One Could Call This "The Radio Rule"
This one's on my mind after reading a couple of scripts that haven't yet learned this lesson.
If your main character is going to be "special" -- an innocent, an outsider, someone who just doesn't "get" the world the way the rest of us do -- you've got to have some kind of anchor character. We need someone to speak and react for us. The anchor may very well learn to love what's different about the main character, but they can't start there, or the audience will feel distanced from the action. Stories must acknowledge that a character is different before showing they are worthy of love.
An example would be Matilda (Christine Taylor) in Zoolander. Matilda can't believe the innocence (stupidity, really) of Derek Zoolander. It's quite late before she realizes Zoolander's naivete is sincere and sweet, and that she actually likes him. Matilda's journey may well mirror ours. At the very least, a role like Matilda's will reassure the average moviegoer: "it's not you, it's the character".
There are no shows full of just Kramers. Arrested Development couldn't work without Michael. We need a lens through which to see the odder ducks.
Can you tell I'm concerned about Nacho Libre?
This one's on my mind after reading a couple of scripts that haven't yet learned this lesson.
If your main character is going to be "special" -- an innocent, an outsider, someone who just doesn't "get" the world the way the rest of us do -- you've got to have some kind of anchor character. We need someone to speak and react for us. The anchor may very well learn to love what's different about the main character, but they can't start there, or the audience will feel distanced from the action. Stories must acknowledge that a character is different before showing they are worthy of love.
An example would be Matilda (Christine Taylor) in Zoolander. Matilda can't believe the innocence (stupidity, really) of Derek Zoolander. It's quite late before she realizes Zoolander's naivete is sincere and sweet, and that she actually likes him. Matilda's journey may well mirror ours. At the very least, a role like Matilda's will reassure the average moviegoer: "it's not you, it's the character".
There are no shows full of just Kramers. Arrested Development couldn't work without Michael. We need a lens through which to see the odder ducks.
Can you tell I'm concerned about Nacho Libre?
posted by Jennica at 11:13 a.m.
5 Comments:
But what about The Royal Tenenbaums? Who's the normie in there? Luke Wilson?
Overall, excellent point. Makes me wonder if I need a third girl on the road trip in "Secondhand." ;)
I know, I know. I just rewatched it last week.
For me, what makes R.T. wonderful is that even when the characters aren't what I would call "real", they have real emotions. Jealousy, crushes, a feeling of wanting to punish a parent... after spending the whole movie punishing his dad, Chas finally breaks with: "I've had a rough year, Dad." And it's totally authentic and earned.
I would argue "Life Aquatic" could've used a grounding character.
I would argue that Royal is the grounding character. He's the only non-genius or wanna-be-genius. Sure he's a bit crazy, has his own issues, but I think maybe he's the most "normal" which now makes me think *he* is the Radio. Anderson does such a great job creating that world with its own rules (genius family, smoking is the wost possible thing to do) that because Royal does stand out as different and trying to fit in again, he is the odd one out and therefore the Radio.
Maybe?
Hi- I haven't delved into your blog yet, but I wanted to write you a note. My Auntie Joyce Campbell presented me with The Octopus and Other Poems for my birthday yesterday, which I've been reading voraciously since and couldn't sleep because of. What a tremendous achievement. (and what a great present). Thank you very much.
M - Of course! Royal as anchor. I think you're right on that... but can one character be both anchor and Radio? I dunno... maybe in the wacky worlds of Wes Anderson...
Kerry - Thank you so much for hunting me down to send me this note. And Happy belated Birthday!
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