A film blog for students of my classes at Santa Clara University. Use this blog to discuss the films we are studying, classic films, current releases or production issues you encounter while making your own films.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
The Hollywood Model - for Comm 130B
What characterizes a screenplay following the Hollywood Model? Give examples from a film tat you like that no other classmates have used in their answer.
The Hollywood Model for movies has some specific recognizable aspects which can be seen in just about all mainstream American films. a) a can do main character, b) a plot that "dynamically" challenges the character externally, rather than promoting internal contemplation, c) a focus on action, d) the "voice" of the film is optimistic, e) conflict is maximized, often by an antagonist.
In "10 Things I Hate About You", Patrick certainly meets the criteria of a can do main character, he is cocky and confident that he can win Kat over in the beginning of the movie, he is sure he can achieve his objective and win money from Joey. The plot is crucial and well thought out, moving the story along. Cameron wants to date Bianca, so he plays off Joey to get Patrick to date Kat. Though this is a rom com not an action film, the film definitely does have an understanding that viewers desire constant spectacle and visual entertainment, from Kat's tabledancing to Patrick's running and singing in the stands. The film ends happily and encourages possibility in that Patrick who previously had dubious reasons for pursuing Kat (money), ends up truly loving her and is changed for the better, doing something selfless by buying her a guitar with his reward money. Joey's role as an antagonist is also crucial to pushing the plot along. His previous relationship with Kat is the reason she no longer dates and is determined to not be a sheep, he acts predatory towards Bianca, and in PP2 of the story reveals to Kat that Patrick was paid to go out with her.
The Hollywood Model for movies has specific features/aspects and they are: 1. a can do main character 2. a plot that "dynamically" challenges the character and his goal 3. a focus on action 4. If there is a voice of possibility, it is the voice that celebrates possibility over adversity 5. The maximization of conflictual elements that make the main character a hero; role of the antagonist is crucial 6. The flexibility to absorb alternative views and stories, particularly from creative European filmmakers.
Captain America: The First Avenger is an example.
Steve Rogers is a skinny and small man who wants to sign up for war during WWII. However his physique and health deny him the opportunity numerous times. Despite being told to go home he continues to enlist using different names. He shows no fear about the dangers of war. Steve is given the opportunity to join the army after Dr. Erkinstine recommends him because he is a perfect subject for his super soldier serum project, but there are other candidates. Despite being surrounded by bigger men and being looked down upon by his superiors, Rogers is chosen to the test subject and becomes a super soldier due to his determination and guts. After obtain his powers Steve is ready to go to war, but his superiors do not allow him to go out into the field. After learning that Bucky, his best friend,and other soldiers are being held as a war prisoners, Steve advises the general to take action but denies his request. Steve goes against orders and sneaks behind lines, frees his friend and the prisoners on his own and brings the troops back to base. He is hailed as a hero and is named Captain America by his peers
The Hollywood model approach includes: 1) a can-do character that can overcome the odds, 2) a plot that challenges the character and his or her goals, 3) a plot focused on action, 4) a optimistic voice, 5) a main character who becomes the hero thanks to the antagonist, and finally 6) the ability to take up different views and stories from creative film makers.
An example of this is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Indiana is the can-do character who manages to get out of every sticky situation. He is set back from finding a lost scared stone and ends up in a trance-like state after the Maharajah forces him to drink a potion. The iconic music plays a large role in providing an optimistic voice and tone despite all the troubling action in the plot. In the end of the day, he wakes from his trance and steals the stone back only to return it to its rightful owners.
The Hollywood Model consists of six main components: 1. a can-do main character 2. a plot that challenges and changes the main character 3. uses action to show triumphs of character 4. a voice that celebrates possibility 5. uses an antagonist to maximize conflicting elements 6. the ability to view other alternative views
Film: Juno
The main character Juno, is challenged by her teenage pregnancy. She brushes this off with her humor, and seeks out a loving family for her baby. Conflicting events arise when the future adoptive parents deal with their differences, but Juno is able to sort through all of the drama and eventually gives her baby to a loving mother. The audience can may think that she could have kept the baby for herself, but in the end the movie concludes happily as she gives up her baby and ends up with the boy that got her pregnant in the first place.
A screenplay following the Hollywood Model will have: a resilient main character, a plot that presents challenges to the main character and his/her goals, a focus on action, optimistic voice, a conflict usually brought about by an antagonist who will allow the main character to become a hero, and the ability to use different stories and views.
Trainwreck is an example of a screenplay with a Hollywood Model. The main character is challenged both by her familial relationships with her sister and father as well as her negative outlook on love and romantic relationships. She meets a guy who she doesn't typically go for, but as she gets to know him, she wonders if she can actually be capable of love and monogamy. After many ups and downs with this man as well as dealing with the loss of her father, the main character realizes that this man does make her happy and they should stay together.
The Hollywood model has the following components: a "can-do" main character, plot that challenges this character, focus on action, a voice that celebrates possibility over adversity, conflict that place the main character as the hero, and the ability to absorb other viewpoints and stories in filmmaking.
The Shawshank Redemption follows this model.
Andy Dufresne is a quiet, but optimistic character challenged by his wrongful imprisonment in Shawshank Prison. He is faced with multiple that place him as the protagonist, and he acts in a way to support his fellow inmates and make the best of their time in prison. There is a voice in the story: Red, Andy's best friend. He is retelling this story after the fact, in a lighthearted manner that celebrates the possibilities ahead of Andy. The antagonist is mainly the prison warden, who is truly the opposite of Andy. Where Andy is altruistic and moral, the warden is narcissistic and selfish. The film embodies excellent storytelling and the use of traditional narratives (Andy as a Christ figure) to compose a great film.
The hollywood model has a can do main character, a plot that challenges the main character, lots of action, an optimistic voice, an antagonist, and the ability to see other outcomes/views.
The Hunger Games: main character - Katniss, badass that can do anything and selflessly motivated by her family. Plot is challenging because she has to fight her peers to the death. Lots of action, combat, survival techniques, war. Optimistic voice, she and Peeta never give up, antagonist is the government specifically Snow. She breaks the mold and gets the government to allow two winners (what a boss). You can imagine multiple alternative endings. At one point they even threaten to kill themselves rather than each other. Katniss and Peeta 4ever.
The Hollywood model approach includes a can-do character with the ability to overcome difficulties, an obstacle that blocks the protagonist from reaching his or her goals, an action based plot, an optimistic voice and the hero as the main character because of something the antagonist does.
An example of a film that goes along with the Hollywood model is Legally Blonde.
Elle Woods is dumped by Warner Huntington III after expecting an engagement ring. Instead of wallowing about it like most would do, she decides that she is going to become the type of girl that a Huntington boy marries. She is determined to go to Harvard Law School and ends up being accepted. However, when she arrives she is devastated to discover that Warner is engaged to someone else. The entire movie is her trying to prove to herself, Warner and the world that she is so much more than just some dumb blonde with big boobs. Warner doesn't want her the entire time until he realizes that actually is the type of girl that a Huntington boy should marry. He tries to win her back at the end, but Elle, being the smart and respectable girl that she is, tells him that she has more important things to do than settle for a boy who doesn't believe in her. She ends up becoming a badass lawyer and getting the engagement ring from someone WAY better than Warner.
If you follow the Hollywood model, you should have a main character, a plot that challenges the character and his or her goals, a focus on action, an optimistic voice, an antagonist to who adds more conflict, and the ability to view other views. An example of the Hollywood model would be the movie, Insurgent. The main character is Tris Prior who learns that she fits into more than one faction, which is seen as a threat to their "peaceful" society. The antagonist, Jeanine Matthews, is trying to terminate all people who are divergent. As the movie continues, Tris becomes the most wanted divergent because she may have the ability to unlock a very important file. Jeanine orders Dauntless to start sending threats to Tris Prior, which involves killing innocent lives. Tris has to make the decision to either continue hiding to save her own life or turning herself in to save other lives.
The Hollywood Model consists of six key characteristics: 1. a can-do main character 2. a challenging plot that has the ability to change the main character 3. focuses on action 4. an optimistic voice 5. an antagonist who adds more conflict 6. the ability to view other different views
An example of this would be Frozen. Elsa has magical powers that create snow and ice, but is afraid she'll hurt someone with her powers. Even still, she continues on and becomes Queen. When her powers are revealed to the town, Elsa runs away, accidentally turning the whole town into a continuous winter. Elsa feels free up in the mountains where she can truly be herself, but her little sister Anna misses her and wants her to return. Anna leaves a prince she hardly knows in charge of the town while she goes on a journey to find her sister and bring her home. During this journey she meets new friends and runs into danger, but eventually finds her sister. The prince, the antagonist, then comes and kidnaps Elsa and leaves Anna to die freezing. In the end, Elsa saves her sister by love, an emotion that causes her powers to thaw the ice that has encapsulated her sister and the town, and they all live happily ever after.
The Hollywood model in screenwriting is composed of several defining characteristics. The Hollywood model focuses on a “can do” main character that navigates through a plot that continually challenges them. The plot has plenty of challenges portrayed with action, while a positive, optimistic voice is maintained. A crucial component is the antagonist, who uplifts the main character to hero status. Finally, the Hollywood model must be able to acquire alternate views and creativity from other film makers.
