By Andrea K. Hammer
During Artsphoria’s daily movie screening and personally developed film school, the questions for screenwriters and film directors continue to multiply. Here are 10 more that continue to surface regularly:
1. Does the movie title selected accurately reflect the film content? As the first point of reference, a movie title has the power to stir viewers’ interest or leave them mystified. Sometimes, their actual connection to the story remains elusive and perplexing at the end of the film.
2. Do too many characters create confusion or too few result in boredom? If viewers continually struggle to keep names and personalities straight, they can’t become immersed in the tale. The writers’ guideline that “less is more” applies to the first point; however, focusing on only a couple of characters is difficult to sustain, so the challenge is to hit the ideal balance.
3. Are supporting actors given the chance to shine as stars? In some of our favorite films, low-key or quirky actors unintentionally grab full attention because of their distinctive style. For example, J. K. Simmons is a master at unwittingly claiming the spotlight in movies including The Meddler, Sailboat and La La Land.
4. Are plots too complicated and difficult to follow? If viewers are constantly wondering what is happening or working to make sense of scene connections, editing on a developmental level is needed. Although artistic and original approaches are highly valued, logic needs to prevail, along with seamless scene transitions.
5. When can “inaudible dialogue” be used effectively? In some of the most powerful, effective and memorable scenes, words are not spoken. Films excelling at this technique include Aloha (particularly the scene when Bradley Cooper’s character silently lets his friend know that he hasn’t made a move on his wife) and In the Aisles (especially the word-less exchanges between the main characters including Sandra Huller simply resting her head on Franz Rogowski’s shoulder).
6. Does the music overpower or enhance each scene? Selection of the right music potentially adds another layer of meaning and richness to a scene. Conversely, loud, jarring and mismatched pieces can destroy the mood in an instant.
7. Does the plot feel authentic and drawn from believable details? A movie will fail the credibility test if viewers are constantly turning to each other and asking, “Really?!” In the effort to strive for originality, triple check if scenes are constructed from conceivable elements.
8. Do the costumes suit the story and character while reflecting the time frame? When fact checking the historical accuracy of period pieces, costumes are at the top of this list. Beyond those films, checking if flouncy dresses and clunky jewelry distract viewers rather than contribute to character development is critical.
9. Is the casting the right mix of actors, with sparks flying between romantic partners? Casting directors who blend talent and chemistry deserve high praise in setting up the foundation of a film’s success. Conversely, when viewers question if couples in a movie “go together,” the intended reaction has gone seriously awry.
10. Does the movie have a satisfying conclusion? Like any well-written tale, the conclusion of a movie needs a clear resolution without leaving viewers wondering about the outcome. If anyone asks, “Is that it?” or an alternative ending is offered in the bonus material, clarifying the denouement is highly recommended.
Your Thoughts about These Questions for Screenwriters and Film Directors
What are your thoughts about these questions for screenwriters and film directors? Do others surface as you watch movies? Post your comments now!