I attended one of Robert McKee’s writing seminars a few years ago. Loving a good yarn he gave us one, mostly his own, his way, with his whirling use of narrative he unfolded the character that is Robert McKee and his famous stage play – STORY.

Strutting his production around his stage for 3 intense days he waxed lyrical under the stage spot lights, wiping his furrowed brow, pounding his chest and proclaiming things like, “This is my religion!” pause… stare…. Point made, the man has poise, I will give him that.

The man has studied the art form, he is passionate about it, and he knows how to break down great pieces of work, appraise them and inform students in no uncertain terms that this is difficult, very difficult, near impossible terrain! But like all 3 act plays its not all doom and gloom and he can make you feel very good about what it would be like to be a successful writer, by following his careful instruction.

For me it broke down like this: as liberating as it must be to perform this character, one he plays so well, I imagine it really infuriating for a man who knows so much about the craft of writing and not being a formidable screen writing force himself.

So…

Great teacher? – probably.

Failed screen writer? – probably.

Grumpy old bastard? – definitely!