Mean Girls Main character Cady Heron moves from the jungle of Africa where she grew up with her zoologist parents, to a conventional high school in the United States. Cady quickly befriends Janis and Damien, who in terms of high school, are seen as uncool. Janis and Damien explain to Cady who the Plastics are. The Plastics are a fashionable, popular, and stuck up group of girls headed by their queen, Regina. Since Cady would fit into the Plastics aesthetically, Janis and Damien convince her to wiggle her way into the friend group and report back to them all the ridiculous things they say. Cady gets into the Plastics with ease and is astounded by the cruelty of Regina towards everyone. She reports to Janis and Damien at first, but this quickly backfires when Cady seems to become a plastic to the core. Janis and Damien sever their ties with Cady and the Plastics find out her agenda and turn their backs on her as well. All is resolved when Cady wins Spring Fling queen and breaks the crown and shares the pieces with her friends and the crowd, as a symbol of apology and solidarity. There is a happy ending for all the characters, even the antagonist, Regina.
The Hollywood model focuses on a can-do character who has to respond to an active plot driven world. This leads to a favoritism for genres of action, note that action doesn't only mean super heroes and war movies. The story should emphasize possibility, even the darkest situations should have a small light for the MC to reach for. The aggregation of conflict should result in a heroic MC. In some cases it should also be accepting of dissenting points of view and possibility of making outsiders heroes.
A film that follows this format is Woody Allen's Sleeper (1973). His "can-do-itiveness" is largely the result of his need to survive in a world where his existence is a crime. Aside from this the plot happens to him. He is awakened from cryostasis to act as an agent against a totalitarian America. Coming out of hundreds of years of sleep he is the perfect "Sleeper" agent, but he doesn't get to choose this path it is forced upon him by the conflicting factions of the future. The possibility of love despite the inevitability of despotic use of power is highlighted at the end of the movie saying he doesn't believe in governments or God but, "Sex and death - two things that come once in a lifetime... but at least after death, you're not nauseous." And of course, this film takes a dissenting view of America brightened up by comedy and disguised in a setting in the future.
The Hollywood Model is distinguished by a main character with a can do attitude who is challenged by the plot with a focus on action. The tone of the film is optimistic with any issue being surmountable and an antagonist who amplifies the main characters hero status. Also there is the ability to accept or incorporate others views or ideas.
She's the Man The timeless classic (at lease in my opinion), She's the Man is a good example of the Hollywood Model. Viola Johnson is an avid soccer player and when her team gets cut at her high school, Cornwall, she assumes the identity of Sebastian, her twin brother in order to play the mens team at a rival high school. Viola believes that she has what it takes to beat the Cornwall mens team. The movie has multiple action packed scenes including the coolest soccer training montage you've ever seen and a scene where Viola is forced to switch back and forth between her two identities as she is chased down by her brothers ex-girlfriend Olivia. In the mean time, Viola falls for one of her teammate Duke, further complicating the situation. The antagonists Olivia and Malcolm attempt to uncover Olivia's true identity during the big soccer match, which only leads to confusion because Sebastian returns to school early. Duke feels betrayed by Viola, however they go on to win the match against Cornwall with Viola playing as herself. In the end, Viola and Duke end up happily together and everyone else in the film is deservingly coupled up.The movie is inspired by William Shakespeare's 12th night.
The Hollywood model uses a "can-do" character who is an integral part in the story and plot world. This means that the MC is the one who is actively participating and changing in this world, which is constantly presenting a new battle or challenge that the main character must face. Although this can seem to be a very fast paced and dramatic film which focuses on action, there is also a sense of optimism in the portrayal of the character. Typically, with the many plot points in this model, the antagonist is very present in creating these new conflicts and adversity for the MC. Lastly, this model uses differing views from their own that help give their film dynamic and appeal.
An example of this would be Harry Potter.
Harry (can-do character), the boy who lived, is living in a magical (challenging plot that changes the MC) and fast paced world where he lost his parents at a young age and has been on Voldemort's (antagonist) radar ever since. In this 8 part story, Harry is constantly faced with a new battle where he, along with his two best friends Hermione and Ron, must save the day and change at the end of each film. Although he is faced with many challenges that are action packed (action) in his time at Hogwarts, Harry always seems to come out on top (optimism) with an even better sense of who he is as a wizard. The many different witches and wizards give the film a lot of dynamic and allows for these unique views to be present within them (different views). His friends at school as well as his knowledge allow for viewers to grow with Harry at the same time.
The Hollywood model consists of a can-do main character, a plot that challenges the main character, focuses on action, has an optimistic voice, includes an antagonist, and the ability to view different views. The film, Guardians of the Galaxy, follows the Hollywood model. The main character, Peter Quill, is a thief who makes money ravaging. He steals an orb and looks for a seller, but falls into many sticky situations. The antagonist, Ronan, put a bounty on Quill to get back that orb. When Quill is ready to sell the orb, Ronan takes it from him and is ready to use it to destroy planets in the galaxy. Quill changes his personal motive to sell the orb, to saving the universe from destruction.
