The Controlling Idea: Learning from Books and Films
The Controlling Idea in storytelling is the deeper, even unstated context in which the actual story takes place. The Controlling Idea shapes the options and outcomes of actions.
Yet in all the many books on how-to-write, the controlling idea is rarely broached.
So my daughter Teddy and I are doing it. We're comparing and contrasting a book and film's controlling idea, exploring how it differs in the different media, if at all. And trying to understand it.
Join us for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John Le Carre, the first in the series, hosted by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Libraries. January 17 6:30-7:30pm
FREE on ZOOM. Register with Eventbrite.
Join us for the new series discussing ideas in books made into films!
About this event
In this series of 6 talks, publisher Katie Isbester and her daughter Teddy, a film buff, will discuss the central idea of some of the greatest stories told.
Each session will grapple with the big issue embedded in the story, and compare how the book and film treat this central idea.
Books/Films we are going to be looking at include the Handmaid's Tale, Game of Thrones, 1984 (Brazil), Dune, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Each session will feature an expert guest and a Q&A with the audience.
