Significant Others Bonus Episode: Eric Roth on the Role of the Screenwriter
Oct 26, 2023
Academy Award-winning screenwriter Eric Roth joins Liza to discuss his process of adapting books to film, the relationship between screenwriter and director, and working with Martin Scorsese on Killers of the Flower Moon. They also explore the creative freedom of adapting books into movies, common themes in Roth's films, and the making of Forrest Gump. The discussion highlights the importance of subtextual writing and concludes with gratitude for Roth and announcements for future bonus episodes.
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Episode notes
Originality in Adaptations
- Eric Roth often starts adaptations from the core concept rather than the original story details.
- Some of his adaptations like Benjamin Button are significantly original beyond the source material.
Screenwriting as Craft
- Screenwriting is a craft, not a pure art form, due to its collaborative nature.
- A screenplay has little value until the film is actually made, unlike a published book.
Focus on Theme in Adaptation
- When adapting, underline what you want to dramatize and then select what to keep.
- Focus primarily on the theme, what the story is ultimately about, not just the plot.