Setting the Stage: The Nuances of ‘The Favourite’
When venturing into the realm of period pieces, the attention to detail and historical accuracy becomes paramount. Yet, the art lies not just in reproducing an era but in interpreting it through the lens of today. In the case of ‘The Favourite’, director Yorgos Lanthimos alongside screenwriters Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara navigate these waters with finesse. They present a narrative both rooted in its historical context and captivating in its exploration of power, desire, and politics.
Historical Backdrop
‘The Favourite’ is set in early 18th century England, during the tumultuous reign of Queen Anne. The country is embroiled in war with France, and the internal politics are equally fractious, with two political parties — the Whigs and the Tories — vying for power. Beyond the public eye, though, the narrative takes us into the more intimate, secluded world of the Queen and her court.
While this setting offers an opportunity for opulent costumes and magnificent sets, the truly compelling aspect of this environment is the web of political and personal ambitions. Historically, monarchs were surrounded by a plethora of advisors, courtiers, and allies, each with their own vested interests. The lines between political strategy and personal relationships often blurred, creating a playground for screenwriters to explore the complexities of human intentions.
Main Characters and Their Labyrinth
Central to the screenplay’s structure are the three main characters: Queen Anne, her close friend and advisor Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, and Abigail Hill, a fallen noblewoman who becomes a maid in the Queen’s household. All three women, with their distinct personalities and aspirations, set the stage for a riveting tale of manipulation, affection, rivalry, and betrayal.
Queen Anne is portrayed not merely as a figurehead but as a deeply troubled woman grappling with her health, personal losses, and the heavy weight of the crown. Her vulnerability makes her both endearing and unpredictable. Sarah, on the other hand, is Queen Anne’s confidante, advisor, and clandestine lover. She is a master of the political game, effortlessly intertwining her personal desires with the best interests of the state. As for Abigail, her journey from a destitute outsider to a key player in the Queen’s inner circle forms the crux of the narrative. The dichotomy of her initial innocence, juxtaposed against her latent cunning, adds layers to her character arc, making her journey both fascinating and unsettling.
Screenplay Structure: Crafting Intrigue
The realm of the Royal Court is inherently fraught with secrecy, scheming, and intrigue. Crafting a screenplay structure that effectively encapsulates this atmosphere is no small feat. ‘The Favourite’ adopts a segmented approach, with the narrative divided into titled chapters. This not only gives a nod to literary works from the era but also facilitates the storytelling, allowing the narrative to hone in on pivotal moments without getting lost in the grand tapestry of the time.
What stands out in the screenplay structure of ‘The Favourite’ is its impeccable balance between exposition and show-don’t-tell. The delicate dynamics between the characters aren’t handed to the audience on a silver platter but are masterfully illustrated through dialogues, physical nuances, and the intricacies of the court’s etiquette. Consider the scene where Abigail first catches Sarah’s eye. Instead of an overt exposition about Abigail’s intent or Sarah’s suspicions, we’re treated to an exchange of subtle glances, measured words, and a nuanced understanding of the underlying tensions.
The visuals, too, play a crucial role. While dialogue drives much of the screenplay, the setting and cinematography amplify the underlying emotions and power dynamics. For example, the dimly lit corridors of the palace are more than just a nod to the candlelit aesthetics of the era. They stand as metaphors for the shadowy intrigues that pervade the court.
Decoding Power Plays: Screenwriting Tips from ‘The Favourite’
The realm of film is inundated with tales of ambition, manipulation, and power struggles. Yet, few manage to weave these themes into their narrative with the finesse and sublimity showcased in ‘The Favourite’. This cinematic masterpiece isn’t merely a retelling of historical events; it’s an intense character study and a testament to the art of subtlety. By diving deeper into its screenplay, budding writers can extract valuable screenwriting tips that can aid their craft, making their narratives more compelling and nuanced.
The Subtle Nuances of Manipulation
What makes ‘The Favourite’ a standout is its refusal to be overt. While many films might directly present a character’s sinister intentions or manipulative tactics, ‘The Favourite’ invites viewers to read between the lines. Take, for instance, the scene where Abigail subtly poisons Sarah. Instead of spelling out her intentions, the act is masterfully layered within gestures, dialogue nuances, and the setting.
Screenwriting Tip #1: When showcasing manipulation, opt for subtlety over exposition. Let characters’ actions and dialogues, or even what they don’t say, hint at their underlying motives. This not only keeps the audience engaged but also respects their intelligence, allowing them to piece the narrative puzzle together.
Ambition’s Double-Edged Sword
One of the central themes running through ‘The Favourite’ is ambition. Both Sarah and Abigail are driven by their aspirations — one to maintain her position and influence, the other to rise from the ashes of her past and reclaim a semblance of dignity and power. Yet, their ambition isn’t portrayed as an overt hunger for power. Instead, it’s subtly interwoven with their personal tragedies, insecurities, and vulnerabilities.
Screenwriting Tip #2: Ambition, in a screenplay, should never be one-dimensional. Root it in a character’s backstory, intertwine it with their fears or dreams, and showcase its ramifications, both positive and negative. This provides a more holistic view of a character’s motivations and makes them relatable, even if their actions are morally grey.
Crafting Engaging Dialogues
The power dynamics in ‘The Favourite’ frequently shift, and this fluidity is most evident in the dialogues. For example, in one scene, Queen Anne dismisses Sarah’s advice with a casual remark, revealing a rift in their once unbreakable bond. Such exchanges are gold mines for showcasing character relationships without overt exposition.
