The ‘you-shaped door’ is a concept that a friend introduced me to. At its most basic, it is whatever attracts you to a particular book or television show or movie. At its best, however, it’s magic. It’s what lets you into a whole new world and makes it resonate within you.
For example, a Kithica-shaped door into a movie or television show is usually a really good romance. The movie doesn’t have to be about romance or a love affair, but if there’s an element of romance in it, that’s generally what hooks me and pulls me into the rest of the story. Another Kithica-shaped door is a kick-ass female character, which is probably why I gravitate towards science fiction.
For some people, it’s a strong hero, for others it’s a good mystery. It’s different for everyone. And I find that fascinating. That a roomful of people can watch the same movie at the same time and get completely different things out of it, they can be fed by it in different ways.
I love talking about this stuff. I want to write about what I get out of the stories I engage with. And I would really love for this to become interactive, and for you to tell me what your you-shaped door looks like.
Can a poem be a U-shaped door? I offer commentary about two to three times a week. Movies too.
For a kick-ass female lead, try Angelina’s new CIA shoot-em-up, “Salt.” Great popcorn movie.
A poem can absolutely be a you-shaped door. Ozymandias is one of mine. I love the desert.