Aristotle’s Poetics Explained - And Why It Matters For Screenwriters

[@StudioBinder]

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

[@tomassusko1390]

great, can you create also some Vonnegut story shapes principles?

[@filmwithaesthetics]

Can you make a video about psychological horror films please

[@spinsandneedles]

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.

[@StudioBinder]

we hope so!

[@Firegen1]

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.

[@StudioBinder]

👍

[@baliramchauhangatsby]

No words can truly express my gratitude for your videos, sir.❤

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

This Video is a complete audiovisual encyclopedia about Aristotle's Poetics. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder for this Inspiring video.

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@nealabbott6520]

i'm not a screenplay writer, i'm a novelist. but storytelling is storytelling and i like the good stuff you put out there. i heard of poetics in college, but didn't learn anything about it. i found this video to be profound. as soon as it finished, i bought my own copy of politics online and i can't wait to get it. thnx!

[@Artem-go5xf]

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.

[@hii9918]

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.

[@LuisSierra42]

They've been mostly about spectacle since like 2020

[@StudioBinder]

Interesting point!

[@boboboy8189]

​@@LuisSierra42disagree, its been like this since 2019. You can see how captain marvel and endgame were wrote. Its pretty bad

[@simplyrowen]

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.

[@StudioBinder]

👍👍

[@paperclip_animations]

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.

[@mumiemonstret]

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.

[@simplyrowen]

@@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.

[@simplyrowen]

@@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.

[@lloydlim]

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.

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@madhavkrishnan9251]

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!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@johnthomasgoerke7852]

This channel is so awesome. I cannot describe how much I look forward to these little lessons.

[@StudioBinder]

New lesson every week!

[@abe-love]

It’s amazing how Aristotle understood and articulated these ideas so long ago, talk about being ahead of your time.

[@StudioBinder]

Incredible insight

[@withnail-and-i]

We still haven't caught up to his practical philosophy, although figures like Martin Heidegger have provided noble attempts in the modern era.

[@TheRealSeus]

Or maybe we are just behind our time

[@OldMovieRob]

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!

[@StudioBinder]

More on the way!

[@maxalmonte14]

I would watch these videos even if I didn't care about movies, the narrator's voice is just so calming.

[@Enzini772]

I would love it if you did a video covering B-stories. That’s something I’ve always been curious to learn more about

[@StudioBinder]

Are you referring to plots that seem to happening on the side to the main narrative in a film?

[@Enzini772]

@@StudioBinder Yeah. While writing, I have difficulty creating side plots and determining how much they should factor into the main plot

[@oliversomething]

@@Enzini772 Ideally, subplots should be a symbolic retelling of the main story-- or subtle foreshadowing of events to come.

[@miguelantelo1499]

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.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@fuegofranko]

Wow... Never ceases to amaze me with your content Studio Binder! Thank You!

[@blurryface616]

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.

[@alioncaci]

Great video! Do one for treatments and narration in a screenplay. Those are challenging.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@r.a.mpictures]

This channel has been such a gem for many years now inspiring and continuing to inspire fans of film and filmmaking!!!

[@StudioBinder]

and for more years to come :)

[@donvampa730]

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.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@mytube1246]

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.

[@StudioBinder]

👍 Good luck!

[@Literaturemitra]

I was about study it for my course ... But i found it on KZbin... , loving this video ❤

[@Bobywan75]

This video went over my head but I still liked the movie extracts and soothing voice.

[@StudioBinder]

rewatches are recommended haha

[@callen9623]

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

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@advaithramesh6697]

Can you make a video on the acting process and how actors get into character? Maybe even an analysis of method acting?

[@StudioBinder]

we might!

[@asherphoenix75]

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!

[@palomino9860]

This channel is a true blessing. Thank you.

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@DaftRebel]

Everytime I see one of this essays I have the urgence of watch good cinema!

[@StudioBinder]

We like to consider our vids nice companion pieces to films ;)

[@hanbunz]

I tried reading Poetics but it was too dense for my attention span. Thank you for this!!!

[@StudioBinder]

Hope it helps!

[@cinemanuggets24]

Another brilliant video! A suggestion here: a video on How they shot El Mariachi. Thanks

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@julianmitolo9958]

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.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@thhrjdh5564]

Please make a video on set design!! It's underappreciated.

[@StudioBinder]

we have some vids on it you should watch! Here's Tim Burton's set design breakdown kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpSymWmfjNZreqM and an overview on production design kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX-7f3ipZ8p1ock

[@thhrjdh5564]

@@StudioBinder Great!!