Screenwriting Tip #3: Use dialogues not just for forwarding the plot but for revealing character dynamics. An offhand comment, a veiled threat, or even a tender expression can offer profound insights into relationships, past events, or impending conflicts. Remember, dialogues should feel natural and organic, and not forced or overly scripted.
The Power of Physical Nuances
‘The Favourite’ leans heavily on physical cues to convey underlying emotions or intentions. From the subtle touch of a hand to a lingering gaze, these moments often speak louder than words. For example, Abigail’s initial subservient posture gradually transforms as she gains more influence, showcasing her rising confidence and status.
Screenwriting Tip #4: Physicality can be as powerful as dialogue, if not more. Incorporate body language, facial expressions, or even the spatial dynamics between characters to convey underlying emotions or intentions. These nuances add depth to the narrative and provide actors with a richer canvas to work with.
Layering Conflicts
While the central conflict revolves around the rivalry between Sarah and Abigail, ‘The Favourite’ is rife with underlying tensions. From political skirmishes to Queen Anne’s inner battles with her health and past, these layered conflicts add depth to the narrative and keep the audience invested.
Screenwriting Tip #5: Don’t shy away from incorporating multiple conflicts in your screenplay. Whether it’s internal battles, interpersonal tensions, or external pressures, these conflicts can provide varied narrative arcs, ensuring the storyline doesn’t become monotonous or predictable.
Crafting Complex Characters: Tools for the Modern Screenwriter
When assessing the cinematic beauty of ‘The Favourite’, one of its standout achievements is undoubtedly its intricate, multifaceted characters. In many ways, the heart and soul of a compelling narrative lie in its protagonists and antagonists, those characters whose desires, dilemmas, and decisions guide the ebb and flow of the storyline. A closer study of ‘The Favourite’ unveils tools and strategies that the modern screenwriter can harness to sculpt layered and evocative personalities.
Duality and the Inner Conflict
At the core of ‘The Favourite’ are three women, each possessing a duality that both endears them to and distances them from the audience. Queen Anne, for instance, flits between vulnerability – as a woman who has lost 17 children and grapples with illness – and capriciousness, as she whimsically manipulates the affections of Sarah and Abigail for her own validation.
Writing Tip #1: Embrace the duality within characters. Few individuals in the real world are purely virtuous or utterly villainous. Crafting a character with a blend of strengths, weaknesses, virtues, and vices not only makes them relatable but also unpredictable, keeping audiences hooked.
Backstories as Building Blocks
Abigail’s descent from nobility and her subsequent fall from grace is not just a tidbit from her past. It’s the driving force behind her ambition, her desperation, and her actions. Her backstory isn’t presented in an exposition dump but is gradually unveiled, adding depth to her character with each revelation.
Writing Tip #2: Utilize backstories judiciously. Instead of treating them as mere footnotes, intertwine them with the character’s present motivations and aspirations. And, instead of revealing them in one go, pepper them throughout the narrative, letting them be the keys to understanding character behavior.
Nuanced Relationships as Catalysts
The relationships in ‘The Favourite’ are neither static nor straightforward. Sarah’s and Queen Anne’s bond, which begins as one of genuine affection and mutual reliance, becomes strained due to political and personal differences. Abigail’s and Sarah’s dynamic also shifts, transitioning from one of mentor-mentee to rivals. These evolving relationships are pivotal in driving the narrative forward.
Writing Tip #3: Let relationships be fluid. Dynamics change as characters evolve, face challenges, or grow. Relationships can be powerful catalysts in propelling the narrative, offering moments of tension, reconciliation, betrayal, or camaraderie.
Physicality and Unspoken Emotions
In many scenes within ‘The Favourite’, what’s unsaid is just as, if not more, poignant than spoken dialogues. Sarah’s glances, Abigail’s subtle gestures of defiance, and Queen Anne’s moments of isolation all communicate a wealth of emotions without relying on words.
Writing Tip #4: Don’t solely rely on dialogue to convey emotions or intentions. Characters, like real people, often speak volumes through their actions, habits, or even silences. This not only adds depth to the character but also provides actors with more nuanced roles to sink their teeth into.
Moral Ambiguity and Character Development
Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of ‘The Favourite’ is its lack of a clear hero or villain. Each character operates within shades of grey, making choices that range from the selfless to the self-serving, often blurring the line between right and wrong.
Writing Tip #5: Challenge the audience’s moral compass. Characters who consistently make righteous decisions can often feel flat or unrealistic. Introducing moral dilemmas, where characters grapple with decisions that challenge their principles, can lead to richer character arcs and more engaged audiences.
Inspiration for the Modern Screenwriter: Writing Prompts
Drawing from ‘The Favourite’, here are a few writing prompts to help screenwriters practice crafting layered characters:
- Create a character with a powerful position but an unexpected vulnerability. How does this vulnerability influence their decisions?
- Design a backstory for a character that explains a unique quirk or behavior they exhibit in the present storyline.
- Write a scene where two characters reveal their true feelings for one another without saying a word.
- Develop a scenario where a character’s moral compass is tested. What decision do they make, and what are the ramifications?
Conclusion
‘The Favourite’, with its tapestry of emotions, ambitions, and conflicts, serves as an invaluable reference for screenwriters aiming to breathe life into their characters. By understanding and implementing the tools of duality, backstories, fluid relationships, unspoken emotions, and moral ambiguity, modern screenwriters can create narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, leaving an indelible impact.
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A.I. in Screen Trade 