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Recently I saw an interview with Philip Roth on his new novel, The Plot Against America. Unlike many such interviews, it was clear the questioner actually read the book. Asking provocative, probing questions, Roth nimbly answered most. Occasionally, however, a question made him pause. He actually had to ponder introspectively about what he intended in his own novel.
It got me thinking. Deeply layered work offers several interpretations; many facets to explore. It's what makes for great literature or films. You keep returning to look for more levels of meaning. The richness of discovery offers complex flavors to savor.
Such depth comes from many sources. First, the topic must be more than a clich?. It must explore new worlds; or, old ones in new ways. Next, the work is not dashed off haphazardly. There is a long period of gestation: research or careful thought precedes the drafting process. Then revision is more than a cursory surface gloss. The writer responds critically to the emerging manuscript-finding surprises to explore more fully. Ideas that require clarification.
Ultimately, the writer attaches significance to certain story and characters even he/she is unaware of. That is the powerful influence of the subconscious which, after all, has been at work on the project as long as the conscious mind.
If you seek to write a script with emotional or intellectual intensity-give your subconscious a chance: don't just dash off another clich?.
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