[@JindeAkshayKumarmeb]

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

[@StudioBinder]

If there's a strong demand for them we might!

[@AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAG]

Perhaps the next video could be about writing character relationships? Or did yall already make one on that

[@StudioBinder]

We haven't, thanks for the suggestion!

[@karenmassey8354]

Thank you for such expertise. Can you do Tony Scott and Ridley Scott directing style? Have always found their style fascinating.

[@StudioBinder]

They're good candidates for sure!

[@JoshuaYoung2]

One of the most important videos a Screenwriter or Actor could watch. Well...anyone in the storytelling world.

[@StudioBinder]

Poetics is the main textbook for storytelling!

[@Render-scribe]

This channel is brilliant👍 I’ve learned so much from your courses. I wish Hollywood would go over these🤣

[@StudioBinder]

Aaron Sorkin said the Poetics has everything you need to know on writing stories

[@markushoffman8735]

I own the book that talks about this! Interesting subject articulated by a brilliant mind

[@artistsonartists2498]

Can you do a video on Freytag’s Pyramid and how that’s used in film?

[@StudioBinder]

we might!

[@TheOneWhoKnocks969]

This is will be useful for my literature classes lol

[@StudioBinder]

Whatever you need it for :)

[@domkingKRMG]

Can you do a what is on silent films? I love the art form and would like to hear your perspective on it

[@brandonscullion]

Love this idea!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@TheOnlyone343]

This was an interesting watch, I really learnt a lot

[@StudioBinder]

Glad to hear!

[@rayamaritza4172]

Thank you for the video! Can you make one on Natyashastra too?

[@StudioBinder]

If there's a strong demand!

[@jennifermasters9699]

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

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@javedrezayee]

Great content. Where does "pity, fear, catharsis" fit into this explanation? Can you do one video on Aristotle's pity, fear, catharsis? Thanks!

[@alexwalpole4202]

I love this narrator, please read my eulogy for my family to play when I’m gone to make me sound epic!

[@StudioBinder]

😳

[@AlbinGlasell]

These videos are great! Keep on keeping on!

[@StudioBinder]

Will do!

[@damariuswingfield2144]

Now to pick up a copy tomorrow.

[@kevinmejia1989]

Are there no secrets left!? No, great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@adityamalikkk7180]

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

[@philliusphoggwick8299]

Hilarious scene changes. Nice editing choices.

[@thebookofdaniel5837]

Never clicked on a video so fast!

[@StudioBinder]

Hope you liked it!

[@damonkmitchell]

@StudioBinder @11:34 references General Buck Turgidson, but the clip is of General Jack D. Ripper, just a heads up.

[@burhanjafferjee4294]

How about a video on narrative films using documentary filmmaking techniques like Marty Scorsese’s early work?

[@StudioBinder]

Not a bad idea!

[@Fantumh]

I wish more modern filmmakers would heed Aristotle's warning against too much spectacle.

[@thebenjaminrupp]

do you think you could make a video on how to make a hyperlink film? 🙏🙏

[@devijones1121]

No words ❤❤ But best channel i ever subscribed 🥰

[@StudioBinder]

💖

[@LuisSierra42]

I'm doing my part!!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@etiennebrownlee4071]

I think Spectacle should be used sparsely throughout, together with the rise and fall. It can be used with the Climax for instance. Using it too often will dampen the experience of the unravelling.

[@sparshhardik]

Well explained. Thanks for making it.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@dranipani]

The only thing that we all must consider is: Aristotle was not a playwriter himself. You must take his insights to understand the perspective of the audience in relation to your story, but not as a tool to help you write.

[@danielbarrero2815]

incredible video, thank you for this!

[@StudioBinder]

Enjoy!

[@salisterbackall8012]

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.

[@StudioBinder]

💖🙏

[@apurva_sinha]

M from India love ur way of learning

[@robitfdb4453]

Next directing style video should be about James Cameron

[@StudioBinder]

He's on the list for sure!

[@zez_gval]

Incredible video, very helpful! Thank you.

[@TheJadedFilmMaker]

haha maybe Disney, Marvel and Star Wars writers should study Aristotle!

[@StudioBinder]

Mandatory reading for screenwriters!

