Field of Dreams

[amicus]

For writers only....

I watched again, for more times that I care to admit, the film, Field of Dreams.....

I write...I have been paid to write...I have millions of words in print and millions more waiting....and that is not bragadoccio, just fact....


But I could never write something like 'Field of Dreams'...could you?

Where did the concept come from of Shoeless Joe Jackson, insofar as being the basis for a story....how did the writer tie in the father/son eternal conflict...and Clarence Mann, if he was indeed...and the 60's and the 'peace, love and drugs' and the old country doctor...and baseball in the 20's...and Iowa...and the cornfields of the midwest....and the hippy volkswagen van and the 'nazi cow' and Amy Madigan and Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones....and Burt Lancaster....(Rainmaker? Katharine Hepburn)

Not quite sure what the motive of this thread is...except to confess my amazement at the talent of some writers...and the process by which a story becomes a film..with such excellent casting....

There are other films of course..such as My Fair Lady, is that the name? with Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn....and Roman Holiday...Gregory Peck and Audrey again...and a thousand more...it is a fine group we aspire to...as writers...but still, when it all comes together...as Field of Dreams did....it is a celebration of the art and the artists...

amicus....just one of those things I had to get out....along with Lucy Deakins and the Boy who could Fly and....Tania Raymonde and Children on their Birthdays....and Tortilla Soup with Hector Elizondro....and a hundred more....sighs...oh well...

 

[minsue]

For writers only....

http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/diverse/aetsch.gif

Yes, it's horribly childish, but I've been in a bad mood all night and that made me feel ever-so-much better. Twon't happen again, I promise

 

[Lucifer_Carroll]

I know what you mean. Whenever I watch or read something really well written it makes me want to work on my stuff, make it better, strive to match. I have a couple of movies that I sometimes use for that very purpose (Jacob's Ladder and Full Metal Jacket).

I however, can't see myself ever doing screenwriting. Sure there is a chance that I'd be allowed to produce something like "American Beauty" or "Donnie Darko", but there is such a greater likelihood that whatever I'd write would be turned into "Gonzo gets a blowjob and a wacky adventure while somebody evil blows up". I'd rather write for the stage (dying and damn hard to break into medium that it is) because of the more writer-centric attitude of that community. You get the same translation, but it's much more respectful.

P.S. I'd be indebted to any author/playwright who can give me more advice on how to break into the playwriting scene. I send my work to contests as I discover them, but I need a resource like Spicy Green Iguana (sci-fi/fantasy magazine list for short story submissions) or something. Anybody willing to help a demon out?

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

Amicus,

"Field of Dreams, is an incredible example of plot weaving.

For pure dialogue, one of my favorite movies is "The Lion in Winter."

Rumple Foreskin

 

[ABSTRUSE]

I know what you mean. Whenever I watch or read something really well written it makes me want to work on my stuff, make it better, strive to match. I have a couple of movies that I sometimes use for that very purpose (Jacob's Ladder and Full Metal Jacket).

I however, can't see myself ever doing screenwriting. Sure there is a chance that I'd be allowed to produce something like "American Beauty" or "Donnie Darko", but there is such a greater likelihood that whatever I'd write would be turned into "Gonzo gets a blowjob and a wacky adventure while somebody evil blows up". I'd rather write for the stage (dying and damn hard to break into medium that it is) because of the more writer-centric attitude of that community. You get the same translation, but it's much more respectful.

P.S. I'd be indebted to any author/playwright who can give me more advice on how to break into the playwriting scene. I send my work to contests as I discover them, but I need a resource like Spicy Green Iguana (sci-fi/fantasy magazine list for short story submissions) or something. Anybody willing to help a demon out?

Have you written plays or are you looking to write them sweets?

 

[gauchecritic]

My advice Luci: Go the hardcopy route and add an m/s to every single theatre/production company's slush pile that you can think of.

The rejections are soul destroying (but you already know about that but a certain percentage will also send good advice along with the rejection.

Gauche

 

[dr_mabeuse]

The movie is actually a compilation of a lot of different stories by Kinsella, all smooshed together and then run through a team of Hollywood writers. I read his book, and from that so you can really see the Bradbury influence. Of course, I don't know if anyone can write lyrically about the Midwest and not invoke Bradbury. (I even once started a sexual role-playing game here on Lit based on The Circus of Dr. Lao.)

I've never seen the movie, but you know these Hollywood guys are good. I mean, that's what they get paid for.

