Patreon Exclusive Minisode #13: Fat on Film
Added 2023-08-02 01:12:10 +0000 UTCIn this exclusive minisode, Michael and Don discuss how to approach writing fat representation into screenplays and how the industry sees that kind of activism. (We almost made it in time for July!)
Comments
Clarification: IIRC, the comment was about incorporating fatness during the writing process. just writing into the script that a character is fat doesn’t mean anything unless fatness affects the choices the character makes or how the character is treated. Directors can make choices to use fat actors later in the process that might make an impactful statement in roles where their fatness makes a point, or evokes a reaction from the audience. So, in the example the listener writes in: if Pretty Woman stated in the script that the character was supposed to be fat with no other changes to the script then yes, I think it would make a bad script. That does not mean it couldn’t work as a movie, but it wouldn’t be the same film. the way she is treated in the movie by just about every other character is centered on her existence as a conventionally attractive person that’s willing to sell their body for benefits. To change her to a fat character and not address the fundamental differences this should cause in other characters reactions in the script would, I would argue, wouldn’t work on paper. A director could conceivably use that written material to make a point, yes, and actors might still be able to make it watchable, but this would be in spite of the script, not because of it. Hope that’s clearer -Don
The Big Fat Gay Podcast
2023-08-16 00:40:25 +0000 UTCThanks for sharing. Can I ask about Don's take on the Rutherford Falls actress? He mentioned her portrayal didn't seem representative of being a fat person because it didn't show her considering the motives of her suitors. If Pretty Woman cast Melissa McCarthy or John Candy and didn't play up their size (tho I guess the fire escape scene would no matter how they filmed it- spoilers) wouldn't that have been a good move? Or does fat representstion have to include nuances like you suggested? May be I didnt understand Don's take.
C.J. Brouillard
2023-08-03 18:16:25 +0000 UTC
