Inspiration: "The Director's Idea" by Ken Dancyger

During our last class, I had the opportunity to speak about the role of a Director.

Directing is an art form unto itself. Every art form has three parts: technical, artistic and craftsmanship.

The “Director’s Idea” is about craftsmanship.

The “Director’s Idea” is a concept that “moves” the audience and makes motion pictures memorable.  The concept can be used to transform any type film or video; even a used car commercial.

The original Karate Kid (1984) stands out as an enjoyable, memorable, and powerful experience for the audience.  Even 32 years later, anyone who’s ever seen it, even if just once, can share his or her favorite scenes and quotes.

Why is this?  It’s a “Great” movie.  Just like “Rocky” (1976), it has stood the test of time and is relevant now as it was then.

But how?

How both films are “Great” can be understood by reading Ken Dancyger’s book  “The DIRECTOR’S IDEA The Path to Great Directing” (Focal Press 2006)

Dancyger defines the “Director’s Idea” as this:

The director’s idea, the magnifying lens that helps the director choose characterization, narrative, and visualization strategies that will elevate the work to another level. (page 52)

He further expands:

The great director transforms the experience of the film when he utilizes his director’s idea to add a powerful voice to the film. (page 55)

The powerful voice added to “Karate Kid” comes from Director John G. Avildsen.

His “Director’s Idea” is TOLERANCE.

He utilizes it as a guide for each and every scene in the movie.

The drama of the film comes from the clash between TOLERANCE & IN-TOLERANCE.

Avildsen offers a “hint” in one of the scences that most people miss. During Daniel’s first day at school the camera pans away from him and pauses briefly on this plaque.

Daniel is the new kid at school.  The bullies beat him mercilessly. They are intolerant. During one of these beatings. Mr. Miyagi comes to his rescue. 

Here's a clip of The Halloween Fight

Later in the movie Daniel finds Mr. Miyagi in his home, drunk.  He says he’s celebrating.  These are the script pages from the movie.  Why is this scene in the movie?

“Rocky” (1976) also stands out as an enjoyable, memorable, and powerful experience for the audience.  Anyone who’s ever seen it, even if just once, can share his or her favorite scenes and quotes.

Again, it’s a “Great” movie. It has stood the test of time and is just as relevant today as it was then.

“Rocky” is also Directed by John G. Avildsen. 

The “Director’s Idea” is REDEMPTION.

Rocky’s goal is not to win the fight with Apollo Creed because it’s not possible.  Apollo always wins by knock out by the 5^th round.  Rocky’s goal is to make it to the 6^th round.  He feels if he can do this, no one will ever call him a “Bum” again.

V for Vendetta (2006)

Directed by James McTeigue

The “Director’s Idea” is INTEGRITY

Here is the scene where the Director found his Idea.

“Vallerie’s letter”

Here are the lines from “Valerie’s Letter” when she “comes out” to her parents”

But it was my integrity that was important. Is that so selfish? It sells for so little, but it's all we have left in this place. It is the very last inch of us. But within that inch we are free.

So how can such and “Idea” be incorporated into a used car commercial?

Yes.

Who remembers this gentleman?

This is Dave Sinclair.  He’s a St Louis mainstay, known for his straight forward commercials. At the time he had one of the largest car dealerships in St. Louis.

In every commercial he closed with:

If it’s not right, I’ll make it right for free.

Thank you and here’s my address.

INTEGRITY!

It “moves” an audience.

Although Dave Sinclair passed away in 2009, St. Louisans can still remember his commercials! 

The “Director’s Idea” is a concept that “moves” the audience and makes motion pictures memorable.  The concept and use is universal regardless if it’s a major motion picture or a commercial for local car dealership.

It’s part of the craft.

Original Karate Kid Script: