In case you’re wondering, I haven’t gone from being a writer to a movie critic. However, this past week makes me want to put out a call to writers everywhere. Hollywood is in desperate need of new writers!
My husband and I are movie buffs. The last several movies we attended, we came away stunned. Not only was the movie not as we expected, the previews were unbelievable. The last movie was terrible:
- The Story line was confusing to say the least, and contradictory.
- The Plot – pathetic. No tension, no surprises, other than the “I can’t believe we paid for this,” uttered from me and my husband.
- The setting was completely unrealistic, as were the characters. Throwing in token characters from every minority group without rhyme or reason, when it certainly didn’t advance the plot, left me scratching my head.
- The actors didn’t grow up in my generation – that was clear. I’m old or a prude, but boundaries have disappeared, or so it would seem. And, I have my doubts about the writer’s education. Most of the story line was riddled with dialogue of four letter words without substance.
Now, when we plop twenty-five dollars down for movie and popcorn, I would at least like a story with a plot. A beginning, middle and end that makes sense. I’m not opposed to spicy language when appropriately used, but every other word and gratuitous sex in the middle of a restaurant with everyone, including the patrons seems over done.
What happened to a good story? A good plot? Where have all the good writers gone?
We need good writers. Writers that know how to tell a story. Stories that make sense, make us feel good, give hope and make us smile. The kind of stories that used to fill our libraries and book stores. We need good writers to elevate our stories, and yes, I dare say, our movies.
So, here’s my challenge to you. Write a good story. A story that others will want to pass on, sit down and read to their children or put on their bookshelf. Elevate your story above what Hollywood is writing. We’re much better than that. What do you think?
“If a nation loses its storytellers, it loses its childhood.”
—Peter Handke
BTW: I would pass on the movie Seeking a Friend for the End of the World!!
I have to agree with you, I struggle to find a decent plot line in many films and with the trend to jump on the Harry Potter/Twilight train and fleece it until the milk cow runs dry, there is a severe lack of imagination.
However, I never follow trends. I have written all my stories plot based, which probably explains there lack of sales. I never just pad the pages if something is there it is to move the story on. My style is based on the old B&W films were you had to build tension, then at the end hit the WOW button, from the feedback I get, I appear to be doing a reasonable job of it.
Even if my sales are low, I have a good on line following.
Al
Everyone loves a good story, in print or media. Hollywood seems to have forgotten that important point. Give us a good story and we will come.
The good writers are still here. The problem is the entrenched middle-men prevent 99.9% of stories from ever coming before the eyes of the film studios.
Yes, I have had the same experience when it comes to a Friday Night with our large screen, great sound, and popcorn – but at least I am home in my pj’s and can switch to another movie.
It seems like, even with free movies from the library I leave with about seven for the week. I do this because I switch from one to another – the short synopsis on the back tells you only a few details, and the cover may grab you, but once the movie begins, I know as I do with a novel, if it’s good or bad.
Movies should grab you as much as a novel, from the beginning. So, let’s hope some of those I have spoken with during the last few years have a wonderful producer looking after my guests on the show.
Thanks for thls addition, perhaps someone out there is listeniing to the public.
Nancy