Roz Sohnen filmmaker, writer, teacher
The newsletter: May 2024 10th Edition
Photo by Roz Sohnen
WEEKEND
A friend told me that he recently signed with a partner at a prestigious agency. As the head of the literary feature department there he told my friend that he wanted to work with him for the very reason everyone else turned him down all this time. “You don’t write conventional, three act hero, goal, antagonist scripts. You write about the human condition. And you do it in a way that puts people in touch with their own humanity.”
This is not easy. But, my friend Seth is an exceptional writer with a unique voice. It does not come without years of experience and struggle.
I became a fan of writer- director, Andrew Haigh years ago after seeing his film, 45 YEARS. His most recent film, ALL OF US STRANGERS is another compelling film, about two men in a relationship during the AIDS epidemic. I just saw an earlier film of his, WEEKEND which was made in 2011. I found it deeply affecting and it made me think about what made it so special. Haigh does not tell conventional stories but his films put you in touch with your own humanity.
WEEKEND is a story about intimacy. Yes, it begins with a sexual encounter but what follows is really about emotional intimacy. The process of discovery that happens the morning after the sexual experience explores the complexity of emotional involvements, sex, and the desire for and fear of commitment. He presents the characters without sentimentality and reveals their vulnerabilities so honestly that it we care about these two men. And as the title implies it is a snapshot of a relationship over just two days. Yet these two days transform the characters which is what we want to see when we watch films. How do these experiences transform the characters?
A recent facebook friend shared a poem he had written when he learned that a childhood friend had passed away. This childhood friend was significant because he was the first one who was able to truly “see” him, which resulted in his own ability to see and accept himself. This is MAJOR! When we don’t follow conventional paths, look different or find the world an unfriendly and hostile place, and home equally undesirable and there seems no safe place for us, someone who is able to see us and celebrate us as we are can make a huge difference. I was deeply moved by his tribute to his former friend and viewing WEEKEND after reading his poem made me reflect on the importance of seeing the other person for real intimacy to occur. None of this diminishes the erotic heat and lust of these two characters, but instead intensifies it and makes it more real. When a one night stand grows into something more serious and perhaps profound, it is less important that the relationship be forever because how this brief encounter will change the lives of both men is lasting. The writer/director explores gay identity and the inexplicable mystery of attraction and the consequences of action. The themes emerge slowly but forcefully as we witness the behavior of each character with other gay men.
The honesty of the film doesn’t provide answers or promise to reassure the audience but demonstrates the risks and pleasures of being known by another. There is no easy payoff, no happy or tragic ending, but rather an experience for which we the audience come to further understand ourselves and others.
As a screenwriter and mentor to emerging screenwriters I can only suggest this kind of writing to those already experienced and knowledgeable in more traditional three act structure, goal and antagonist script format. It is much more difficult than it appears to be.
I am happy to work privately in advisement to screenwriters attempting this kind of writing. As I reflect on many things this month I am also remembering those cherished friends I have lost, but who forever changed my life. In the photo above are two friends, a loving and supportive couple, long gone, who I miss dearly. What was always so remarkable about them was their openness with themselves and others. It was a kind of fearlessness that instilled confidence and trust among those blessed to know them. They welcomed strangers into their orbit and graced them with their love.
What are your thoughts about writing movies like this? Can you share your thoughts? I’d love to hear your comments.