Aristotle’s Poetics Explained - And Why It Matters For Screenwriters
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- čas přidán 10. 05. 2024
- Aristotle’s Poetics Explained - a summary of the iconic literary theory text, including the hierarchy of elements prescribed by the Greek philosopher and how writers can use them.
What is Aristotle's Poetics? ►► bit.ly/wi-ap
StudioBinder Blog ►► bit.ly/sb-bl
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Aristotle's Poetics
01:03 - Aristotle and the Poetics History
03:06 - Chapter 1: Plot
08:20 - Chapter 2: Character
11:46 - Chapter 3: Thought
13:49 - Chapter 4: DIction
17:35 - Chapter 5: Spectacle and Song
20:57 - Takeaways
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ARISTOTLE’S POETICS EXPLAINED
Whether they’re aware of it or not, storytellers have been influenced by Aristotle’s Poetics for centuries. In the philosopher’s text, one of the first dedicated to literary theory, Aristotle lays out the groundwork for what he believes should be in every story. In this video, we will break down Poetics by Aristotle, hoping that writers can understand where these storytelling conventions come from and how they might use them in their own work.
WHAT IS ARISTOTLE’S POETICS
Aristotle (384-322 BCE) was a Greek philosopher who shared his thoughts and theories on everything from politics, art, science, economics, and philosophy. Poetics is the earliest surviving work of Greek literary theory. Aristotle uses the text to argue for specific elements of storytelling, specifically those that apply to tragic storytelling. Today, writers working in tragedy or not still borrow specific notions from Poetics, and its influence cannot be understated.
THEORY OF TRAGEDY
Aristotle presents the following hierarchy of importance to elements that should be included in a story: plot, character, thought, diction, spectacle, and song.
Plot - For Aristotle, this is the most critical aspect of a story. He argues they should have a beginning, middle, and end, along with crucial story beats like peripeteia (reversal of fortune), anagnorisis (critical discovery), and catharsis (emotional relief). He also argues that plots should hinge on causality, where each event leads directly to the next and creates a cohesive narrative.
Character - In general, Aristotle believes that characters should essentially be good. They may dabble in moral gray areas, but their intentions and goals should be righteous.
Thought - Stories should make the audience think and draw connections between what is happening in the story and how we live our own lives. Today, we might understand this as the “theme” of the story.
Diction - Aristotle also valued elements of diction, including word choice, grammatical decisions, and sentence structure. In other words, they should be well-written.
Spectacle - This is primarily focused on the story's presentation to heighten the drama in the text. For example, a typical conversation around contemporary films is how spectacle overshadows the plot and characters.
Song - Musical accompaniment has been a part of theater and film productions from their beginnings. And while music does enhance the storytelling, it is still at the bottom of Aristotle’s list.
Aristotle’s Poetics is a fascinating text to study - some of it is outdated, but knowing how and why we tell stories the way we do is valuable knowledge for any storyteller.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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♬ SONGS USED:
“Action Drums” - Rhythm Scott
“SIcario” - Jóhan Johannsson
“Pier 12” - David Arnold
“Main Title (The Shining)” - Wendy Carlos + Rachel Elkind
“The Desert and the Robot Auction” - John Williams
“Fire Temple” - Bobby Krlic
“Grandma In Trouble” - mark Mothersbaugh
“Meeting Chubbs” - Mark Mothersbaugh
“Ripple In The Sand” - Hans Zimmer
“Max” - Elmer Bernstein
“Terrorist Entrance” - Michael Kamen
“Farewell” - Evgueni Galperine
“Hardest Geometry Problem In The World” - Mark Mothersbaugh
“He’s A Pirate” - Hans Zimmer
“All Of You Undisturbed Cities” - Tom Holkenborg
“Sarah On The Run” - Brad Fiedel
“Ace Of Hearts” - Ira Newborn
“The Bomb Run” - The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
“Where the Men Hunt” - Simon Franglen
“Warmth of Your Gaze” - Mark Monsoon
“A New Alliance” - John Williams
“Hymn For Nina” - Anthony Willis
“Tale of a Haunted Banker” - Christopher Young
“The Run” - Michael Abels
“High Rollin” - Stefano Mastronadi
Music by Artlist ► utm.io/umJx
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Music by Soundstripe ► bit.ly/2IXwomF
Music by MusicBed ► bit.ly/2Fnz9Zq
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Aristotle's Poetics
01:03 - Aristotle and the Poetics History
03:06 - Chapter 1: Plot
08:20 - Chapter 2: Character
11:46 - Chapter 3: Thought
13:49 - Chapter 4: DIction
17:35 - Chapter 5: Spectacle and Song
20:57 - Takeaways
great, can you create also some Vonnegut story shapes principles?