Did you know that Faulkner and Fitzgerald both washed out writing for Hollywood? Faulkner had his stuff edited to hell, and Fitzgerald blocked up and started hitting the sauce again.

---dr.M.

 

[Wicked-N-Erotic]

Agreed, Field of Dreams is an incredible movie. My copy is just short of being used to the max, even my 8 year old loves to watch it. I can't count the number of times she has pulled it out to watch, choosing it over Lion King or some other movie kids her age would watch. It amazes me that she gets it, at her age. I too am inspired to write or rewrite something when I'm stimulated by such brilliance.


Wicked

 

[doormouse]

Re: Re: Field of Dreams

http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/diverse/aetsch.gif

Yes, it's horribly childish, but I've been in a bad mood all night and that made me feel ever-so-much better. Twon't happen again, I promise

That was at me wasn't it?

Well put that tongue to good use!!

Oh, and Flowers In The Attic is another that comes to mind. Brilliant.

 

[dr_mabeuse]

One of the things you have to remember about movies these days is that they're pretty much written by committees, and the head writer is often market research.

There are Hollywood writers who do nothing but work on plot twists, others who specialize in dialogue, and others brought in just to punch up a script with humor or drama or pathos. They all specialize these days. A script might go through ten or twenty rewrites by as many different writers.

A movie might be shot with 3 or 4 different endings too, and then they're screened before focus groups so the audience reaction can be gauged and the film edited to fit the audience's tastes. The result is the McDonaldization of movies. They come out palatable and popular but they rarely take chances or challenge the audience. They're all gloss with no depth.

This is another example of the good being the enemy of the great.

---dr.M.

 

[amicus]

Dr. Mab....

You said...in part...(...They come out palatable and popular but they rarely take chances or challenge the audience. They're all gloss with no depth.

This is another example of the good being the enemy of the great.

---dr.M)




I would not challenge your observations but I do question why you point them out.

The artistic output in totalitarian or semi-totalitarian nations, wherein art is regulated and used to exemplify the State, seldom produces, 'greatness' in any degree.

If there is but the choice between the free market system, 'capitalism' the 'Mcdonaldization' of art and that of the controlled society where art is the function of the state, then, give me a Big Mac every time.

(Although I personally prefer Filet Mignon and pommes de terre...)

amicus

 

[gauchecritic]

How the fuck did you manage to bring politics into that?

'Great' art, in general is not created by committees with an audience to tell them if they like it or not before it's finished.

By and large 'great' art is one man's vision, be he Red or running dog.

Gauche

 

[Virtual_Burlesque]

While I enjoyed the total package, I always found Field of Dreams to be a poorly-motivated story.

Any film where the major action occurs because the devil makes the ‘hero’ do it . . . or God, or the ghost of Shoeless Joe . . . motivation is going to be a problem.

The main performances are so winning, and the casting so appealing, that most viewers overlook the weakness.

 

[Guest]

I first read Amicus' questions and thought they might be a rather smart attempt at ironic rhetoric; e.g., "how did the writer tie in the father/son eternal conflict". Then I went, "Duh"; i.e., it's such an obvious gimmick, utterly unoriginal and so tritely in-your-face.

I appreciate what Gauche and Mab. have said, very relevant to the Hollywood factory reality (vs. analogy).

I never got "Field", but I certainly understand its popularity, such an exploitative stew pot of Americana, including the casting.

Perdita

 

[Guest]

For pure dialogue, one of my favorite movies is "The Lion in Winter."

Rumps, "Lion" came from an original play; the screenplay was written by the playwright but it was still not an original movie script as such.

For great original screenplay dialogue I've found little to surpass noir and screwballs.

Perdita

 

[lewdandlicentious]

For writers only....

I watched again, for more times that I care to admit, the film, Field of Dreams.....

I write...I have been paid to write...I have millions of words in print and millions more waiting....and that is not bragadoccio, just fact....


But I could never write something like 'Field of Dreams'...could you?

Where did the concept come from of Shoeless Joe Jackson, insofar as being the basis for a story....how did the writer tie in the father/son eternal conflict...and Clarence Mann, if he was indeed...and the 60's and the 'peace, love and drugs' and the old country doctor...and baseball in the 20's...and Iowa...and the cornfields of the midwest....and the hippy volkswagen van and the 'nazi cow' and Amy Madigan and Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones....and Burt Lancaster....(Rainmaker? Katharine Hepburn)

Not quite sure what the motive of this thread is...except to confess my amazement at the talent of some writers...and the process by which a story becomes a film..with such excellent casting....

