Everyone Has Reversals

Story Lessons, Big and Small (Warning: Spoilers!)

January 27, 2006

Location, Location, Location

Choosing the right environment for a story is so important, yet seems to be easier said than done. The environment, or key location(s), inform the characters, the tone of the film, the credibility of the film, and the rules of the world, while simultaneously providing opportunities for (hopefully) varied interactions/scenes. So why do we always seem to end up in the same old places?


The 40 Year Old Virgin
has, as its key environment, a Future Shop type store. It's a great choice because it:

  • Is a workplace, and so, is a place our hero might reasonably spend most of his days.
  • Is a plausible workplace for our hero. A lifelong nerd might absolutely commit to a career in a store in which he can be somewhat anonymous, as well as have access to discounts on high-definition big-screen TVs.
  • Is a big space with a variety of areas/people. Our 4 main guys largely interact here, whether it's working, slacking, or talking with one another during the workday, or playing poker in the back room at night. Not to mention the interactions we get with other co-workers, managers, etc.
  • Is a distinct yet relatable choice. We all know what it's like to shop in Future Shop while dodging salespeople (mainly salesmen) working on commission.
  • Is a space (and therefore, a kind of job) we haven't seen a lot in film. No lawyers, advertising execs, architects, news reporters, or magazine editors here! And I know that makes me heave one giant sigh of relief.
The right environment for the story opens up more story possibilities. Which makes the creative process easier. Don't you want more story possibilities?

I love coffee shops too. Just not in movies.

3 Comments:

Blogger Adam Renfro said...

Ah, I’m in big agreement with you. Sitcoms are often a victim of this pitfall. How many have one setting: a COUCH. That’s it. Four people wedged on a couch, making wiseass comments. Nothing but a couch and punchlines.

My favorites have always avoided this: MASH, Taxi, Barney Miller, Cheers and newcomers The Office and My Name Is Earl.

8:25 p.m.  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't get me started on the subject of architects in film. Don't get me started.

Worse than a movie with a boring environment, though, is one that fails to capitalize on a good one. Remember Pushing Tin? Promised so much more than it delivered. How can you fuck up air traffic controllers? When else have we seen the airport world in a non-thriller/action/disaster flick? Waste, waste, waste.

10:39 p.m.  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I guess that's why hospitals and police departments are such big hits when it comes to movie/tv settings. And why writers make such shitty protagonists (except, of course Jack in The Shining and Charlie in Adaptation).

A workplace setting I'd like to see in movies? Logging camp/treeplanting camp. I think it could be ugly and beautiful and dangerous all at the same time.

10:22 p.m.  

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