Can you make a video about psychological horror films please
No words can truly express my gratitude for your videos, sir.❤
Glad you liked it!
This literally reminds me of “this character isn’t likable”, which I’m tired of hearing in reviews. A character doesn’t have to be likable. We just need to understand their motivations. What they (critics and audiences) deem an “unlikable character”, usually means there’s complexity and actual humanity in our protagonist. No human I know is good and perfect 100% of the time. We are unlikable to a percentage of those around us, make questionable decisions based in our bias and experiences, because being human is being complex. Flawed, real people make for the most compelling stories that have moved me or stayed with me over the years.
👍👍
Exactly this. I was too focused on whether or not people would like my characters instead of them making make sense. It's so liberating to not worry about that.
Yes, the most fascinating stories to me are ones that can get me invested in despicable characters. But I think that most people would agree on this, and when they complain about an unlikeable character, they really mean an evil character _with unclear motivations_. They just don't know their Aristotle.
@@paperclip_animations Exactly. I don’t pick my movies based on how likable (aka perfect) the protagonist is. I’d only watch popcorn movies then, and miss out on an array of complex characters and brilliant story telling that asks questions, that turns a mirror onto society, that makes me question my choices and opinions. Unlikable characters can do that, and pull strong emotions out of me.
@@mumiemonstret People were saying this about Annette Bening’s character in Nyad. She isn’t remotely evil. She’s a regular woman with opinions, agency, character and determination. And this was quite literally critics’ complaint when reviewing the film. I’m tired of hearing that word, when the character is just human like the rest of us. As I said originally, she’s flawed, like a real human being, and in this case, Nyad is based in a real human being. Go figure.
I appreciate the stories you tell to explain storytelling. The clip choices are always first rate and add so much. I'm sure even film critics gain a new appreciation for film from watching your videos.
we hope so!
This is a good descriptor of the Poetics. My first ever university assignment was to challenge their validity for modern drama making. They are good markers for building a downfall plot - as they were developed in discussing Sophocles. Adhere too closely and one just flattens their plot.
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It’s amazing how Aristotle understood and articulated these ideas so long ago, talk about being ahead of your time.
Incredible insight
We still haven't caught up to his practical philosophy, although figures like Martin Heidegger have provided noble attempts in the modern era.
I think Marvel’s movies are becoming more and more about spectacles , pushing down other aspects of film making of Aristotle as secondary. Martin Scorsese being a follower of the approach of Aristotle ( Cape Fear) considers marvel movies as THEME PARKS.
They've been mostly about spectacle since like 2020
Interesting point!
@@LuisSierra42disagree, its been like this since 2019. You can see how captain marvel and endgame were wrote. Its pretty bad
This Video is a complete audiovisual encyclopedia about Aristotle's Poetics. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder for this Inspiring video.
Glad you liked it!
Honestly, your videos are brilliant! You can explain complex things very simply. And you are good at screenwriting. I want to say thank you to everyone who works on these videos.
This channel is so awesome. I cannot describe how much I look forward to these little lessons.
New lesson every week!
Wow... Never ceases to amaze me with your content Studio Binder! Thank You!
Another excellent video. I always learn so much from these, notably what you taught about Aristotle's view on character, and how they must be good and we should approve of them, even if they aren't always in the right, and I see that more and more with the main characters in old crime films. They often make lots of mistakes but you believe in them because you understand their goals and we want to see them succeed. Keep the great content coming please!
