We’re constantly trying to help screenwriters improve their work and write scripts that are original, compelling and substantial. However, sometimes it can be useful to know what not to do in order to make better decisions. In this spirit, we investigate the dizzying world of Hollywood abominations. They’re out there and somehow through many checks and balances, they manage to squirm their way into existence.
One of a film’s backbones is its plot. If you didn’t have a plot, you’d have a quivering jelly. While a select few filmmakers have managed to survive without this critical story element, it’s not advised and is typically a move taken by more established professionals. To take it a step further, they’re entirely intentional about making a film without the basis of plot.
Plot isn’t just a case of making sure the story has branches to hang baubles on. It can also be undermined by laziness. Who wants to watch a film filled with well-worn or tired tropes? One of the biggest sins as a storyteller and filmmaker is making a dull and inert movie. You’ve got to compel, grip or swathe your audience in the story you’re trying to tell. Sure, it may be interesting to you but get some outside opinions before you commit to your “thesis” on the culture of birthday celebrations at small to medium-sized enterprises. Okay, that actually doesn’t sound all that bad. But think about your audience. It’s only half the job to imagine the film you’d like to see and sometimes having a niche sliver isn’t enough to get potential investors or movie goers excited.
Your movie also needs to come across as convincing and believable. You can’t have a hero crank up the invincibility on a whim and create havoc without some credibility or a dollop of reality. Even if they’re waging war in a distant galaxy, you’ve still got to create that world and environment so that you don’t lose your audiences eyes in the back of their skulls. The same goes for romance. Being overly manipulative or playing the 1, 2 skip a few game will throw your story out of the window.
It’s also important to add texture to your characters in the storytelling process. What’s their driving motivation? Are they evil incarnate or just doing evil for the hell of it? Try to ground your characters and add complexity. After all, most great villains think they’re completely justified in their actions and not just there to serve as an obvious counterpoint to the hero.
These are just some of the aspects that screenwriters have to consider in the screenwriting process. You’ve got to curate a space where the characters, world and story can hang together without a whiff of contrivance. It’s hard but aiming for this cohesiveness is a fundamental when it comes to creating an effective illusion for film to relay plot. You’ve got to earn your twists and ensure the audience is there for the ride from the start to the finish with a steadily increasing interest in the characters and story.