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Week 2 Day 2 What did you learn?
Post the answer to the question, “What I learned rewriting my scene/character…?”
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5 Replies
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What I learned rewriting my character / scene …
To find shared traits and differences that can be both mutually resonant and a counter weight to each other when my protagonist has to finally face her boss (corrupt police chief) who has set her up to fail and maybe for a deadly fall.
As with Tombstone, it could be a stacking of point / counter-point competition or some way to have a battle of equals that builds (drama) in tension & leads to some kind of recognition at the end of the scene.
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I have a character who is less competent than others in his circle, although not due to alcohol. I see how I can play with that to reveal a way in which he has been more astute all along.
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Week 2 Day 2: Mismatched Allies – GREEN BOOK
What I learned rewriting my scenes and character is very personal, because I experienced being homeless trying to finish high school and being taken in by a family in an African-American eighteen block part of Tampa. I went from the elite Westchester County New York to this situation in a year and a half. It was hilarious, enlightening, scary, and very sad for me. My wife keeps telling me to write about this experience but I never could find the hook I liked besides the obvious. This screenplay has given me a hook I can work with. That is a breakthrough for me!
What drama is this scene built around?
In 1962, Tony “Tony Lip” Vallelonga, a tough bouncer, is looking for work when his nightclub is closed for renovations. The most promising offer turns out to be the driver for the African-American classical pianist Don Shirley for a concert tour into the Deep South states. Although hardly enthused at working for a black man, Tony accepts the job and they begin their trek armed with The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide for safe travel through America’s racial segregation.
Together, the snobbishly erudite pianist and the crudely practical bouncer can barely get along with their clashing attitudes to life and ideals.
However, as the disparate pair witness and endure America’s appalling injustices on the road, they find a newfound respect for each other’s talents and start to face them together. In doing so, they would nurture a friendship and understanding that would change both their lives. —Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com) IMDB
What profile items (right character, traits, secret, wound, future) showed up in these two character’s words and actions?
Tony – Italian New York Mobster, obvious to me he has lived in his Italian New York Mobster world all his life, seeing and experiencing life through this very real filter. Tony is a surviver that prospers in life by his wits to stay ahead of potential trouble and cash in on pop-up opportunities. His planning is very short sighted and does not consider much out of his norm.
Don Shirley – African-American classical pianist has experienced life quite differently than the vast majority of African-Americans. He has honed his skillsets to the professional level in his protected bubble where he was able to do this. Shirley a polished professional. A consummate planner that leaves little to the unknown but wants to break out and go against the grain for once in his life.
The importance of Perspective
In order to carve a sculpture the artist is forced to think at least three-dimensional. Truth be told there are other aspects artists must employ or think about to turn out a master piece. There is much to consider, so a master craftsman needs to understand all the angles and textures that will effect their work of art.
People getting along together in harmony are masters much the same way as the artist. Harmonious people have learned how to search out how others see things before they come to a final conclusion in a matter that effects people other than themselves. Schools need to teach how to consider other’s viewpoints and conclusions without getting in a negative emotional state of mind, but rather by having fun with different viewpoints. Learning how to adjust your mindset because you have learned new information is an advanced way to live. Or another way to state this concept is, “We must be open minded.” There is one caution we should consider however. “Don’t be so open minded your brains fall out.” Or as the Moody Blues have said, “It’s a question of balance.”
Don Shirley and Tony humorously show what happens when two people learn the balance skillset on the fly. Good on them for coming through all the frustrations and learning how important each other can be if we just learn we all just want the same things in life and focus on helping each other to those ends.
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I learned that, if I am going to have my protag go against a worthy opponent, they indeed better be worthy. Having he or she oppose someone of lesser character would only weaken a scene.
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GREENBOOK: On the surface, Tony and the Dr. are about as mismatched as could be. Two completely different people with vastly different skill sets and backgrounds. But beneath the surface, each character’s needs and wants are satisfied by pursuing the relationship. And by going down this road together, each creates the potential for learning /accepting the others foibles in order to become friends.
In the scene below, a road trip begins with two participants who have completely opposite views.
EXT. HIGHWAY – DAY
A two-lane road snakes across stark high plains. A red, two door Dodge kicks up a trail of dust.
INT. CAR
The radio plays a static-filled version of something like Bill Haley and The Comet’s “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” Sam drives with a sullen expression. Kate shuts the radio off.
KATE
You barely said a word on the flight.
Sam hesitates.
SAM
It’s just that, we’re dating – nobody knows and this is a story that can easily wreck a career.
KATE
Oh, now you’re worried about your career?
SAM
I’m worried about you Kate! I know you and I know you’re gonna start stepping on toes.
Tension grows.
SAM
Okay, okay. I’m worried about my career too. I gave up football to serve my country. I left the Army to finish school and become a journalist. If I blow this-
Sam lets the words just hang there. He shakes his head in frustration.
SAM
Hell, just forget it.
Sam taps the radio. Music plays.
Frustrated, Kate looks out the window. In her mind, the distant wail of a young woman’s horrified SCREAMS.
FLASHBACK: INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY – NIGHT
Two FEMALE NURSES drag TEEN KATE, 14, hysterical and in a straight jacket, down a hall, away from Younger Jack. He stands behind a glass partition, horror and despair seared across his face.
TEEN KATE
No! No! Oh my God! Somebody help me! Daddy, why don’t you believe me?!
RETURN TO PRESENT.
Kate looks out the window with a sad expression.
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