Chapter Sixty Six: Wish List

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

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Do one thing everyday that scares you.

Eleanor Roosevelt

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Do not go where the path may lead,

go instead where there is no path

and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Things most people would want to see on a gothic or sci-fi/fantasy adventure film (a very partial list from the unofficial survey):

1. Vampires with unique abilities, powers, and personalities. "Vegetarian" diet is preferred but not required, yet physical appearance must correspond to the definition of the ability and must show interesting qualities as a person;
2. Werewolves whose main weakness was a silver bullet as it is expected in literature, although the plot itself must be colorful enough to hold the main tension of the conflict on its own accord;
3. A rather interesting love interest for the main protagonist, whose present circumstances prohibit their love to succeed in the midst of the harsh realities governing the world of dystopia, but that must be overcome in a world of Fantasy where heroes are desired more than ever; however, a seemingly resolution towards a happy ending is being threatened by an unexpected plot twist;
4. Villains who are inherently more than evil but displays enough motivation for the audience to understand why they act the way they act and why they do the things the way they do; however, ruthless enemies must be present, cruelty is underscored, and treachery is a must as part of the complicated story arc;
5. Side characters who are funny must be present to provide comic relief. Annoying talking animals are generally preferred;
6. The presence of intimidating art direction: realistic, alive, chilling, and absolutely believable;
7. The suspension of disbelief is very prominent throughout the direction of the film;
8. Some gourmet popcorn with many flavors to choose from (for the audience to enjoy, must be sold separately);
9. A gothic theme that is not too gory nor bloody, but whiffs of horror must be felt by the audience; it must evoke thought, curiosity, perspective, and expose new approaches to the story elements used;
10. Good-looking actors, possibly well-built physique, capable and beautiful actresses, sharing the roles to meek but smart protagonists and bad-tempered villains, a talented film director, superior achievement in visual effects, and skillful cinematographer;
11. A good screenplay is a must at all times;
12. There must be a hidden message in the visual medium, probably in the form of allegory, quotable lines that directly relate to the dignity and complexity of life, celebrate the gift of living, appreciate the grace of creation and promote the limitless power of love;
13. That the film may be long but the script is short;
14. That every film deserves its own enthusiastic audience;
15. Some coke to drink (for the audience again, paid in advance);
16. No more budget overruns (although it happens all the time, you know);
17. A memorable scene that will define the entire film and make it unforgetable;
18. A beautiful song written specifically for the movie, to be played during the closing credits;
19. Emotionally wrecking climax and a more surprising anti-climax, if the film director will indulge with the writer's original caprice;
20. Excellent sound design that adds to the film's rich cinematic value;
21. Superb film editing that holds the suspense until the very end;
22. A share of award nominations, of course;
23. An Oscar golden statuette, if it is not asking too much.

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Picture from Pexels.