How can you use physical objects to reveal inner character?

In this series, Chas and Stu discuss TALISMANS. Physical objects that are imbued with meaning by a character or characters. They're a powerful tool to access inner character.

In this first part, we lay the groundwork to discuss talismans and present something of a taxonomy. What makes talismans powerful? What makes them different from MacGuffins or characters? What types of Talismans are there? In the second part, we will breakdown THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, and another film.

Examples we cover here include: TOP GUN, SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER, BETTER CALL SAUL, LORD OF THE RINGS, CASTAWAY, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, THE DARK KNIGHT, THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER, RONIN, PULP FICTION, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, BREAKING BAD, BACK TO THE FUTURE, THE TERMINATOR, TITANIC, INCEPTION, STAR WARS (of course), THE MATRIX, ANDOR (spoilers!), LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, and PULP FICTION.

As always: SPOILERS ABOUND

Audio quotations used for educational purposes only. Timestamps indicated below. Chapter markers included in the mp3.

Thanks to Chas Fisher & Chris Walker for editing this episode.

CHAPTERS

00:00:00 - Intro
00:03:15 - Talismans in our own lives
00:08:41 - Scott Myer's definition of Talismans
00:18:58 - What are not Talismans?
00:21:48 - Wardrobe
00:28:26 - Talismans vs Characters
00:43:18 - Talismans vs MacGuffins
00:49:33 - Photos
00:53:53 - Jewellery
01:02:22 - Weapons & Tools
01:10:02 - Vehicles
01:12:03 - Letters & Journals
01:14:19 - Andor (Spoilers)
01:16:20 - Talismans and Rituals
01:24:14 - Wrap Up & Key Learnings

LINKS

Scott Myers / Go Into The Story: Talismans - https://medium.com/go-into-the-story/talismans-bcbf0a04d45d
Scott Myers / Go Into The Story: Story Talismans - https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/story-talismans-89b91523e71d

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DZ-93: Talismans (Part 1)

Draft Zero: a screenwriting podcast