Monday, February 24, 2020

2020 OSCARS: The Two Popes (2019) - Inserting Humore in Writing

[Quick Summary: The story of the relationship of Pope Benedict and Bergoglio, an Argentinian cardinal, who becomes Pope Francis.]

Writer Anthony McCarten, whose BAFTA Screenwriters' Lecture speech is well worth a listen, has spoken often on inserting humor in his writing.

I laughed at the scene below, and it was a release valve.

Bergoglio has just arrived at the Pope's summer residence.  He is uncomfortable, surrounded by so much excess.

I thought the humor was even more accentuated because it was followed by the sober reminder of the expectations that surround us, i.e.,  saints and cherubim.

ex. INT. CASTEL GANDOLFO - CORRIDOR (2012) - EVENING

Bergoglio is following the nun along the intimidating corridors. He's not happy here. The nun shows him a room.

BERGOGLIO: Thank you, sister.

NUN: Oh. I almost forgot. A message from your assistant in Buenos Aires...

She hands him a piece of paper. He unfolds it, troubled.

She shows him to his room. As he goes into his room...

NUN (CONT'D): Is it bad news, father?

INSERT: Shot of the piece of paper in his hand. It's a starting line up for tonight's big San Lorenzo game.

BERGOGLIO: I'm afraid so. Lavezzi is not in the starting line up for Argentina and Equador tomorrow.

PICK UP ON Bergoglio trying to pray a little later. He is distracted by the decoration in the room - paintings of saints surrounded by beaming baby-faced cherubim.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED: "Those who lose the ability to laugh, lose the ability to think."-Clarence Darrow

The Two Popes (2019)
by Anthony McCarten

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