication date

November 25, 1997
Dimensions

9.4 x 6.5 x 1.6 inches
ISBN-10

9780060391683
ISBN-13

978-0060391683
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The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller

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Customer reviews

2,990 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book very informative, useful, and a wonderful reference. They describe it as comprehensive and invaluable for new writers. Readers praise the book as incredible, brilliant, and enthralling. They also mention it's interesting, lively, and fulfilling. Overall, customers say it's worth their money.

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Information quality Writing quality Readability Enthralling Value for money Material quality Mastery

194 customers mention "Information quality"176 positive18 negative

Customers find the book very informative and a wonderful reference. They say it helps them understand famous movies better. Readers also mention the materials are useful in teaching literary analysis to high school students. They appreciate the depth of the author's insight and useful ideas.

"...It’s brought me tons of joy, entertainment, knowledge and invigoration...." Read more

"...to writers of books, etc, also. The author provides a wonderfully organized perspective, and sharp and persuasive analysis of film stories..." Read more

"I have bought several of MacKay's books. All are useful." Read more

"...inside, to return to a somewhat normal life; this book does a very good job of explaining what that all actually means and how to go about making it..." Read more

172 customers mention "Writing quality"148 positive24 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book to be excellent. They say it's comprehensive, invaluable for new writers, and helpful for writing any genre. Readers also mention the advice has changed them as writers.

"...Robert blew my mind w this one; the depth, the clarity, the profundity and the genius simplification of one of the most complex art forms - telling..." Read more

"...even a pro writer might find helpful, I'd think, yet is written clearly and accessibly so that even a beginning or aspiring writer should be able..." Read more

"Great book for writers" Read more

"...The book is a must read for anyone writing fiction. It's geared toward Hollywood script writing, but the story elements speak to any storyteller." Read more

141 customers mention "Readability"134 positive7 negative

Customers find the book incredible, superbly written, and brilliant. They say it's an eye-opener and well-respected in the entertainment world. Readers also mention the intelligent tone and comprehensive content speak to its author's mastery.

"...from this book. Again, I highly recommend this, as a wonderful book to read early on in one's aspirations towards writing, and as an..." Read more

"...It is abridged, however, it seems fairly complete and I understood the theory better when I heard it than when I read it. However, to each their own.)" Read more

"...It is thorough. It is not light reading. It is also brilliant and inspiring." Read more

"...The book is masterful, but does not address story ideas or inspiration...." Read more

47 customers mention "Enthralling"47 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, entertaining, and honest. They say it's interesting, lively, and refreshing. Readers also mention the story is profound and deepens their appreciation for the art of fine films.

"...It’s brought me tons of joy, entertainment, knowledge and invigoration...." Read more

"...It is thorough. It is not light reading. It is also brilliant and inspiring." Read more

"...the audience," this tells you how to do it right, to emotionally engage the audience and make them stay with you to the end...." Read more

"..."spin a yarn" that makes not only sense and moves, but uplifts the human condition within it...." Read more

21 customers mention "Value for money"18 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the value for money of the book. They mention it's in excellent condition and worth reading.

"...This book is a low-cost alternative to attending one of those seminars yourself." Read more

"...This is definitely a huge asset for any serious screenwriter. Worth your money." Read more

"...Ultimately it’s a slow read, but it’s worth the buy." Read more

"...But it was well worth it and will make my first novel lightyears better." Read more

20 customers mention "Material quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-crafted, excellent, and clear. They say the principles are rock-solid and things every writer should know. Readers also mention the material is dead-on and has a good structure breakdown.

"Delivered in great condition and quicklyThe book is a must read for anyone writing fiction...." Read more

"...If you read a popular, well-crafted book or view a movie or TV show with those qualities and want to understand how it works, what makes it tick,..." Read more

"...A bit chewy but well worth reading IMHO for anyone who's serious about wanting to tell stories well." Read more

"...The language is clear but nonetheless professional and rigorous, and the occasional inclusion of ilustrations and other visual tools can further..." Read more

8 customers mention "Mastery"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book masterful and illuminating. They say it's well-researched and phenomenal. Readers also mention that the author knows how to teach and inspire.

"...Something Startling Happens is a bit of extremely well-researched genius that any writer should follow carefully.3...." Read more

"...of subtext in famous scenes from "Casablanca" and "Chinatown" are masterful and illuminating." Read more

"Quite impressed! McKee knows how to teach and inspire, AND his writing is top-knotch. Big book is not a lot of fluff...." Read more

"Definitely a GO TO reference as well. He is one of the masters of the craft." Read more

