Spiritual Scriptwriting

A viewing of The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) this week has prompted me to consider the treatment of spirituality in scriptwriting.  You might have seen this film. There was considerable media attention for this film because of its spiritual focus on true events and it was a big draw for conservative Christian audiences.  If you haven't seen it, here's a review and some background on the story.

I won't attempt to cover arguments over spiritual truths presented in film and the correctness of Hollywood's method.  Reactions I found to the film varied depending on perspective.  This catholic review praised the film for accurately portraying catholic theology and true happenings.  But this reviewer in Prague had a negative reaction to the "medieval" views in the film.  I also found a review that felt the scriptwriters did not delve deeply enough into the dark spirituality around the story. Of course, although a distinct answer to spiritual issues wasn't given, good won in the end.  This can be expected from Hollywood films that attempt to draw different kinds of people, but is that always the approach scriptwriters should take?

My purpose here is to simply draw attention to the presence and treatment of spirituality in not only specific screenplays but in media scriptwriting generally.  I will continue to present other examples that I find.  What do you think? 

-Aaron

A Revelation

Well, it's nearly been a week and I've actually been putting off the required post until nearly the last minute.  Now I must be honest: I haven't enjoyed it.

Just by glancing through the rss reader at the posts from our class, it's easy that you've caught onto blogging.  But I've been resisting because I felt like I didn't really understand what or how to blog.  What's the idea?  Why does everyone sound so opinionated or argumentative?  Of course you would support writing with links to research, but where do you begin?

So I gave in to my curiousity and searched.  I am embarrassed by how quickly I was able to find a few answers to my questions on a few weblogs. (Is it any surprise to find answers there?)

I found ten simple writing tips that helped explain both the purpose and process to blogging.  The first helped me immediately.  People read blogs because they want to listen and communicate with people. What? People want to hear my opinion? Yes, what's more they read because they want to be connected to a network that is informational and social.  I've come to realise that blogging is much more social than I ever thought.  Blogging allows the individual to tap into the ocean of information on the internet, connect the resource with their ideas and opinions, and contribute to a social community built on conversation.  

In light of this revelation, I've come to appreciate this medium of writing and what it has to offer. It is a valuable tool to connect to people.  I hope to refine my way of thinking and writing by using my blog, after all, what's it for?

Wider effects of the Writer Strike

For some around the country, the scriptwriter's strike in Los Angeles has had little influence but for the canceling of a TV show.  Yet for many in loss Angeles the strike is a pressing issue because of it's economic effects.  Take for example the recent cancellation of the Golden Globe Awards which was estimated to generate over $70 million for the local economy.  The consequences of this loss and others created by the strike are felt mainly by local businesses, and there are predictions that some may have to close up for lack of business normally provided by productions.  Estimates of the financial losses have been made based on the 1988 strike that had similar effects.  

The economic ramifications may be centered in Los Angeles, but the WGA strike also has a hand in the organization of labor unions and the relations between unions and corporations.  The history of multiple union formations and corporate negotiations within hollywood, such as the screen writers guild strike in the 40's, has become somewhat of a model for labor unionization in the United States and elsewhere.  This journal here discusses the complexities of the history and it's significance on today's events.  

It will be interesting to witness the effects that this strike has on the endurance of local LA businesses.  Depending on the duration of the strike, it could also have a significant influence on the method of labor unionization and the relationships between unions and corporations throughout the country.

Hello everyone and Kia ora koutou.

I'm excited to have you share my first weblog.  Although I've established this for class purposes I would also like to post personal writings and reflections.

Please feel free to comment on anything and provide any feedback.