The Hollywood Model involves a main character who is willing to do what they need to despite limitations. It is plot driven and uses genres of action. This is what causes the character to have to change or adapt. It celebrates possibility over adversity, and maximizes conflict so that the MC is seen as a hero. It also has the flexibility to include the role of dissent. One example of a film that uses the Hollywood Model is Wild Child. When Poppy is sent to an all girls boarding school, she does anything she can to get expelled and go home. She makes three friends and they devise multiple plans to get her kicked out. However, while this is all happening, she starts to change and realize she actually loves it there and wants to stay. When something happens that was an accident that she was finally going to get kicked out for, she does everything she can to stay. In the end, the friends she ended up making were able to help save her, and the antagonist is the one kicked out in the end.
The Hollywood model comprises of (1) "can-do" characters that succeed in spite of limitations, (2) a 3-act plot structure that has the ability to change the main character, (3) action driven, (4) an optimistic voice that fuels possibility over adversity, (5) the main character is a reluctant hero, (6) dissent (underdog taking on big causes and unpopular views). In the Hollywood model, the conflict is presented by the antagonist. The MC must overcome challenges in his or her story world in order to defeat the antagonist. Fast-paced and dramatic, a film using the Hollywood model focuses on action and leads the audience to feel a sense of optimism and possibility.
An example of this would be Star Wars.
Luke Skywalker was a moisture farmer on the desert planet Tatooine before he purchased two droids that would change his life. He is flung into a series of events that leads him to become the hero that must defeat the evil Empire (MC becomes reluctant hero). In the original trilogy, Luke is faced with numerous challenges as he follows his father's path to becoming a jedi knight. Meanwhile the Rebellion is fighting the Empire in action packed battle sequences in space and alien worlds. The majority of the main characters in Star Wars are reluctant heroes as well - Han Solo and Chewbacca were smugglers before they took on the Rebel's cause. While the small band of rebels fight against the huge army of the Empire, there is hope as they gain the aid of many others in the galaxy (possibility and optimism).
The Hollywood model follows a three act structure with six characteristics. 1. A can-do character 2. Strong use of plot 3. Attraction to genres of action (i.e. westerns, thrillers, gangster films) 4. A voice that celebrates possibility over adversity 5. Main character becomes a hero 6. Plays a role of dissent
A movie that follows this structure is Interstellar.
Interstellar follows the story of Cooper, a former astronaut, as he explores the universe for a new habitable planet. Cooper is a can-do character because he is successful in spite of the limitations set before him and he is an extremely dynamic character. Interstellar also has a strong use of plot. Throughout the film, the plot continually changes allowing for the characters to change and grow as well. Interstellar is also somewhat of an action adventure film, fitting the third characteristic. In addition to that, Cooper celebrates possibility over adversity. When he is faced with the dangers of other planets as well as people and the idea of loss, he continues to fight and strive for the possibility of a better outcome. For this reason, he becomes a hero when he is finally successful in finding a new place. However, he was also a reluctant hero because going on this mission meant the chance of losing his family. Also fitting the last characteristic of the Hollywood model, the role of dissent, Cooper goes against society's popular belief that farming is the only way to live life in that society. He still believes in adventure and exploring and passes that down to his daughter as well.
Hollywood Screenplay Structure: 1. Can-Do Main Character 2. Strong Use of Plot 3. Attraction to Genres of Action 4. Voice That Celebrates Possibility Over Adversity 5. MC Becomes a Reluctant Hero 6. The Role of Dissent
What better film to analyze than the classic, inspirational, some say life changing film, Cool Runnings. 1. Derice Bannock is one of the most positive, hard-working characters I've ever seen. When he is disqualified from the Olympic Games due to an accident on the track, he'll do anything but call it quits. 2. Being disqualified is only the first of many challenges that Derice and his rag-tag team of Jamaican Bobsledders will face throughout the film. 3. Although not a thriller per se, Cool Runnings keeps its audience rooting for the characters and wondering what will happen next. 4. If a "based on a true story" underdogs beating the odds story doesn't celebrate possibility over adversity, then I don't know what does. 5. Derice never asked to lead the first Jamaican bobsled team to the olympics, but he was pushed into it by the plot and ended up being the hero of this story. 6. Nobody believed in the bobsled team from Jamaica, but our main character defied the odds and stood up against all of the haters.
The Hollywood Model refers to the six following elements: a can-do character, strong use of plot, attraction to genres of action, voice that celebrates possibility over adversity, MC reluctantly becoming a hero, and MC's role of dissent in the story. A film that fits into this structure would be Bong Joon-ho's Snowpiercer (2013). Curtis, the main character, is definitely a can-do character with his passionate goal to correct the social class divide within the train. Witnessing extremely dehumanizing treatment from the higher social class propels Curtis to rebel against the majority that is accepting of reality. There is a strong use of plot because there are plot twists that become obstacles for Curtis. However, with each adversary, he triumphs over them, which makes the audience believe it's quite possible for Curtis to overthrow the ultimate controller of the train. He becomes a reluctant hero when he has to make a choice to make the train explode, which will result in the death of everyone, including himself.
