tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841939281455717340.post2772367372168880983..comments2024-03-27T12:13:34.159-05:00Comments on The Moral Premise Blog: Story Structure Craft: The Greenhouse Q&AUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841939281455717340.post-22866890158385899562012-07-11T21:24:09.858-05:002012-07-11T21:24:09.858-05:00Thanks, Paul, for your contribution.Thanks, Paul, for your contribution.Stan Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12084603289444240062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3841939281455717340.post-89727267314029446632012-07-11T17:38:32.551-05:002012-07-11T17:38:32.551-05:00Actually, while a lot of folks assume that effect ...Actually, while a lot of folks assume that effect laden blockbusters are light on plot and moral premise, it would appear - especially in light of your book, Stan - that this is not the case or they would not do as well. That said, I have no idea what moral premise is present in the Transformers films. <br /><br />However, Avengers, on the other hand, has several benefits - first it was co-written and directed by Joss Whedon, a man who knows and uses moral premises better than just about any other screenwriter out there - especially for a man who claims to adhere to secular humanism and eschews religion of any sort. Second, it is based on a rich history of stories told with a moral premise. Maybe Stan Lee didn't always see it that way, but a majority of the comic book stories from Marvel have this basis.<br /><br />As to The Avengers' moral premise, I would say that Stan's analysis of the synopsis was spot on. <br /><br />"Lust for power leads to defeat; but Sacrifice for others leads to success." may be oversimplifying it, but it's accurate.<br /><br />The Avengers as a team have to deal with the same problems as Loki and his associates - pride, impatience, and, as Tony Stark himself states, "doesn't play well with others". What's more these are reinforced by the global council of watchers or whatever - those shadowy figures that Nick Fury has to deal with who are fearful and impatient, not willing to rely on the team to accomplish the goal of saving the world. And with Nick Fury's secret plans that the team discovers.<br /><br />The moral premise may best be summed up this way: Seeking power and promoting oneself/selfishness leads to destruction and death; but self-sacrifice and teamwork lead to victory and life.<br /><br />I could provide more details, but I don't want to spoil the film. But if you look at each character's journey: Tony/Iron Man, Loki, Thor, Steve/Captain America, Banner/Hulk, Nick Fury, I think you'll see they either choose selfish motives or self-sacrifice and that leads to their win or loss as the story progresses.Paul A Rose, Jr.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17644299279166019426noreply@blogger.com