[alexjplant]

> You end up building this circle for each character, where the plot becomes the vehicle for them seeking and satisfying (or failing to) some need. You don't need purple prose, you just need characters that have motivations that are self-consistent and understood by the viewer. Such understanding does not require sympathy, either.

How does "2001: A Space Odyssey", arguably one of the greatest films ever made, fit into this framework? Are we ever apprised of HAL's motivations? Does the crew have some deeper desire that we aren't aware of besides completing a mission? Is it ever explained what specifically the monoliths do? Many of these questions are only answered in the sequel which does take a more traditional tack and had less critical acclaim.

Nobody's saying that this formula doesn't work. I'm just saying that it doesn't have to be the one that successful narratives follow just because the Rick and Morty guy happens to like it.