It has been a few years since I read this book. I took a course, and it was recommended as required reading.

I picked it up again a few weeks ago and just completed it. I must say that it has become clearer to me how timeless the principles laid down by Aristotle are.

These principles have stood the test of time and are still relevant today. They provide a solid foundation for understanding various aspects of life and work.

I look forward to applying these principles as I work on a new screenplay. I will bend and break them as needed, while still keeping the essence intact.

By doing so, I hope to create a unique and engaging story that will resonate with audiences. I believe that the principles of Aristotle will help me to achieve this goal.

Overall, reading this book again has been a valuable experience, and I am excited to see how these principles will influence my work.

When I am engaged in working on a new script story, I often find myself returning to this book. It serves as a valuable source of inspiration and guidance for me.

Just like "Bird by Bird," which is another significant reference for me, this book offers unique perspectives and techniques that help me in the creative process.

The ideas and concepts presented within its pages have the power to spark my imagination and lead me in new and exciting directions.

It provides me with the necessary tools to develop engaging characters, construct compelling storylines, and create a world that audiences will be drawn into.

By referring back to this book and "Bird by Bird," I am able to continuously refine and improve my script, ensuring that it has the potential to be a truly remarkable piece of work.

These resources are like trusted companions on my creative journey, always there to offer support and inspiration when I need it most.

This is an absolute must-have for all the screenwriters out there!! It is truly excellent for students who are eager to learn the craft and get into the most fundamental basics of drama and scriptwriting. Whether you are a beginner just starting out or someone who has been in the field for a while but wants to brush up on the essentials, this resource is invaluable. It provides a comprehensive overview of the key elements that make up a great drama and a well-written script. From character development to plot structure, from dialogue to scene construction, every aspect is covered in detail. With clear explanations and practical examples, it makes learning the craft of screenwriting accessible and enjoyable. So, if you are serious about becoming a successful screenwriter, don't miss out on this amazing tool.

Classic Greek drama is often regarded as something completely different from the typical fare found in today's movie theaters. One might assume that there is little or no connection between the two. However, Michael Tierno holds a different view. He presents his argument and supports it with quotes from the peripatetic philosopher.

To be fair, Mr. Tierno selects some of the better movies to make his points. Interestingly, these movies happen to coincide with the classic films of my youth, such as 'Rocky' and 'The Godfather'. This made reading the book a truly enjoyable experience for me.

I found myself reflecting on the similarities between these modern movies and the ancient Greek dramas. It made me realize that perhaps there are deeper themes and elements that connect different forms of storytelling across time.

Overall, Michael Tierno's book offers a unique perspective on the relationship between classic Greek drama and modern movies. It challenges our assumptions and encourages us to look at these two art forms in a new light.

Aristotle, the great philosopher, truly laid the solid foundation for all those elements that writers today consider as the conventional storytelling techniques.

However, as author Michael Tierno has pointed out, the original "Poetics" is indeed a rather tough read.

What Tierno has accomplished is highly remarkable. He has carefully extracted the major points that Aristotle emphasized and then skillfully applied them to the realm of screenwriting. To make his explanations more vivid and understandable, he has provided numerous examples of films, ranging from the classic and influential "The Godfather" to the inspiring "Rocky".

This work by Tierno serves as a wonderful and invaluable tool for any screenwriter, regardless of where they are in their career journey. Whether they are just starting out and eager to learn the fundamental principles or they are seasoned professionals looking to refine their skills, Tierno's application of Aristotle's ideas to screenwriting can offer them profound insights and practical guidance.

As a storyteller and screenwriter, I am constantly on the hunt for hints and ideas that can enhance my plot, deepen my characters, and ensure that the through-line is brimming with action.

This remarkable book truly uncovers 'secrets' that, once disclosed, make key elements crystal clear. Michael manages to breathe life into Aristotle's Poetics, at least for me.

After reading this book, I am filled with confidence that my stories will experience a significant elevation.

In fact, I might even consider abandoning my attempts to get my script produced and instead directly engrave it on granite slabs and bury them in my backyard. Now, that's an action-idea that possesses a center of gravity, a soulful plot, and moral contradictions. Thank you, Aristotle!

It's amazing how a single book can have such a profound impact on my creative process and inspire me to think outside the box. I look forward to implementing the insights gained from this book into my future works and seeing where it takes me.

By far one of my favourite theory books of all time,

this is the kind of book I really wish I didn’t have to return to the library.

Tierno takes Aristotle’s Poetics and mashes them into a wondrous account for screenwriters to learn from.

Not only does he give unique information in this account, but he also picks out tips I’ve heard before and phrases and supports them in a way that make them entirely new and useful in a wholly different way.

