Cracked Screens Interview
Fascinating. In context with your screenplay, your second paragraph makes me immediately wonder about the main character’s family and her childhood (the 2 main categories of abuse victims). The drama should reveal the problems Margret had in childhood. Do you see Margret falling into one of these categories?
Regarding the ending and Margret not leaving her husband, I like the idea of planting the notion into your audience’s mind that it can takes many attempts before a victim finally leaves. So that, at the end of your screenplay, the audience understands that this is part of the process, and that she has gained at least a bit of strength for the next cycle. You might even consider blatantly framing the narrative as parts of a cycle, even going as far as writing chapter headings. That might be too much for what you want to accomplish, but it might help you organize the story in your head.
And I like the idea of portraying the husband as not always a monster. In a real situation, of course the abusive person has some redeeming qualities, maybe even extraordinary qualities, that attract his mate. You will need to avoid the temptation to make him seem purely evil. Though this will be hard. Can you think of other movies or books with this kind of character? Here are some ideas off the top of my head:
Maid (recent TV series)
The Color Purple
What’s Love Got to Do With It
Unforgiveable
The Godfather 2
Regarding the ending and Margret not leaving her husband, I like the idea of planting the notion into your audience’s mind that it can takes many attempts before a victim finally leaves. So that, at the end of your screenplay, the audience understands that this is part of the process, and that she has gained at least a bit of strength for the next cycle. You might even consider blatantly framing the narrative as parts of a cycle, even going as far as writing chapter headings. That might be too much for what you want to accomplish, but it might help you organize the story in your head.
And I like the idea of portraying the husband as not always a monster. In a real situation, of course the abusive person has some redeeming qualities, maybe even extraordinary qualities, that attract his mate. You will need to avoid the temptation to make him seem purely evil. Though this will be hard. Can you think of other movies or books with this kind of character? Here are some ideas off the top of my head:
Maid (recent TV series)
The Color Purple
What’s Love Got to Do With It
Unforgiveable
The Godfather 2