22 comments:
The Hollywood Model for movies has some specific recognizable aspects which can be seen in just about all mainstream American films. a) a can do main character, b) a plot that "dynamically" challenges the character externally, rather than promoting internal contemplation, c) a focus on action, d) the "voice" of the film is optimistic, e) conflict is maximized, often by an antagonist.
In "10 Things I Hate About You", Patrick certainly meets the criteria of a can do main character, he is cocky and confident that he can win Kat over in the beginning of the movie, he is sure he can achieve his objective and win money from Joey. The plot is crucial and well thought out, moving the story along. Cameron wants to date Bianca, so he plays off Joey to get Patrick to date Kat. Though this is a rom com not an action film, the film definitely does have an understanding that viewers desire constant spectacle and visual entertainment, from Kat's tabledancing to Patrick's running and singing in the stands. The film ends happily and encourages possibility in that Patrick who previously had dubious reasons for pursuing Kat (money), ends up truly loving her and is changed for the better, doing something selfless by buying her a guitar with his reward money. Joey's role as an antagonist is also crucial to pushing the plot along. His previous relationship with Kat is the reason she no longer dates and is determined to not be a sheep, he acts predatory towards Bianca, and in PP2 of the story reveals to Kat that Patrick was paid to go out with her.
The Hollywood Model for movies has specific features/aspects and they are:
1. a can do main character
2. a plot that "dynamically" challenges the character and his goal
3. a focus on action
4. If there is a voice of possibility, it is the voice that celebrates possibility over adversity
5. The maximization of conflictual elements that make the main character a hero; role of the antagonist is crucial
6. The flexibility to absorb alternative views and stories, particularly from creative European filmmakers.
Captain America: The First Avenger is an example.
Steve Rogers is a skinny and small man who wants to sign up for war during WWII. However his physique and health deny him the opportunity numerous times. Despite being told to go home he continues to enlist using different names. He shows no fear about the dangers of war. Steve is given the opportunity to join the army after Dr. Erkinstine recommends him because he is a perfect subject for his super soldier serum project, but there are other candidates. Despite being surrounded by bigger men and being looked down upon by his superiors, Rogers is chosen to the test subject and becomes a super soldier due to his determination and guts. After obtain his powers Steve is ready to go to war, but his superiors do not allow him to go out into the field. After learning that Bucky, his best friend,and other soldiers are being held as a war prisoners, Steve advises the general to take action but denies his request. Steve goes against orders and sneaks behind lines, frees his friend and the prisoners on his own and brings the troops back to base. He is hailed as a hero and is named Captain America by his peers
The Hollywood model approach includes: 1) a can-do character that can overcome the odds, 2) a plot that challenges the character and his or her goals, 3) a plot focused on action, 4) a optimistic voice, 5) a main character who becomes the hero thanks to the antagonist, and finally 6) the ability to take up different views and stories from creative film makers.
An example of this is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Indiana is the can-do character who manages to get out of every sticky situation. He is set back from finding a lost scared stone and ends up in a trance-like state after the Maharajah forces him to drink a potion. The iconic music plays a large role in providing an optimistic voice and tone despite all the troubling action in the plot. In the end of the day, he wakes from his trance and steals the stone back only to return it to its rightful owners.
The Hollywood Model consists of six main components:
1. a can-do main character
2. a plot that challenges and changes the main character
3. uses action to show triumphs of character
4. a voice that celebrates possibility
5. uses an antagonist to maximize conflicting elements
6. the ability to view other alternative views
Film: Juno
The main character Juno, is challenged by her teenage pregnancy. She brushes this off with her humor, and seeks out a loving family for her baby. Conflicting events arise when the future adoptive parents deal with their differences, but Juno is able to sort through all of the drama and eventually gives her baby to a loving mother. The audience can may think that she could have kept the baby for herself, but in the end the movie concludes happily as she gives up her baby and ends up with the boy that got her pregnant in the first place.
A screenplay following the Hollywood Model will have: a resilient main character, a plot that presents challenges to the main character and his/her goals, a focus on action, optimistic voice, a conflict usually brought about by an antagonist who will allow the main character to become a hero, and the ability to use different stories and views.
Trainwreck is an example of a screenplay with a Hollywood Model. The main character is challenged both by her familial relationships with her sister and father as well as her negative outlook on love and romantic relationships. She meets a guy who she doesn't typically go for, but as she gets to know him, she wonders if she can actually be capable of love and monogamy. After many ups and downs with this man as well as dealing with the loss of her father, the main character realizes that this man does make her happy and they should stay together.
The Hollywood model has the following components: a "can-do" main character, plot that challenges this character, focus on action, a voice that celebrates possibility over adversity, conflict that place the main character as the hero, and the ability to absorb other viewpoints and stories in filmmaking.
