Welcome to ‘Frequently Made Mistakes’, a deep-dive collection that unpacks the place storytellers stumble—and the way to course appropriate.
In our premiere episode, we deal with one of probably the most widespread storytelling errors: illustration that looks like endorsement. Just as a result of a movie exhibits poisonous masculinity doesn’t imply it’s critiquing it.
Our case study? Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal.
On paper, it reads like a satire. In execution, it’s a celebration. Why? Because the comedic beats are sacrificed for drama, and stylized visuals—gradual movement, hovering music, visible glamor—tilt the viewer’s sympathy towards the anti-hero as a substitute of the ladies caught in his wake.
We distinction this with Adolescence, a movie that earns its commentary by structurally splitting the highlight—spending one episode with the son, and one other with the daddy. That counterpoint makes all of the distinction.
In this episode, we cowl:
• Why execution all the time trumps intention
• How Animal undermines its personal critique
• Tools to maintain satire sharp—like framing, penalties, and distinction
• Case examples like Borat, the place we snicker at the hero, not with him
• A 3-half repair for this error each author ought to know
Stick round for Screenwriting 101, the place we deconstruct fundamentals of a scene and provide you with a writing problem you possibly can publish within the feedback. We’ll spotlight our favorites subsequent episode.
Presentation, script and enhancing: Sudhish Kamath
Video: Vishal Bharadwaj, Samir Bharadwaj
Background rating: Ivan Avakian
Published – April 11, 2025 07:32 pm IST
