Blog #5- Sex, Lies, and Videotape

Using McKee's 5-step method for scene analysis, I deduced that John drives the scene, as he appears to have the most authority and the greatest amount of subtext. The major conflict, though somewhat hidden, is between John and Graham. As Graham attempts to charm Ann, for whatever reason, John consistently brings up topics that subtly shoot him down, like when John inquires as to whether or not Graham will visit Elizabeth. Ann then asks who Elizabeth is, and John volunteers that she is a girl that Graham used to date. The Opening Value of the scene is a positive one, reminiscent of old friends being reunited and having a lighthearted conversation. John alludes to a fond event of their past involving a unicycle and pokes fun at Graham's outfit. Graham then compliments Ann's cooking and proceeds to ask her about her family. According to Weston, there are eleven beats in the scene, equally split between John and Graham (5 and 5, with Ann having 1). To briefly list them out: John addresses Graham's appearance, Graham comments on Ann's cooking, then inquires about her family, he brings up their conversation that afternoon regarding she and John's marriage, he continues the inquisition about Ann's sister Cynthia, John asks Graham about Elizabeth, Ann brings up Graham's apartment hunt, Graham remarks about his one-key keyring, John then comments on Graham having the ability to leave somewhere in a hurry, he then determinedly asks Graham whether or not he pays taxes, then he suggests that Ann help Graham in his hunt for an apartment. The Closing Value of the scene is negative, with subtle accusations being dealed by John, as compared to the more lighthearted, reminiscent jawing of the beginning of the scene. The Turning Point of the scene is easily located and takes place in the middle of the scene. It is when John asks Graham about Elizabeth. It is here that John puts a stop to Graham's charming of Ann, knowing exactly how Ann will react, asking about Elizabeth. The scene goes from having a light air to one with nearly tangible tension as Ann asks about Elizabeth, John responds in place of Graham, and "Graham eats in silence." Overall, I found both McKee and Weston to be helpful in analyzing a scene. Where Weston gives great tips in developing ideas, adjustments, and backstories for characters, McKee offers a concrete, simplified method, great for quick, helpful scene analyses.

1. I found John to be the driving character of the scene from Sex, Lies, and Videotape, though he and Graham share the same number of beats according to Weston. Did anyone feel that Graham was driving the scene? Why or why not?

2. I said that the turning point of the scene was when John brings up Elizabeth. It is here that the "air" of the scene goes from lighthearted to an almost sabotage. Did anyone find a different turning point?

-Kyle Deason