The Shawshank Redemption follows this model.
Andy Dufresne is a quiet, but optimistic character challenged by his wrongful imprisonment in Shawshank Prison. He is faced with multiple that place him as the protagonist, and he acts in a way to support his fellow inmates and make the best of their time in prison. There is a voice in the story: Red, Andy's best friend. He is retelling this story after the fact, in a lighthearted manner that celebrates the possibilities ahead of Andy. The antagonist is mainly the prison warden, who is truly the opposite of Andy. Where Andy is altruistic and moral, the warden is narcissistic and selfish. The film embodies excellent storytelling and the use of traditional narratives (Andy as a Christ figure) to compose a great film.
The hollywood model has a can do main character, a plot that challenges the main character, lots of action, an optimistic voice, an antagonist, and the ability to see other outcomes/views.
The Hunger Games: main character - Katniss, badass that can do anything and selflessly motivated by her family. Plot is challenging because she has to fight her peers to the death. Lots of action, combat, survival techniques, war. Optimistic voice, she and Peeta never give up, antagonist is the government specifically Snow. She breaks the mold and gets the government to allow two winners (what a boss). You can imagine multiple alternative endings. At one point they even threaten to kill themselves rather than each other. Katniss and Peeta 4ever.
The Hollywood model approach includes a can-do character with the ability to overcome difficulties, an obstacle that blocks the protagonist from reaching his or her goals, an action based plot, an optimistic voice and the hero as the main character because of something the antagonist does.
An example of a film that goes along with the Hollywood model is Legally Blonde.
Elle Woods is dumped by Warner Huntington III after expecting an engagement ring. Instead of wallowing about it like most would do, she decides that she is going to become the type of girl that a Huntington boy marries. She is determined to go to Harvard Law School and ends up being accepted. However, when she arrives she is devastated to discover that Warner is engaged to someone else. The entire movie is her trying to prove to herself, Warner and the world that she is so much more than just some dumb blonde with big boobs. Warner doesn't want her the entire time until he realizes that actually is the type of girl that a Huntington boy should marry. He tries to win her back at the end, but Elle, being the smart and respectable girl that she is, tells him that she has more important things to do than settle for a boy who doesn't believe in her. She ends up becoming a badass lawyer and getting the engagement ring from someone WAY better than Warner.
If you follow the Hollywood model, you should have a main character, a plot that challenges the character and his or her goals, a focus on action, an optimistic voice, an antagonist to who adds more conflict, and the ability to view other views. An example of the Hollywood model would be the movie, Insurgent. The main character is Tris Prior who learns that she fits into more than one faction, which is seen as a threat to their "peaceful" society. The antagonist, Jeanine Matthews, is trying to terminate all people who are divergent. As the movie continues, Tris becomes the most wanted divergent because she may have the ability to unlock a very important file. Jeanine orders Dauntless to start sending threats to Tris Prior, which involves killing innocent lives. Tris has to make the decision to either continue hiding to save her own life or turning herself in to save other lives.
The Hollywood Model consists of six key characteristics:
1. a can-do main character
2. a challenging plot that has the ability to change the main character
3. focuses on action
4. an optimistic voice
5. an antagonist who adds more conflict
6. the ability to view other different views
An example of this would be Frozen. Elsa has magical powers that create snow and ice, but is afraid she'll hurt someone with her powers. Even still, she continues on and becomes Queen. When her powers are revealed to the town, Elsa runs away, accidentally turning the whole town into a continuous winter. Elsa feels free up in the mountains where she can truly be herself, but her little sister Anna misses her and wants her to return. Anna leaves a prince she hardly knows in charge of the town while she goes on a journey to find her sister and bring her home. During this journey she meets new friends and runs into danger, but eventually finds her sister. The prince, the antagonist, then comes and kidnaps Elsa and leaves Anna to die freezing. In the end, Elsa saves her sister by love, an emotion that causes her powers to thaw the ice that has encapsulated her sister and the town, and they all live happily ever after.
The Hollywood model in screenwriting is composed of several defining characteristics. The Hollywood model focuses on a “can do” main character that navigates through a plot that continually challenges them. The plot has plenty of challenges portrayed with action, while a positive, optimistic voice is maintained. A crucial component is the antagonist, who uplifts the main character to hero status. Finally, the Hollywood model must be able to acquire alternate views and creativity from other film makers.
