Tell The Damn Story, ep 401: Exploring Subtext from Wonder Man To Lord of the Ring, To 12 Angry Men.
Despite the cold and snow, Alex and Chris Ryan dive deep into the art of subtext—those rich, unspoken layers that give stories their real meaning.
Happily drawing from decades of teaching, writing, and storytelling, they share practical tips to help writers move beyond plot and action and into the heart of what a story is truly about.
You’ll hear examples from contemporary pop culture, like Marvel's Wonder Man, as well as timeless classics like 12 Angry Men, The Lord of the Rings, and the revered Japanese film Rashomon.
Whether you’re an aspiring writer struggling to bring depth to your characters or a seasoned storyteller searching for the “why” behind your plot, this episode is packed with insights and exercises to strengthen your craft.
Special Note: Sir Ian McKellen speaks of "The Strangers..." on Colbert
https://youtube.com/shorts/Nwd6vcfR3HI?si=WDtAYB7cwFHwtUu0
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00:00 Award Talk and Upcoming Tips
03:59 "Exploring Subtext and Themes"
08:02 "Wonder Man Becomes Surprise Hit"
12:15 "Struggles of Identity and Pressure"
15:54 "One Juror Against Majority"
17:18 "Human Bias in Justice Decisions"
22:55 "Diverse Lifestyles of White Men"
26:32 "Lord of the Rings Subtext"
28:16 "Aragorn’s Journey: Shame to Greatness"
35:18 Rashomon: Truth and Perspective
37:48 "Rashomon: Perspectives on Truth"
41:19 Shakespeare's Timeless Immigration Riot
45:34 "Subtext: The Why Behind Actions"
46:51 "Tell Your Own Story"
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