Answer:
Syd Field suggests that no matter what form a film takes, it should have a strong and well-structured narrative. The narrative structure is the backbone of any film and plays a crucial role in engaging the audience and conveying the story effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Field's approach to storytelling in films is based on the three-act structure, which he popularized through his book "Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting." According to Field, every film can be divided into three acts: setup, confrontation, and resolution.
The first act, or setup, introduces the main characters, their goals, and the world they inhabit. It sets up the central conflict or problem that the characters will face throughout the film. This act typically ends with a turning point or an inciting incident that propels the story forward.
The second act, or confrontation, is where most of the action and development take place. The main character faces obstacles and challenges as they strive to achieve their goals. This act is often characterized by rising tension and conflict, leading to a midpoint or a major plot twist that changes the direction of the story.
The third act, or resolution, brings the story to its climax and provides a resolution for the conflicts established earlier. It ties up loose ends and offers a satisfying conclusion for the audience. This act often includes a final confrontation between the protagonist and antagonist and leads to a resolution that brings about change or growth in the main character.
Field emphasizes the importance of clear goals for the main character throughout each act. These goals drive the narrative forward and create a sense of purpose for both the character and the audience. Additionally, he suggests that each act should have its own mini three-act structure, with its own setup, confrontation, and resolution.
In addition to narrative structure, Field also emphasizes the significance of character development. He believes that well-developed characters with clear motivations are essential for engaging storytelling. Characters should have distinct personalities, desires, and conflicts that drive their actions and decisions throughout the film.
Field's approach to storytelling has had a significant impact on the field of screenwriting and filmmaking. His three-act structure has become a widely used framework for structuring narratives in films, television shows, and other forms of visual storytelling. Many successful films have followed this structure, including "Star Wars," "The Godfather," and "Casablanca."
Overall, Syd Field suggests that no matter what form a film takes, it should have a strong narrative structure with clear goals for the main character and well-developed characters. This approach helps create engaging and impactful storytelling experiences for the audience.