A tiny fraction of the most commercially successful American films lasts from one generation to another rather than the large proportion. Howard Suber asks why this small minority continues to have such power.
Nearly all memorable stories, whether told in movies or in real life, are about traps. The most memorable are generally about the loss, sacrifice, and ultimate triumph the central character must engage in to escape their trap.
Film dramas often portray central characters as heroes or villains, yet the two are frequently quite similar. Memorable films tend to compensate for the real world's lack of justice, commitment and altruism.
In memorable films, paradoxes create tension as the truth about characters and situations is often the opposite of first impressions. This reveals surprising truths that engage audiences.
Despite Hollywood's penchant for happy endings, many iconic love stories conclude with lovers separated or dead, their bittersweet paradox etched in memory.