More on the way!
I love how you guys used the track 'Miss Lily Langtry' around the 2:00 mark. Such a good track used wonderfully in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood. The original movie, The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean is also very fun to watch. I don't know how to explain it, but the movie was very different, style wise. Maybe you guys can do a video on that!
Thanks for the suggestion!
This channel is a true blessing. Thank you.
Cheers!
This channel has been such a gem for many years now inspiring and continuing to inspire fans of film and filmmaking!!!
and for more years to come :)
These videos are great! Keep on keeping on!
Will do!
Nice job. Aristotle has always been at the core of how I explain storytelling. A very helpful service to those who don’t have time to study Aristotle in college or read the text.
Glad you liked it!
Incredible video, very helpful! Thank you.
Great video as usual. Can you do a video on Martin Macdonagh and his films. The way he blends comedy and tragedy is truly remarkable.
I would love it if you did a video covering B-stories. That’s something I’ve always been curious to learn more about
Are you referring to plots that seem to happening on the side to the main narrative in a film?
@@StudioBinder Yeah. While writing, I have difficulty creating side plots and determining how much they should factor into the main plot
@@Enzini772 Ideally, subplots should be a symbolic retelling of the main story-- or subtle foreshadowing of events to come.
incredible video, thank you for this!
Enjoy!
this was a such amazing explanation , a suggestio for next video: what is Mary Sue ,Even though I think isn't an academic term,It is a term used by internet critics.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Well explained. Thanks for making it.
Thanks for watching!
This was an interesting watch, I really learnt a lot
Glad to hear!
I was about study it for my course ... But i found it on CZcams... , loving this video ❤
Love your videos always! I know you credit every movie you feature in the corner- but maybe turn up the contrast and/or make the text whiter? It’s always so hard to read and make out
Thanks for the suggestion!
Great video! Do one for treatments and narration in a screenplay. Those are challenging.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Great video! Could you please consider making a video on Andrey Tarkovsky, Béla Tarr, Ingmar Bergman, or Robert Bresson? You have lots of great content about modern Hollywood directors and I would love to see more about international artists!
Great explanation and a huge help for all those who are trying to write that original, gripping feature, like myself.
While I mention that, I also want to highlight that sometimes structure is not as important. If you are able to tap into a feeling or memory so well that you just want to recreate it on the big screen, that too works!
Yet if you somehow want to mix both, a brilliant Filmmaker and Film that I would nudge you towards would be Three Colors: Blue. It consists of all these elements, yet manages to bring in a seamless texture that plays out more like you were posited inside a person's memories.
👍 Good luck!
Everytime I see one of this essays I have the urgence of watch good cinema!
We like to consider our vids nice companion pieces to films ;)
This channel is brilliant👍 I’ve learned so much from your courses. I wish Hollywood would go over these🤣
Aaron Sorkin said the Poetics has everything you need to know on writing stories
Great Video as Always! i have a vid suggestion for the past month and it's the Directing Style of Wong Kar Wai and Cinematographer Christopher Doyle, I've been getting into the hong kong new wave scene and these two stand out the most mostly with their movie Chungking Express and Fallen Angels with their creative expression that gave way to new asian film fans.
Thanks for the suggestion!
You should do a video on the Greek Tragedy, there's a nice film called Athena which maybe you could analyze. Thank you for the videos.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Your vids are AMAZING❤❤
🙏
This video went over my head but I still liked the movie extracts and soothing voice.
rewatches are recommended haha
I do love these videos. 👍🏻
No words ❤❤
But best channel i ever subscribed 🥰
💖
Can you make a video on the acting process and how actors get into character? Maybe even an analysis of method acting?
we might!
Amazing channel! Studiobinder keeps doing videos like this film schools will become null, lol. I have a suggestion; would you consider doing a video on “Film Theory?” Similar to poetics but not quite. A video essay on the essence of film, its core and impact, its purpose. Thanks! Keep ascending with the channel!
