When writing anything no matter if it’s a film script or a story one of the hardest things to do is use quotes from a historical speech or context. It’s not really a problem about finding one but, for me, more a question of “Can I use my own?”
Adding a historical or famous extract from a speech will always add an instant appeal to those who recognise it but from a writers point of view it can dilute the most important message of the script. An example is the opening scene of John Hughes 1984 teen hit movie “The Breakfast Club”
Here Hughes used words from David Bowie (more in vogue with teens at the time) to add an instant appeal and attraction to the movie’s context. The message was about not misunderstanding or underestimating the youth of that era
“…and these children that you spit on, as they try to change their worlds are immune to your consultations. They’re quite aware of what they’re going through…” – David Bowie~
Instant appeal.
Hughes at the time was not that well known so would his own words have benefited him more or less? The answer is obviously yes.
So here I am trying to find a suitable link to a speech that conjures up my own screenplay, yet in all honesty I would really rather use my own.
