Scott, your psychoanalysis of Tony Stark is refreshing - and quite spot on. They've used the 'father's approval' angle, you'll be glad to note, in Iron Man 2. It's almost a plot point, come to think of it.
Pat yourself on the back, if you will :) Great stuff, once again.

i think this could be a great week of discussion. instead of daily dialogue, how about daily no dialogue. moments that show character without a single spoken word. I'm sure Eastwood isn't the only one with some zingers.

Good post, Scott. I think character arcs in action movies can be as great as any drama. You are not crazy and have not taken things too far... it's this type of analyzing that's so useful.
I wasn't able to truly unleash the story in my historical action until I conquered my protagonist. His faults, his inner demons, and how these come into play with his wants, desires, and true needs. All I know is that if there are important questions that you still can't answer about your protagonist, you'll never conquer your story.

Great post, Scott. I second the idea about daily no-dialogue week. That would be terrific because it's the core of screenwriting.

Scott, Bravo, pal. What an erudite article. No, far from full of it, guy. Absolute spot on analysis, insight, and education. Top notch.

I am beginning to think like the Candyman can, teach the world to sing, Mr. Myers, you're teaching the world to write for the screen. All this free education you offer out of generosity... kindness, and sheer passion.

These readers, really do not realize how lucky they are to receive what is, has been, and continues to be through GITS: A VIRTUAL MENTORSHIP. No kidding. Pearls of wisdom, folks. Pearls of wisdom.

Great article. many thanks.

Great article.
I tend to describe my characters more through their actions and symbols than through exposition, but sometimes people reading my stuff think that this way the motivations aren't always clear.
And the main character in my movie goes through an arc of synthesis too and I evoke that in a sequence in the first act where he is "rebuilt".

You might be right, Scott, and I'm all for great, complex characters, but on the other hand, as Freud would say, sometimes a superhero suit is just a superhero suit.