That was one of my problems with the most recent member of
the Alien franchise. Prometheus fell into this pit early on. The use of the “dark
liquid” at the beginning foreshadowed that it would appear again, later in the
movie. Almost everything to do with Ms. Vicker’s life raft was contrived. From
the fact that it was essentially another ship capable of providing everything
that she may need to the convenient medical pod that was contained within it.
Every one of these things was presented with dialog that might have well been a
big yellow highlighter.
However, I suppose this is really no different than other
ham-handed approaches in storytelling. It sort of makes me think of Star Trek.
We all knew if they wore a red shirt and had no first name (or even referenced
as anything other than their rank) that they were doomed to die. They should
have worn florescent yellow shirts and had text floating about them that said “I’m
a goner.”
I suppose that was one of the reasons I started to like the
Game of Thrones series. I say series as I haven’t read the books yet. They
seemed a bit voluminous for me. However, other than to cast fairly handsome
people in roles that are important, you don’t necessarily see all of the twists
and turns. You get attached to a strong character. Due to our understanding of
good writing, we feel that “the good guys” or protagonists or main character
are immune to death. It is through them that we experience the story.
Unfortunately, Mr. Martin does not subscribe to conventional
storytelling tropes. While this is perfect for seamlessly blending the
important plot points with simple facts that expand the world, it does make it
difficult to truly become immersed in the story. Sure, you get to find out the
story based on the point of view of this character or that. But do not get too
close. The character will meet an end of some sort that will force you to pick
a new favorite.
I mentioned that I started to like the series. I finished
the second season and will likely watch whatever else is produced. However, it
lost my full attention. At this point, the only characters I can stand are Arya
Stark and Tyrion Lannister. However, I fear not actually like them too much. If
I do, they will die as did the other characters that I enjoyed.
While his method of storytelling does seem more realistic,
there is a reason that we enjoy tales of good versus evil. We like to know,
that even in face of the worst pains and obstacles, they will overcome. We want
there to be a silver lining in the cloud. We want to know that things will get
better. And that we, through the character, can triumph. It gives us hope and
reminds us that no matter how shitty today is, there is always tomorrow and the
promise that it can be a better day. I guess I am a fool for wanting there to
be a big yellow highlighter that circles the good guys and write about it “They
Will Live.”
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