Mean Girls
Main character Cady Heron moves from the jungle of Africa where she grew up with her zoologist parents, to a conventional high school in the United States. Cady quickly befriends Janis and Damien, who in terms of high school, are seen as uncool. Janis and Damien explain to Cady who the Plastics are. The Plastics are a fashionable, popular, and stuck up group of girls headed by their queen, Regina. Since Cady would fit into the Plastics aesthetically, Janis and Damien convince her to wiggle her way into the friend group and report back to them all the ridiculous things they say. Cady gets into the Plastics with ease and is astounded by the cruelty of Regina towards everyone. She reports to Janis and Damien at first, but this quickly backfires when Cady seems to become a plastic to the core. Janis and Damien sever their ties with Cady and the Plastics find out her agenda and turn their backs on her as well. All is resolved when Cady wins Spring Fling queen and breaks the crown and shares the pieces with her friends and the crowd, as a symbol of apology and solidarity. There is a happy ending for all the characters, even the antagonist, Regina.
The Hollywood model focuses on a can-do character who has to respond to an active plot driven world. This leads to a favoritism for genres of action, note that action doesn't only mean super heroes and war movies. The story should emphasize possibility, even the darkest situations should have a small light for the MC to reach for. The aggregation of conflict should result in a heroic MC. In some cases it should also be accepting of dissenting points of view and possibility of making outsiders heroes.
A film that follows this format is Woody Allen's Sleeper (1973). His "can-do-itiveness" is largely the result of his need to survive in a world where his existence is a crime. Aside from this the plot happens to him. He is awakened from cryostasis to act as an agent against a totalitarian America. Coming out of hundreds of years of sleep he is the perfect "Sleeper" agent, but he doesn't get to choose this path it is forced upon him by the conflicting factions of the future. The possibility of love despite the inevitability of despotic use of power is highlighted at the end of the movie saying he doesn't believe in governments or God but, "Sex and death - two things that come once in a lifetime... but at least after death, you're not nauseous." And of course, this film takes a dissenting view of America brightened up by comedy and disguised in a setting in the future.
The Hollywood Model is distinguished by a main character with a can do attitude who is challenged by the plot with a focus on action. The tone of the film is optimistic with any issue being surmountable and an antagonist who amplifies the main characters hero status. Also there is the ability to accept or incorporate others views or ideas.
She's the Man
The timeless classic (at lease in my opinion), She's the Man is a good example of the Hollywood Model. Viola Johnson is an avid soccer player and when her team gets cut at her high school, Cornwall, she assumes the identity of Sebastian, her twin brother in order to play the mens team at a rival high school. Viola believes that she has what it takes to beat the Cornwall mens team. The movie has multiple action packed scenes including the coolest soccer training montage you've ever seen and a scene where Viola is forced to switch back and forth between her two identities as she is chased down by her brothers ex-girlfriend Olivia. In the mean time, Viola falls for one of her teammate Duke, further complicating the situation. The antagonists Olivia and Malcolm attempt to uncover Olivia's true identity during the big soccer match, which only leads to confusion because Sebastian returns to school early. Duke feels betrayed by Viola, however they go on to win the match against Cornwall with Viola playing as herself. In the end, Viola and Duke end up happily together and everyone else in the film is deservingly coupled up.The movie is inspired by William Shakespeare's 12th night.
The Hollywood model uses a "can-do" character who is an integral part in the story and plot world. This means that the MC is the one who is actively participating and changing in this world, which is constantly presenting a new battle or challenge that the main character must face. Although this can seem to be a very fast paced and dramatic film which focuses on action, there is also a sense of optimism in the portrayal of the character. Typically, with the many plot points in this model, the antagonist is very present in creating these new conflicts and adversity for the MC. Lastly, this model uses differing views from their own that help give their film dynamic and appeal.
An example of this would be Harry Potter.
Harry (can-do character), the boy who lived, is living in a magical (challenging plot that changes the MC) and fast paced world where he lost his parents at a young age and has been on Voldemort's (antagonist) radar ever since. In this 8 part story, Harry is constantly faced with a new battle where he, along with his two best friends Hermione and Ron, must save the day and change at the end of each film. Although he is faced with many challenges that are action packed (action) in his time at Hogwarts, Harry always seems to come out on top (optimism) with an even better sense of who he is as a wizard. The many different witches and wizards give the film a lot of dynamic and allows for these unique views to be present within them (different views). His friends at school as well as his knowledge allow for viewers to grow with Harry at the same time.
The Hollywood model consists of a can-do main character, a plot that challenges the main character, focuses on action, has an optimistic voice, includes an antagonist, and the ability to view different views. The film, Guardians of the Galaxy, follows the Hollywood model. The main character, Peter Quill, is a thief who makes money ravaging. He steals an orb and looks for a seller, but falls into many sticky situations. The antagonist, Ronan, put a bounty on Quill to get back that orb. When Quill is ready to sell the orb, Ronan takes it from him and is ready to use it to destroy planets in the galaxy. Quill changes his personal motive to sell the orb, to saving the universe from destruction.