This is a book that both provides help for (aspiring) screenwriters and at the same time reawakens their love for writing by veiledly arguing for the purpose of art.

I’m always too easy in giving five stars, but this one deserves six.

It is truly a remarkable work that combines the wisdom of the past with practical insights for the present. The author's ability to transform complex theories into understandable and applicable concepts is truly impressive. Whether you are a seasoned screenwriter or just starting out, this book is a must-read. It will not only enhance your understanding of the craft but also inspire you to push the boundaries of your creativity. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in screenwriting or the art of storytelling.

This book is truly a quick and engaging read. It is filled to the brim with excellent introductory information on Aristotle's Poetics.

The movies that are referenced within its pages, such as American Beauty, The Gladiator, The Godfather, Dead Poets Society, and Rocky, serve as valuable illustrations. They really assist in clarifying the concepts of "Action-Idea" and the structure of plot.

However, some of the chapters conclude with rather cheesy comments about achieving great success. Additionally, the book wraps up by encouraging the reader to pen a screenplay using the creative tools that Aristotle wrote about.

Overall, while the book has its strengths in presenting the ideas of Aristotle's Poetics in an accessible way, the cheesy remarks and the somewhat simplistic encouragement at the end may detract from its overall impact. Nevertheless, it remains a useful resource for those interested in delving into the world of Aristotle's literary theories.

AMAZING

The world is full of amazing things that constantly astonish and inspire us. From the breathtaking natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and the Northern Lights to the remarkable feats of human engineering such as the Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China. There are also the astonishing achievements in science and technology, like the invention of the internet and the development of space exploration.

Every day, we encounter amazing moments that make us stop and take notice. It could be a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture from a stranger, or a personal accomplishment that we never thought was possible. These amazing experiences have the power to make us feel grateful, inspired, and connected to something greater than ourselves.

In conclusion, the world is truly amazing, and there is always something new and wonderful to discover. We should take the time to appreciate these amazing things and let them fill our lives with joy and wonder.

Though perhaps Michael Tierno occasionally oversells the efficacy of Poetics with phrases like \\"...you may end up with a cinematic beauty, and maybe even an Oscar,\\" (29), he still does a remarkable job. He lays out Aristotle's short but dense Poetics into 35 easy lessons.

He encourages his readers to engage with Aristotle, to have the courage to disagree with him, and to observe Aristotle's principles in action in critically-acclaimed films and writers from the 40s to the early 2000s. I have a feeling that a second edition is soon becoming necessary, especially considering the storytelling conventions of the modern superhero blockbuster.

This book is not the ultimate, all-encompassing source of screenwriting \\"secrets.\\" However, it is certainly a breath of fresh air compared to those books that idolize the three-act structure or seem like Hollywood \\"Get Rich Quick with Writing!\\" scams.

It is excellent for beginning screenwriters, useful for intermediates, and serves as a helpful genre-specific practical guide to Aristotle's Poetics. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can enhance one's understanding and application of screenwriting principles.

Dramatic story is, without a doubt, an oratorical art par excellence. It holds the power to captivate an audience and keep them engaged for an extended period. The incidents within a dramatic story must be carefully crafted and presented in a way that not only sounds good to the ear but also makes a profound impact on the mind.

When a storyteller weaves a dramatic tale, they pay close attention to the rhythm, pacing, and tone of their words. Each sentence is like a brushstroke on a canvas, adding depth and color to the overall narrative. The use of vivid descriptions, powerful imagery, and engaging dialogue all contribute to creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

"Dramatic story is first and foremost an oratorical art; the incidents have to sound good to the ear (and mind) if they are going to entertain for any length of time." This quote emphasizes the importance of the auditory and mental experience in a dramatic story. It is not enough for the events to simply unfold; they must do so in a way that leaves a lasting impression on the listener. A well-told dramatic story has the ability to transport the audience to another world, making them feel as if they are a part of the action.

A small and simple book with a very smooth translation by Mohammad Gozaabadi makes it possible for you to read Aristotle's Poetics as much as is necessary for screenwriting and gain proficiency.

Aristotle's Poetics is a crucial work that offers valuable insights into the art of storytelling and drama. By reading this book, you can learn about the elements of a good plot, character development, and the importance of catharsis.

The translation by Mohammad Gozaabadi ensures that the text is accessible and easy to understand, even for those who may not be familiar with the original Greek.

Whether you are a professional screenwriter or simply interested in the art of storytelling, this book can provide you with the knowledge and inspiration you need to create engaging and impactful stories.

So, pick up a copy of this small but powerful book and start exploring the world of Aristotle's Poetics today.