I think formalism can be great, but only when it’s in the service of a story that matters. Otherwise, it’s a card trick, interesting on an intellectual level, but cold and not that interesting once it’s done.

Like anything else, Formalism is a tool in the creator’s toolbox, one that can be brought into play in order to deliver a particular reading experience to the audience. And like any other tool, it can be used poorly or it can be used well.