| by John Finnegan
Original storytelling is a cornerstone of great cinema and a vital practice for screenwriters who wish to craft compelling, meaningful narratives. As both a screenwriter and a researcher, I feel deeply passionate about the role original fiction plays in shaping our culture and inspiring audiences. This post explores why originality matters, using the film Miss Sloane as a case study, and offers insights into how screenwriters can harness its power to create impactful stories.
Why Miss Sloane Stands Out
Some months ago, I watched Miss Sloane, a gripping political drama starring Jessica Chastain as a fierce lobbyist navigating the murky waters of Washington, D.C. The film follows her character as she leaves her established lobbying firm to join anti-gun campaigners, leveraging her cunning and resources to champion gun reform. By the film's end, she achieves her goals in spectacular fashion, shaking the system to its core.
What makes Miss Sloane so remarkable is its originality. The story is entirely fictional, yet it resonates with contemporary issues like corruption, political reform, and gender dynamics. This originality allows the film to explore these themes in ways that feel timely and relevant without being constrained by the specifics of real-life events. It’s a story that asks, “What if?”—an essential question for any screenwriter aiming to inspire and provoke thought.
Fiction as a Mirror and a Window
Fictional and original storytelling offers a unique duality: it acts as both a mirror reflecting our current society and a window into what could be. Films like Miss Sloane demonstrate how speculative scenarios can address real-world issues while remaining free to explore alternative outcomes.
Take the issue of gun reform as an example. The film’s portrayal of a successful campaign to change laws in the United States is hopeful and inspiring, yet grounded in realism. In the real world, such sweeping reforms are rare, and progress can be slow. By presenting a fictional success story, the film not only engages viewers but also encourages them to imagine a better future—something that factual retellings often struggle to achieve.
The Case for Important Original Stories in Cinema
While adaptations, biopics, and historical dramas have their merits, they often come with creative constraints. These stories are bound by the need to stay true to established facts or source material, which can limit the storyteller’s ability to innovate. Original fiction, on the other hand, provides the freedom to explore bold ideas, diverse perspectives, and fresh narratives.
For instance, Steven Spielberg’s use of allegory in films like Munich is a powerful storytelling technique, offering commentary on contemporary issues through historical events. However, allegory is not the only way to convey such themes. Original works like Miss Sloane show that entirely fictional stories can be just as effective—if not more so—at tackling pressing social issues. Consider how 1984 by George Orwell remains a timeless critique of authoritarianism, achieved through a wholly imagined world.
How Original Stories Inspire Change
Original storytelling is where we often find the most authentic and inclusive narratives. By imagining societies as they could be, these stories inspire hope and drive change. For screenwriters, this means thinking beyond the immediate appeal of existing works and daring to craft something new. Here’s how you can start:
1. Focus on Contemporary Relevance
Identify issues that resonate with today’s audiences. For Miss Sloane, it was gun reform and political corruption.
Ask yourself: What conversations are happening right now that your story could contribute to?
2. Create Complex Characters
Develop protagonists who are flawed yet relatable. Jessica Chastain’s character in Miss Sloane is a perfect example of this balance.
Aim to reflect the diversity and complexity of real people.
3. Imagine Alternative Outcomes
Use your story to propose solutions or scenarios that don’t yet exist in the real world.
Let your imagination fill in the gaps where reality falls short.
4. Embrace the Power of Fiction
Remember that fiction allows you to transcend the limits of real events. Don’t be afraid to ask “What if?” and explore the possibilities.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
It’s no secret that studios often prioritise adaptations and established IPs because they feel like safer bets. However, original screenplays can offer something these works often lack: immediacy. While a novel or game may take years to develop, a screenplay can respond quickly to current events, capturing the zeitgeist in ways other media cannot.
Producers may hesitate to take risks on original projects, but films like Miss Sloane prove their value. They show us stories we haven’t seen before, challenge the status quo, and push the boundaries of what cinema can achieve.
Conclusion
The question of why original stories are important in cinema is essential for the growth and evolution of cinema. By crafting fictional narratives that reflect our world and envision a better one, screenwriters have the power to inspire change and spark meaningful dialogue. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned professional, let Miss Sloane serve as a reminder of what’s possible when you dare to tell a story that’s entirely your own.
(Image copyright: Filmnation)
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