Hmm, the differences between literary and dramatic storytelling might explain why I loved The Wire and The Sopranos so much, but had trouble enjoying Breaking Bad. This also suggests that I might not enjoy The Shield. However, this is like the 3rd recommendation I've seen so it is time to go and check it out.
“I listened to a screenwriting podcast that distinguished between two storytelling techniques: The literary and the dramatic.
Literary techniques involve meaning and subtext and symbolism. Viewers detect these elements, but the characters in the stories don’t.
In contrast, drama is about actions and consequences. Cause and effect. Events happen, not to make a point to us, but from what the characters do. With good dramas, you understand why characters do what they do, and can follow the chain of events that unfold from their actions.
Literary techniques underscore the distance between viewers and characters. Dramatic techniques attempt to close them.”
Incredible review of the Shield 🍿 sounds great!
I enjoyed BB and Sopranos. Never saw the Wire.
Enjoyed learning about the literary vs the dramatic.
Have you watched and written a review of Oz (HBO MAX)?
If you're looking for another show I'd strongly suggest The Bureau on Sundance. Not huge over here since it's a French spy show but did get a shout out in The Spectator a few years ago which is how I found it. It's so good I even rewatched it.
Hmm, the differences between literary and dramatic storytelling might explain why I loved The Wire and The Sopranos so much, but had trouble enjoying Breaking Bad. This also suggests that I might not enjoy The Shield. However, this is like the 3rd recommendation I've seen so it is time to go and check it out.
“I listened to a screenwriting podcast that distinguished between two storytelling techniques: The literary and the dramatic.
Literary techniques involve meaning and subtext and symbolism. Viewers detect these elements, but the characters in the stories don’t.
In contrast, drama is about actions and consequences. Cause and effect. Events happen, not to make a point to us, but from what the characters do. With good dramas, you understand why characters do what they do, and can follow the chain of events that unfold from their actions.
Literary techniques underscore the distance between viewers and characters. Dramatic techniques attempt to close them.”
Incredible review of the Shield 🍿 sounds great!
I enjoyed BB and Sopranos. Never saw the Wire.
Enjoyed learning about the literary vs the dramatic.
Have you watched and written a review of Oz (HBO MAX)?
Interesting, I will have to check it out.
If you're looking for another show I'd strongly suggest The Bureau on Sundance. Not huge over here since it's a French spy show but did get a shout out in The Spectator a few years ago which is how I found it. It's so good I even rewatched it.
My list is already so long-- but I'll see how that looks.
No doubt, I get it I like to find stuff for myself too. I just like to recommend that show a lot cuz it's so good and also under the radar.
Maybe someday. And thanks-- I'll record a podcast with Richard Hanania about The Shield once he finishes the series.