An Analysis of Dan Fogelman’s Screenplay Life Itself (2018)
Disciplines
Screenwriting
Abstract (300 words maximum)
In this study, I analyze the structure of the film Life Itself (2018), written and directed by Dan Fogelman. Specifically, this research aims to unravel the ensemble structure of this film, mapping the major characters and the significant turning points in their individual storylines to better understand how Fogelman builds a single film story around multiple equally weighted characters. This study will discuss the difference between ensemble films and films with a single protagonist and provide insight into characters such as Will and Abby and how they influenced the lives of the other characters in the film. In the research, I will also discuss the story structure and argue the tactics Fogelman used to make this a great film, despite being negatively reviewed by critics.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - English
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Anna Weinstein
An Analysis of Dan Fogelman’s Screenplay Life Itself (2018)
In this study, I analyze the structure of the film Life Itself (2018), written and directed by Dan Fogelman. Specifically, this research aims to unravel the ensemble structure of this film, mapping the major characters and the significant turning points in their individual storylines to better understand how Fogelman builds a single film story around multiple equally weighted characters. This study will discuss the difference between ensemble films and films with a single protagonist and provide insight into characters such as Will and Abby and how they influenced the lives of the other characters in the film. In the research, I will also discuss the story structure and argue the tactics Fogelman used to make this a great film, despite being negatively reviewed by critics.