Not against it!
This is will be useful for my literature classes lol
Whatever you need it for :)
Please make a video on set design!! It's underappreciated.
we have some vids on it you should watch! Here's Tim Burton's set design breakdown czcams.com/video/xcOh6iWq8DA/video.html and an overview on production design czcams.com/video/wNXNEs2eBkg/video.html
@@StudioBinder Great!!
Thank you for such expertise. Can you do Tony Scott and Ridley Scott directing style? Have always found their style fascinating.
They're good candidates for sure!
Hilarious scene changes. Nice editing choices.
Great work!
Cheers!
Another brilliant video! A suggestion here: a video on How they shot El Mariachi. Thanks
Thanks for the suggestion!
Perhaps the next video could be about writing character relationships? Or did yall already make one on that
We haven't, thanks for the suggestion!
I own the book that talks about this! Interesting subject articulated by a brilliant mind
amazing video, thank you.
Thanks for watching!
please do a video on sound design and boom operation
Thank you for the video! Can you make one on Natyashastra too?
If there's a strong demand!
Can you do a what is on silent films? I love the art form and would like to hear your perspective on it
Love this idea!
Thanks for the suggestion!
Suggestion!! Could you make a 2 part video on tips and tricks and how to write a solid ACT 1 without lagging or boring your aidience? Act 1 is so hard to write and I never know how to make it as good aa the action and the journey ahead.
HELP
Thanks for the suggestion!
I love this channel as much this channel love the cinema.
🌍🌟
Happy filming!
I tried reading Poetics but it was too dense for my attention span. Thank you for this!!!
Hope it helps!
Never clicked on a video so fast!
Hope you liked it!
@StudioBinder @11:34 references General Buck Turgidson, but the clip is of General Jack D. Ripper, just a heads up.
I would watch these videos even if I didn't care about movies, the narrator's voice is just so calming.
SUGGESTION..!! Can you guys please review how Hirokazuu Koreeda made his story, the character, or maybe also the cinematography. The thing is Koreeda for me always has interesting way to tell a STORY
do you think you could make a video on how to make a hyperlink film? 🙏🙏
Can you make video about eyeline
How can you make decisions accordingly blocking and which director never makes mistake with eyeline
Great video
How about a video on narrative films using documentary filmmaking techniques like Marty Scorsese’s early work?
Not a bad idea!
Great content. Where does "pity, fear, catharsis" fit into this explanation? Can you do one video on Aristotle's pity, fear, catharsis? Thanks!
i finished yesterday the classical, it's hard to remember all this in writing
I would be glad if you could make a video on best sound and how to create and know good sound
Our video on diegetic vs non-diegetic sound is a good place to start! czcams.com/video/2vlwm4VyyTc/video.html
excellent video as usual guys, a small request from me is to focus on an actor called "Kamal hassan" and a director 'mani rathnam" from India, they both are extraordinary creators in their field, try to cover them if possible
If there's a strong demand for them we might!
Love from India. When I think of movies the first name that comes to my mind is Stanley Kubrick ❤.
And from where you learn about cinema its studio binder.
💖🙏
Can you do a video on Freytag’s Pyramid and how that’s used in film?
we might!
very educational, i was a projectionist for many years, and my dad and middle brother were also into fotography. ive been wondering what this foremate was called, cool........... 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks for watching!
Nice video ❤
Glad you liked it!
Are there no secrets left!? No, great video! Thanks for sharing.
Please explain pacing in a future episode
Can you make a video about character traits
Check out our vid on characterization! czcams.com/video/43Vrnaz8fYU/video.html
Plz plz sir.. make a video on Andrei Tarkovsky 🙏
He's on the list!
@@StudioBinder glad to hear that 💙
M from India love ur way of learning
Do a video for poetic cinema , i think it will be interesting...
Thanks for the suggestion!
I'm doing my part!!
Cheers!
I wish more modern filmmakers would heed Aristotle's warning against too much spectacle.
Excellent video but you put a clip of general Jack d ripper when talking about Buck turgidson
Our mistake!