The Hollywood Model involves a main character who is willing to do what they need to despite limitations. It is plot driven and uses genres of action. This is what causes the character to have to change or adapt. It celebrates possibility over adversity, and maximizes conflict so that the MC is seen as a hero. It also has the flexibility to include the role of dissent. One example of a film that uses the Hollywood Model is Wild Child. When Poppy is sent to an all girls boarding school, she does anything she can to get expelled and go home. She makes three friends and they devise multiple plans to get her kicked out. However, while this is all happening, she starts to change and realize she actually loves it there and wants to stay. When something happens that was an accident that she was finally going to get kicked out for, she does everything she can to stay. In the end, the friends she ended up making were able to help save her, and the antagonist is the one kicked out in the end.
The Hollywood model comprises of (1) "can-do" characters that succeed in spite of limitations, (2) a 3-act plot structure that has the ability to change the main character, (3) action driven, (4) an optimistic voice that fuels possibility over adversity, (5) the main character is a reluctant hero, (6) dissent (underdog taking on big causes and unpopular views). In the Hollywood model, the conflict is presented by the antagonist. The MC must overcome challenges in his or her story world in order to defeat the antagonist. Fast-paced and dramatic, a film using the Hollywood model focuses on action and leads the audience to feel a sense of optimism and possibility.
An example of this would be Star Wars.
Luke Skywalker was a moisture farmer on the desert planet Tatooine before he purchased two droids that would change his life. He is flung into a series of events that leads him to become the hero that must defeat the evil Empire (MC becomes reluctant hero). In the original trilogy, Luke is faced with numerous challenges as he follows his father's path to becoming a jedi knight. Meanwhile the Rebellion is fighting the Empire in action packed battle sequences in space and alien worlds. The majority of the main characters in Star Wars are reluctant heroes as well - Han Solo and Chewbacca were smugglers before they took on the Rebel's cause. While the small band of rebels fight against the huge army of the Empire, there is hope as they gain the aid of many others in the galaxy (possibility and optimism).
The Hollywood model follows a three act structure with six characteristics.
1. A can-do character
2. Strong use of plot
3. Attraction to genres of action (i.e. westerns, thrillers, gangster films)
4. A voice that celebrates possibility over adversity
5. Main character becomes a hero
6. Plays a role of dissent
A movie that follows this structure is Interstellar.
Interstellar follows the story of Cooper, a former astronaut, as he explores the universe for a new habitable planet. Cooper is a can-do character because he is successful in spite of the limitations set before him and he is an extremely dynamic character. Interstellar also has a strong use of plot. Throughout the film, the plot continually changes allowing for the characters to change and grow as well. Interstellar is also somewhat of an action adventure film, fitting the third characteristic. In addition to that, Cooper celebrates possibility over adversity. When he is faced with the dangers of other planets as well as people and the idea of loss, he continues to fight and strive for the possibility of a better outcome. For this reason, he becomes a hero when he is finally successful in finding a new place. However, he was also a reluctant hero because going on this mission meant the chance of losing his family. Also fitting the last characteristic of the Hollywood model, the role of dissent, Cooper goes against society's popular belief that farming is the only way to live life in that society. He still believes in adventure and exploring and passes that down to his daughter as well.
Hollywood Screenplay Structure:
1. Can-Do Main Character
2. Strong Use of Plot
3. Attraction to Genres of Action
4. Voice That Celebrates Possibility Over Adversity
5. MC Becomes a Reluctant Hero
6. The Role of Dissent
What better film to analyze than the classic, inspirational, some say life changing film, Cool Runnings.
1. Derice Bannock is one of the most positive, hard-working characters I've ever seen. When he is disqualified from the Olympic Games due to an accident on the track, he'll do anything but call it quits.
2. Being disqualified is only the first of many challenges that Derice and his rag-tag team of Jamaican Bobsledders will face throughout the film.
3. Although not a thriller per se, Cool Runnings keeps its audience rooting for the characters and wondering what will happen next.
4. If a "based on a true story" underdogs beating the odds story doesn't celebrate possibility over adversity, then I don't know what does.
5. Derice never asked to lead the first Jamaican bobsled team to the olympics, but he was pushed into it by the plot and ended up being the hero of this story.
6. Nobody believed in the bobsled team from Jamaica, but our main character defied the odds and stood up against all of the haters.
The Hollywood Model refers to the six following elements: a can-do character, strong use of plot, attraction to genres of action, voice that celebrates possibility over adversity, MC reluctantly becoming a hero, and MC's role of dissent in the story. A film that fits into this structure would be Bong Joon-ho's Snowpiercer (2013). Curtis, the main character, is definitely a can-do character with his passionate goal to correct the social class divide within the train. Witnessing extremely dehumanizing treatment from the higher social class propels Curtis to rebel against the majority that is accepting of reality. There is a strong use of plot because there are plot twists that become obstacles for Curtis. However, with each adversary, he triumphs over them, which makes the audience believe it's quite possible for Curtis to overthrow the ultimate controller of the train. He becomes a reluctant hero when he has to make a choice to make the train explode, which will result in the death of everyone, including himself.
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