Select any movie or book on a Top 100 list and you’ll discover they all have something in common: compelling stories driven by brilliant characters — both good and bad. This powerful book will show you how to write a great screenplay, teleplay, or novel by helping you create one-of-a-kind heroes and villains that audiences will never forget.
Reflections of the Shadow…
• Explores motivations behind cinematic heroism and villainy
• Analyzes classic American films such as The Dark Knight, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Casablanca, and The Silence of the Lambs
• Includes interviews with the screenwriters of Die Hard, Gladiator, Spider-Man, and Fatal Attraction
• Features “Jeff ’s Eleven Laws of Great Storytelling” — an invaluable tool for writers of all levels and genres interested in innovative ways to create their own unforgettable characters
What People Say
“Fresh and powerful. You will look at the fascinating mystery that is the good guy/bad guy divide in all new ways, and get clues to clarify and enhance this dynamic in your story, thanks to Jeff ’s book.”
— Blake Snyder, Author, Save the Cat!®
“Hirschberg has laid out and established a comprehensive and entertaining, easy-to-read how-to-do-it book — essential for anyone looking to write the next great feature screenplay — from first-time writers to just plain cinema buffs eager for a fun, inspiring read.”
— Geoff Silverman, Literary Manager, Rain Management, Santa Monica; Former Executive for Brett Ratner, Brandon Tartikoff, and David Gerber
“Reflections of the Shadow not only breaks down classic movie good guys and bad guys, using script excerpts to illustrate exactly how they work, it also offers specific and practical exercises to help you build the same qualities into your own characters. Using this book almost feels like cheating, but, hey — if it gets your script sold, by all means, cheat away.”
— Chad Gervich, Author, Small Screen, Big Picture: A Writer’s Guide to the TV Business; TV Writer/Producer, Reality Binge, Foody Call, Speeders
Jeffrey Hirschberg is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Television and Film Arts Program at Buffalo State College. A member of the Writers Guild of America and judge for the WGA awards, Jeffrey has been a professional screenwriter for eighteen years and has written and/or created shows for Showtime Networks, Lifetime Television, and ABC.
Foreword by Steven de Souza
Die Hard, Die Hard 2, 48 Hrs., Another 48 Hrs., Lara Croft Tomb Raider