[@boboboy8189]

​@@StudioBinderi don't think marvel writer especially since 2019 are reading aristotle anymore. Too much horrendious scene

[@amiiae]

Your vids are AMAZING❤❤

[@StudioBinder]

🙏

[@andrehonorato364]

i finished yesterday the classical, it's hard to remember all this in writing

[@thefilmgrad_]

please do a video on sound design and boom operation

[@neprezimeznamime]

I just want to mention, there is not catharsis in the Poetics. It can be called composition of events.

[@KeiithJohnson31]

Can you make video about eyeline How can you make decisions accordingly blocking and which director never makes mistake with eyeline

[@yessir-jl4cj]

Plot Character Diction ( word choice ,grammatical decisions) Spectacle Song

[@HORNGEN4]

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.

[@StudioBinder]

It's just by Aristotle's analysis, as he considers other elements more crucial like plot

[@HORNGEN4]

​@@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.

[@capuchinosofia4771]

One suggestion! Please consider saying the names of the movies you are going to be spoiling out loud, that way blind people and people who arent looking at the screen can know which movies you are going to be talking about!

[@julioliarts]

I second this!

[@hunterlovvorn5587]

Would it help blind people to have it in the video description? I’d imagine a screen reader would read it out, but not sure about the app. Personally curious

[@jujutaylor2186]

I agree. Cause i wasn't looking when that came up.

[@capuchinosofia4771]

@@hunterlovvorn5587 maybe... but it would be better if they just mentioned it in that part of the video, otherwise its pretty roundabout

[@augustgreig9420]

I guarantee none of you are fucking blind. What is wrong with people? Do you think fucking blind people watch movies? I can't even believe I'm asking this.

[@chibudichibude254]

I would be glad if you could make a video on best sound and how to create and know good sound

[@StudioBinder]

Our video on diegetic vs non-diegetic sound is a good place to start! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKfPqKBqi96sisU

[@Thisiscinemalist]

You guys should change your channel's name and call it StudioBinder film school. 🙌💛

[@StudioBinder]

haha we do have a new one called StudioBinder Academy! For software tutorials and exclusive interviews with industry professionals www.youtube.com/@StudioBinderAcademy

[@OzanBurada]

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.

[@StudioBinder]

All for filmmakers :)

[@AlbertAlbertB.]

Great work!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@jahosaphat]

The master text.

[@StudioBinder]

The blueprint for drama

[@ninocillin]

amazing video, thank you.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@pokerpickles2306]

Excellent video but you put a clip of general Jack d ripper when talking about Buck turgidson

[@StudioBinder]

Our mistake!

[@marcomacias3960]

theres one thing i want to discuss. Comedy of Error. could you do that

[@StudioBinder]

we might!

[@roydellison]

Turgison was the George C. Scott character

[@eleni_mk1244]

Do a video for poetic cinema , i think it will be interesting...

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@thulthula_diddy]

Please Explain Cinematography and storywriting of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul

[@StudioBinder]

we have one for Better Call Saul! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGOqkKFtfpqHm80

[@thulthula_diddy]

@@StudioBinder Thanks 🙏

[@nandankumar-kl8kt]

@@StudioBinder Hello Sir, one of my fav series is DARK, please do one for DARK series and also thanks

[@freddyjosereginomontalvo4667]

I love this channel as much this channel love the cinema. 🌍🌟

[@StudioBinder]

Happy filming!

[@gr8witenorth61]

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........... 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@yohanpaliskara9809]

Can you make a video about character traits

[@StudioBinder]

Check out our vid on characterization! kzbin.info/www/bejne/amS5o6GXr52Zj7c

[@ZachScottB]

I do love these videos. 👍🏻

[@robmarkuson1074]

Please explain pacing in a future episode

[@sichard.rimmons]

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

[@StudioBinder]

there's always been films with unique structures and ideas; that's what avant garde cinema is for

[@SajalKr]

Non linear storytelling was in some ways already a post structure technique

[@jambaltserensengeravdan974]

Pls make a video about the hero with a thousand faces

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@qasimplays2531]

Can you guys please do some iranian cinema?

[@StudioBinder]

If there's a demand for it!

[@stavrost2871]

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.”

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it :)

[@jackcandy8450]

Great video

[@Parvin_Jan]

Why did you disable the Live Caption? Please turn it on.

[@StudioBinder]

Subtitles should be on!

[@Parvin_Jan]

@@StudioBinder Thank you so much. ❤

[@RoshanSuvarna-td3fl]

Plz plz sir.. make a video on Andrei Tarkovsky 🙏

[@StudioBinder]

He's on the list!

[@RoshanSuvarna-td3fl]

@@StudioBinder glad to hear that 💙