A TSJ #ShortMovieReview
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS is a well-crafted and fast-paced film with a fantastic cast and a compelling story.
Action, Character Development, Horror, Inspirations, James Cameron, JJ Abrams, Movies, Science Fiction, The 1980's, The Terminator, Thriller
Where Has the Character-Driven Action Film Gone?
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#Thriller #Action #Movies
First, I have to define the concept. A “Character-Driven Action Film” would be a sub-category of the action genre, set in any time or place that focuses on the character and history of the leads as much as it does on the action elements of the story. Simple enough, right? Right.
So where have these movies gone?
Action, Blockbuster, Character Development, Horror, Inspirations, James Cameron, Movies, Science Fiction, Suspense, TechnoThriller, The 1980's, The Terminator, Thriller, Writing
TSJ on THE TERMINATOR
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I watched THE TERMINATOR on the weekend.
I had to.
It was calling me.
I use the phrases “watershed film” or “watershed book” quite a lot. That’s the point of this entire blog. What are the movies/books/tv shows that influenced me in the years leading to my first attempts at writing fiction? Hell, even the name of this blog — “Life After Gateway” — is a nod to my favorite Science Fiction novel. This blog is dedicated to the books and movies that inspired me in my creative/formative years. A few TV series, some fantastic authors, and a small selection of short stories helped along the way. Certain teachers were invaluable too.
Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller, Writing
TSJ on Writing First Lines
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#Writing #AmWriting #ScienceFiction #Thriller #Horror
The first line of any story is the most important sentence you’ll write.
The first page of the story is the most important page you’ll write.
The first chapter of the story is the most important chapter you’ll write.
Horror, Imposter Theme, John Carpenter, Science Fiction, The Thing, Writing
TSJ on the Imposter Theme in Science Fiction
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John Carpenter’s THE THING, 1982
In 2013, coinciding with the release of my first novel, THE FURNACE, I wrote an essay for John Scalzi’s website on the Imposter Theme in Science Fiction. It’s a common plot element in the genre, and I encountered it repeatedly in my formative years. The novels INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS and THE PUPPET MASTERS feature the theme. John Carpenter’s THE THING had a massive impact on me when it was released, and THE FURNACE is actually an homage to it and the novella it was based on, WHO GOES THERE?
Horror, Imposter Theme, John Carpenter, Movies, Science Fiction, The Thing, Thriller, Writing
On Horror and Science Fiction Influences
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A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of participating in a radio program with host Gail Barker. I spoke about Horror/Science Fiction movies and how they inspired me to write. Movies like ALIEN and THE THING. In the 1980’s, during my most formative years developing my creativity, a wave of slasher films hit theaters. Parents hated them, but believe it or not, they taught me about the importance of emotion in all stories, regardless of genre.