Im you are taking suggestions how about these
The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes & Heroines
And
45 Master Characters: Mythic Models for Creating Original Characters
Thanks!
yeah and if you can do different types of story archetypes? @@StudioBinder
One of the most important videos a Screenwriter or Actor could watch. Well...anyone in the storytelling world.
Poetics is the main textbook for storytelling!
I love this narrator, please read my eulogy for my family to play when I’m gone to make me sound epic!
😳
Pls make a video about the hero with a thousand faces
Thanks for the suggestion!
Thank you
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I know you guys started this channel to advertise studiobinder. Still quite wel ldone videos you guys provıde each time. Also Posh guys voice fits well the video.
All for filmmakers :)
Plot
Character
Diction ( word choice ,grammatical decisions)
Spectacle
Song
What film is at 15:05? Thanks.
You guys should change your channel's name and call it StudioBinder film school. 🙌💛
haha we do have a new one called StudioBinder Academy! For software tutorials and exclusive interviews with industry professionals www.youtube.com/@StudioBinderAcademy
Excellent rundown but I don't know if spectacle + song is best described as the "cherry on top". Music oftentimes doesn't just enhance, but **drives** the emotional sentiment of a plot. Many great movies would feel slow and practically unwatchable without the intuitve emotional drive of the music. I mean, we often love song as storytelling in of itself. Evolutionarily, music long preceeded articulated language and is absolutely foundational to the way we communicate and perceive others. It is at least partially foundational in many movies, where story is consolidated and context remains unarticulated, unlike in novels.
It's just by Aristotle's analysis, as he considers other elements more crucial like plot
@@StudioBinderabsolutely, was just the "cherry on top" analogy that inspired a defense in the moment. Great video and Aristotle was right. Bad stories with great music are obviously still bad stories.
Great video Sir.
«ἔστιν οὖν τραγῳδία Μίμησις πράξεως σπουδαίας καὶ τελείας μέγεθος ἐχούσης, ἡδυσμένῳ λόγῳ χωρὶς ἑκάστῳ τῶν εἰδῶν ἐν τοῖς μορίοις, δρώντων καὶ οὐ δι᾽ ἀπαγγελίας, δι᾽ ἐλέου καὶ φόβου περαίνουσα τὴν τῶν τοιούτων παθημάτων κάθαρσιν.»
‘“Tragedy, is an imitation [mimēsis] of an action that is serious- heroic, complete, and of a certain magnitude, by means of language enriched with all kinds of ornament, each used separately in the different parts of the play, representing people in action and not using narrative, so, through pity and fear effects the proper purgation [catharsis]-the proper relief, of these and similar emotions.”
Glad you liked it :)
Can you make a video on absurd drama?
we might!
@@StudioBinderthank you... I will wait for it
Can you guys please do some iranian cinema?
If there's a demand for it!
What movie is that at 1:54?
theres one thing i want to discuss. Comedy of Error. could you do that
we might!
You left out the best part of the diction:
"Molded by it.
I didn't see the light until I was already a man,
By then it was nothing to me but *blinding.*
The shadows betray you,
Because they belong to *ME!"*
Nice
I just want to mention, there is not catharsis in the Poetics. It can be called composition of events.
Next directing style video should be about James Cameron
He's on the list for sure!
Am working on this film of murder and how many people are involved in it is there a way studio binder can help
Over time, have we reached any points where these structures become too predictable and audiences look for less conventional approaches? Will we have a “post-structure” era where narratives become more chaotic and complex to reflect the randomness of life? I’m sure there are a handful of directors and productions that have done, but curious to see it at scale
Likely won’t be as simple for us to process as viewers but maybe that’s exactly what we need
there's always been films with unique structures and ideas; that's what avant garde cinema is for
Non linear storytelling was in some ways already a post structure technique
haha maybe Disney, Marvel and Star Wars writers should study Aristotle!
Mandatory reading for screenwriters!
@@StudioBinderi don't think marvel writer especially since 2019 are reading aristotle anymore. Too much horrendious scene