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bbky

BEST BOOK ON HOW TO CREATE STORIES 100% hands down

Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2021

Verified Purchase

Sorry I don’t have time to write a succinctly profound review but if you’re even barely considering buying this book, JUST DO IT. I honestly can’t believe the price is 25$.
If you have an ounce of raw story telling talent, or if u consider yourself professional, this book is for you. Or if you appreciate the art of storytelling; or if u work in the industry and get scripts across your desk, this book is for you.
I do not write scripts and have no plans to; I was introduced to this book years ago when reviewing a script someone was interested in getting funded and felt appropriate to educate myself on what makes a script great... Bc we all know when a script isn’t, but not necessarily Why. Robert blew my mind w this one; the depth, the clarity, the profundity and the genius simplification of one of the most complex art forms - telling stories about the human experience.
The essence of the art form is principled out in the book. I’ve been raving about this book since I first read it in 2017, lent my hand-me-down copy, and bought my own last week to do a little book club w my gf. We enjoy watching episodics and movies and have a great time articulating why we think stories are great. I’m super excited diving back into this book again especially w a partner.
In my over simplified, outsider opinion, this book is THE formula, the “bible” so to say, of the who what where when and most importantly WHY of scripting for screen.
Just buy it. Buy two copies and gift one to your writing buddy or a director u work with. Heck, buy 3 copies and keep on in the car or at the office. Again, ~25$ - wow.
If u want to get your script funded - this is the next place for you to go. Scripts are picked up bc they will sell, and in order to sell they have resonate universally. This book explains the essence, the principles of the art form of script writing. If you really think you have what it takes to be an all star writer then digesting this book should 100% fun for you.
Just my 3 cents... again I have no plans of writing and I’m not a writer. But I enjoy the art form and I respect the mastery of technical and creative that blend as genius and excellence. For me, having this knowledge has made stories on screen that much more enjoyable as I watch the principles outlined in this book play themselves out like clockwork.
I hope I’ve made it clear how magnificent and remarkable this book is in both knowledge and presentation. The hugest shoutout to Robert McKee and his wife who apparently edited this. And shoutout to all the other people behind the scenes on making this book happen. It’s brought me tons of joy, entertainment, knowledge and invigoration. And quite honestly had widened my perspective of the human condition and life itself.
Just buy it, and read it. Take notes. Study it. Use it. Capitalize on it if script writing and story telling is in your cards.
And if u love this book as much as I do let’s start a club lol.

25 people found this helpful

Helpful

C. A. Y.

Fascinating and Wonderfully Helpful

Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2013

Verified Purchase

I recommend this very highly to anyone interested in stories. Although it is mainly addressed to scriptwriting, it might very possibly be of great value to writers of books, etc, also.
The author provides a wonderfully organized perspective, and sharp and persuasive analysis of film stories and scripts. And it seems well oriented towards being helpful to a writer, rather than being merely an entertaining read nor to show off his obviously extensive knowledge . Everything is put into well-organized context most useful towards constructing screenplays / stories . It gives a lot of perspectives that even a pro writer might find helpful, I'd think, yet is written clearly and accessibly so that even a beginning or aspiring writer should be able to find much and most of it understandable and helpful.
There are also references to films, probably some of which one would have seen already. And in cases where one may not håve seen the film, the author describes the film or scene enough to understandably make the point intended or to serve as a good example of some particular topic or principle or pattern.
The book's approach does not take a "formulaic" approach, nor tries to channel writers into any particular pattern or formula. The author's appreciation for a wide variety of genres is evident, as is his love for many unique and wonderful films, as varied in their uniqueness as humans, perhaps.
But the book's genius is in deftly identifying and portraying and explaining various principles and patterns of stories and their construction, which though not hard-rules, are often in play, and can be helpful guidelines and perspectives for anyone writing a story or script. Most-helpful!
I myself felt very stuck at one point in terms of how to proceed to revise a script I had written.
Taking time out to read this book, I then felt very much enabled to move-on in various ways, improving the script. With the insights gained from this book, I felt much more at ease, and confident, in moving forward with further writing and revisions, and also, gained various new directions for improvements I'd very possibly not have thought of without the insights and methods gained from this book.
Again, I highly recommend this, as a wonderful book to read early on in one's aspirations towards writing, and as an excellent book, probably, for a writer at any level of experience.

6 people found this helpful

Helpful

Arch G. Woodside

Great book. Easy reading Insightful.

Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2024

Verified Purchase

I have bought several of MacKay's books. All are useful.

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Christine

Educational

Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2024

Verified Purchase

Great book for writers

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Top reviews from other countries

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Carlos Ortega

Extraordinary - better than i expected

Reviewed in Mexico on June 29, 2023

Verified Purchase

One of the best books ive ever read not only about writing but also about making art in general.

It covers every topic imaginable, much more than i expected - dialogue, story structure, character, conveying information visually but including it in the script, genres, budgets, criticism, plot types, what is dimension in a character, even how to write without a story , how to frame the story for maximum effect, how to prototype your script and steps to making it and perfecting it, word choice - everything

Note that it is not a manual for screenwriting - its very focused only on the narrative stuff which is what i was looking for but my expectations were exceeded in how thorough the book was - its also a legitimatelly entertaining read dropping huge new information, concepts and examples

He uses for reference a lot of movies that arent modern (pre 2000s) but that are great films - so you might want to watch them as he discussed the ideas to enrich the reading. you can tell the author is a master of the craft and very passionate and practical in how he teaches the subject.

Just great. A gem for anyone interested in any story medium.

Mother of Dragons

Essential for Writers

Reviewed in Canada on December 6, 2022

Verified Purchase

I ordered this book after my creative writing professor recommended it and I will say Robert McKee is brilliant. This is already an invaluable tool and is a book I will refer to often. I purchased a ‘Used-Very Good’ copy and book arrived in excellent condition consistent with description by the seller.

John

Fantastico!

Reviewed in Italy on October 4, 2024

Verified Purchase

Esattamente quello che cercavo. Anzi, di più.

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C. Weldon

Best book on the subject I have read so far

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 27, 2024

Verified Purchase

I've read a good few books on writing long-form stories, like Daemon Voices, Save the Cat, Into the Woods, On Writing, this is the best. I will be revisiting this book many times.

Peusdeporc

a Masterpiece

Reviewed in Spain on May 14, 2024

Verified Purchase

imprescindible si quieres ser un storyteller

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