[Quick Summary: At a competency hearing, a public defender struggles
to defend his new client, an ill-mannered psychiatric
patient who is accused of manslaughter.]
Three Related Thoughts (especially for new writers):
1) "LIKEABLE" - There is a myth out there that a character must be likeable (whatever that means). I disagree.
I think the character needs to be understandable, whether or not you like him/her.
2) NOTE BEHIND THE NOTE. Writers are always looking for the most precise and concise words. We assume that everyone communicates that way too, right?
Actually, no. Most people are often vague, verbally sloppy, and/or unaware.
A prime example is when an executive, director, actor, producer, etc. says, "But the character is not likeable..." What does that mean? They usually do not know.
Part of your job as a screenwriter is to: a) recognize when this is
happening, and b) figure out what that person is really trying to
convey (note behind the note).
DO NOT automatically assume this character SHOULD be likeable.
DO pause, regroup, and ask questions. Is the character hard to relate to? Unclear what his/her motives are? What is the confusing part?
3) IRRITATING & UNPLEASANT. How does one handle an unlikeable character? Today's protagonist is a good example of how to do this well.
Claudia is a difficult, off-beat prostitute who is hospitalized. But is she really insane?
I liked how the writers did not excused her behavior, but kept her motives clear and slowly revealed
secrets. We may not like her, but do start to understand her.
The scene below is her first real meeting with Levinsky, a public
defender and her 2nd defense attorney (she bloodied the first one in
court).
ex. "INT. TINY CONFERENCE ROOM - NEW YORK COUNTY PRISON HOSPITAL
... LEVINSKY (he pulls a file from his briefcase): Well, what we've got here is a seven-thirty process, a process whereby...the patient does not understand the charge against him or her, and whereby a patient is incapable of assisting in his or her own defense.
CLAUDIA: You married?
LEVINSKY: What?
CLAUDIA: You got a missus?
LEVINSKY: Yes.
CLAUDIA: She give good head?
LEVINSKY: Look,, you want to talk about your situation, here? You've been indicted for manslaughter, first degree.
CLAUDIA: I know all that. Tell me why you're really here.
LEVINSKY: The truth?
CLAUDIA (getting worked up): No, Levinsky, the bullshit. I love listening to bullshit, especially when I'm drowning in it. I know why you're here. You're here to see for yourself if I'm crazy -- no, no, no, you're here to see just how crazy I am.
LEVINSKY: Two psychiatrists say you're incompetent.
CLAUDIA: Morrison and Arantes. Frick 'n Frack. Arantes can barely speak English and Morrison's a very weird guy. I flashed and he didn't even look. (she flashes now) How 'bout you, Levinsky, are you weird, too?
LEVINSKY: I must be okay, I'm looking.
She covers up and walks across the room.
LEVINSKY: Your mother said to tell you she loves you.
CLAUDIA: Fuck my mother! Why didn't you tell me you were working for them?
LEVINSKY: Look, lady, I came here to do my job in good faith. You can cooperate and maybe it goes your way. Or, you can yell at me and tomorrow I move to commit and that's the end of that.
CLAUDIA: You creep lawyers are all alike. As long as you get your fee you don't care who goes where for how long.
LEVINSKY: Hey, wait a minute. I don't take any money from you.
CLAUDIA: Now...this one comes in here, wearing the worst tie I've ever seen, and tells me that if I don't kiss ass he's going to walk out on me. Well, walk!
LEVINSKY: And, be held in contempt of court? No thank you. I'm stuck with you...."
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: I liked how it was clear from the start what Claudia wanted, but her motives and secrets were only revealed little by little. It kept me engaged.
Nuts (1987)(final draft, dated 10/15/86)
by Darryl Ponicsan and Alvin Sargent
Based on the play by Tom Topor
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