This is an interesting list. I've seen all of the films listed save for two, My Big Fat Greek Wedding had no appeal to me. Rom-Coms just don't do it for me. And then there's Billy Jack (1971) - hands up if you've ever heard of it? Maybe it was an American phenomenon?
Oh yes, then there's a little glitch in my matrix of not watching rom-coms - Shakespeare in Love - because I'm fascinated by The Bard and I was enthralled by the screenwriting and character development. Back in 1999, it made me want to become a screenwriter. I have to say, that it's not that I wanted to write that kind of stuff, I simply wanted to enthral people watching a film I'd written.
Was there a film that you watched, that propelled you towards a career in screenwriting?
https://www.cbr.com/highest-grossing-indie-films-of-all-time-ranked/
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Those are huge grosses for indie films, Geoff Hall! The first script I read (part of the script) was "Office Space," so it propelled me toward a career in screenwriting. I looked up a screenwriting article or two after reading the script and started writing. I'm sure movies I watched growing up propelled me toward a career in screenwriting somewhere along the line too.
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Maurice Vaughan "Office Space"? I've never heard of that Maurice. Other than an office with space, what's it about? Yes, I feel the same way about watching some films and them stirring a desire in me to write for film. Shakespeare in Love is a bit of a curve ball when it comes to stirring those desires, but I think it was my first conscious and verbalised prayer to direct my life along those lines. Mind you, genre-wise I've not followed in the writer's footsteps!
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"Office Space" is a Satirical Black Comedy, Geoff Hall. Here's the logline from IMDb: Three company workers who hate their jobs decide to rebel against their greedy boss.
I don't think I've seen "Shakespeare in Love." I've heard of it though. I liked "Romeo + Juliet" with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
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Maurice Vaughan yes, me too Maurice. DiCaprio and Claire Danes, wow that takes me back!
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It's been so long since I've seen "Romeo + Juliet," Geoff Hall. Whenever I think about the movie, I think about the gas station scene. Probably time for a rewatch.
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Billy Jack! I remember that one. I wasn’t old enough to watch it but the song in it became quite popular - One Tin Soldier. I’m not a full time screenwriter But funny I do like a good comedy. TV wise, a show like Northern Exposure was a good one for a sort of fish out of water show that gave me an idea for a show. this doesn’t exactly answer your question but reminded me of other fun shows of the past. liked or not, some of these movies make me think what I would or wouldn’t put in my stories. that’s for sure.
all these films are united by the fact that Hollywood stars of the first magnitude starred in the main roles.
I tried to become a screenwriter because I didn't have any money at all. our family was in debt, the banks were taking half of the income. I considered myself not a stupid person who could come up with a story that could be sold. but it didn't work out for me. then covid 19 happened, the mother died, the debts were written off. in general, I don't need the movie business anymore and I haven't written anything for three years.
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Arthur Charpentier save for Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing, who wasn’t a major star at the time. I’m sorry to hear about your mother passing away, Arthur.
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Maurice Vaughan with Shakespeare in Love, I listened to the flow and cadence of the words. It was quite the revelation. It also had a great ensemble cast.
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Xochi Blymyer hi Xochi! It was good to see you yesterday. Are you writing anything at the moment?
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Thank you very much, Geoff Hall. Yes, you're right, Patrick Swayze became a big star thanks to the movie Dirty Dancing.
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My condolences and sorry to hear about the hard times your family went through, Arthur Charpentier.
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Thank you very much, Maurice Vaughan.
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You're welcome, Arthur Charpentier.
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My older brother loved Billy Jack so I watched it a few times as a kid. The movie that made me want to start writing movies was Double Indemnity. Its a classic but the script blew my mind.
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Sam Sokolow I wonder if Billy Jack was an American phenomenon that didn’t make the arduous journey across the pond, Sam?
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Never heard of Billy Jack Geoff Hall but it got me curious!