Plotting and snappy dialog are important, and “Right of Way” has them in spades. But if you think about the stories you love and why you love them, chances are you’ll be thinking about character. That’s what connects us to movies the most.
The action, the effects, the photography, the music, costumes and art direction -- they’re all there to enhance the relationships we have with the movie’s stars.
Do we have a great central character in “Right of Way”?
In Mayor Russell Napolitano, I believe we have the beginning of one. We care about Napolitano, I hope, for a few reasons: For one -- and you can’t underestimate the importance of this -- he’s a cool guy. He’s charismatic and powerful, and yet he doesn’t take himself too seriously. That’s what readers (and ideally viewers) will latch onto right off the bat. He’s likable in a superficial way.
As we get to know him, though, we realize he’s passionate about something: He wants to expand L.A.’s subway system, and he seems to want to do it for the right reasons. So we can emotionally connect with that too.
But is that all there is to Russ Napolitano?
Thankfully, no. Contributor Glenn Camhi made certain in his pages (28-31) that we see Napolitano as a good friend to Larry Davis, Celeste’s murdered husband. His personal affection for Larry is what drives him to risk his life and political career to get to the bottom of Larry’s murder.
That’s the heart of our story, and it’s something I think we need to see more of: Napolitano as a guy who feels the loss of his friend and wants to set things right.
So if he cared so much about Larry, then why did he sleep with Celeste?
I might write more about that later, but for now, here are two possible explanations to chew on:
1) Maybe he didn’t. Yeah, he spent the night at her house, and yeah, there’s obviously some romantic tension between them, but we never saw them in bed together, so we really don’t know.
2) Or maybe he did. Maybe he screwed up big time and has to spend the rest of the movie trying to live it down. Flawed characters make mistakes, and screwing his good friend’s wife on the night of the friend’s murder would certainly qualify as a whopper.
It’s the kind of thing that could dimensionalize a larger-than-life noir hero and fuel a quest for redemption that lasts a whole movie.
Effective business articles that will improve your business.
In a world where businesses are constantly seeking efficiency and sustainability, the shift towards digital document management has become more than a trend—it’s a necessity. At the heart of this … Read More
Picture guiding a vessel through unpredictable waters, where unforeseen storms can upheave even the best-laid plans. Leading a professional association mirrors this scenario closely. With the shifting sands of member … Read More
In the digital age, where attention is fragmented and competition for visibility is fierce, targeted engagement has emerged as a critical strategy for businesses aiming to connect meaningfully with their … Read More
In today’s competitive landscape, a company’s success hinges on the collective effort of its workforce. Even the most brilliant ideas and meticulously crafted plans can falter without a team that … Read More
In today’s fast-paced software development landscape, efficiency is paramount. Every minute counts, and any tool that can streamline processes and workflows becomes invaluable. Jira, a widely utilized project management tool, … Read More
Stakes in the building or construction industry are high. Constructing buildings and homes is costly and safety matters are important. Most customers are cautious and involved in the process, potentially … Read More
In the bustling heart of New York City, Sarah, a young entrepreneur, taps her phone to complete a transaction that, just a decade ago, would have required a time-consuming visit … Read More
Introduction The Artificial Intelligence dawn is transforming how people work and businesses operate. It is opening up a world of challenges and possibilities, making it a game changer for entrepreneurs … Read More
After getting the formula for your beverage manufacturing, the next important thing to consider is its packaging. Businesses must select a fitting package for their products to offer quality products … Read More
German billionaire Michael Gastauer has carved a path in the world of financial technology, particularly through his brainchild, Black Banx. Founded in 2014, Black Banx has rapidly evolved into a … Read More