There are other films of course..such as My Fair Lady, is that the name? with Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn....and Roman Holiday...Gregory Peck and Audrey again...and a thousand more...it is a fine group we aspire to...as writers...but still, when it all comes together...as Field of Dreams did....it is a celebration of the art and the artists...

amicus....just one of those things I had to get out....along with Lucy Deakins and the Boy who could Fly and....Tania Raymonde and Children on their Birthdays....and Tortilla Soup with Hector Elizondro....and a hundred more....sighs...oh well...

Have to TOTALLY agree.

Field of Dreams is one of my favourite all time movies. I couldn't put down words as to why, and I haven't read any books about it. It's just simply a wonderful film that brings out the best in a number of good actors. I mean, even Costners good in it!!!

I'm biased though, I'm a Liotta fan!

 

[Lucifer_Carroll]

Have you written plays or are you looking to write them sweets?

I've written 3 and am on my fourth.

Gauche, I am used to rejections. I am slowly breaking into the short story field, trying to break into the playwrighting field, and will be trying to break into the novelist field. I could not attempt those unless I enjoyed having a wallfull of rejections to add flavor to those all-too-seldom yeses.

I haven't yet been able to get any of my plays performed though I send them to contests when I can find them. How do you do the hardcopy theatre group slush pile route? I haven't tried that yet.

 

[amicus]

Hey, Luc...I was type cast as Dracula for summer stock during college and enjoyed a few months on stage...have you considered getting involved in a local drama group, in whatever way you might be comfortable with and going from there?

I found it a good way to learn what really happens backstage, with producers and directors and writers and actors and came away with a much better understanding of the art....

Just an idea...

amicus...who dabbles in many things...

 

[champagne1982]

The movie, Field of Dreams is based on a novella by W.P. Kinsella, titled Shoeless Joe.

He is a Canadian author and has some excellent stories and novels out there. (check out the Hobbema chronicles)

 

[Joe Wordsworth]

If a committee can produce something like "Field of Dreams" (not saying that's what happened, I'm saying /if/ they could) or "Forrest Gump" or "Amadeus"... /if/ that is possible, then perhaps we need to rethink the limitations we have on where great art can come from.

I saw a play, once, that had been worked on by a bunch of people. Plot, dialogue, blocking... all of it handled by people specialized in making those things really work.

It was a great play.

Those people could have just as easily been a committe. That play could have just as easily been "Driving Miss Daisy".

 

[Guest]

That play could have just as easily been "Driving Miss Daisy".

Jessica Tandy's a wet-dream!

 

[gauchecritic]

Well Luci,

I'm assuming you know the format for playwriting, bad first impressions don't get read.

Pick up a copy (or maybe it's on the net in some form or other) of the Artists and Writers Yearbook (or whatever version they have where you are) and go through the theatres listed, taking note of which ones do readings/experimental/new writers work and simply send them a hard copy of your play (nicely bound and legible) with a cover note and a return envelope.

I'm led to believe that lots of theatres have a person/s employed to go through unsolicited material. This unsolicited material is a 'slush pile' and it may take quite a while for them to get round to reading it, but at least it will be on their desk.

Quite a few rejections will be "we're not doing anything new this season, but good luck." and with that wish you may get a lead of the kind "I heard The Angelo Theatre of St Marks are looking for new works"

I don't know if you're acquainted with "The fucking cake guy" who used to post to the AH (I'm sure someone can give you his proper handle Ice something or other) He's Scandinavian but apparently writes regularly for a local theatre, so he may be able to help somehow.

Gauche

 

[sweetnpetite]

If a committee can produce something like "Field of Dreams" (not saying that's what happened, I'm saying /if/ they could) or "Forrest Gump" or "Amadeus"... /if/ that is possible, then perhaps we need to rethink the limitations we have on where great art can come from.

I saw a play, once, that had been worked on by a bunch of people. Plot, dialogue, blocking... all of it handled by people specialized in making those things really work.

It was a great play.

Those people could have just as easily been a committe. That play could have just as easily been "Driving Miss Daisy".

Good point Joe.

(I might rethink the idea of putting you on ignore)

 

[sweetnpetite]

Greatness is in the eye of the Beholder.

 

[Joe Wordsworth]

Originally posted by sweetnpetite
Good point Joe.

(I might rethink the idea of putting you on ignore)

Different topic... nothing new in the method. Go Logic!