Screenplays- Investigating Gospel Principles

            The screenplays written by Chloe Huber and A Todd are truly bold (not even considering the general opinion/favor of their scripts). I really respect their artistic endeavors. And, perhaps these screenplays do investigate gospel principles, which can be seen through their artistic techniques in the script.

            I had the chance to closely follow these directors throughout (and still) their production of their films. As I have watched them visualize and conceptualize their scripts, I recognize the deep concern, and excitement they have to carry out their screenplays. The screenplays really do speak their styles.

            In terms of investigating gospel principles, I believe Chloe Huber’s script is this engulfing, dominating aspect of Grace’s Hair. I believe that her hair represents the natural man. Grace is under-shadowed by her hair, a living character itself. Perhaps, maybe a foil that reveals the duality of any individual? Thus, in the script, there are scenes that bring the hair into humanly characteristics: eating popcorn, being concerned with the mustard on her face, tuned to the whistles, sounds of the outdoors, etc. But eventually, her hair visually becomes rattier, messier. The hair is no longer polished, glossy, or trimmed. The hair carries her misdeeds, her mistakes (like the dried up paint, the popcorn, etc). Grace becomes burdened, and alienated. The rooftop scene reveals redemption. As she falls off the roof, she finally has the chance to cut her hair. She isn’t fearful anymore of this malicious hair, this living “thing.” And, with that, the ratty hair, the dirty hair is cut and away with. She is left with “her”— polished, cut, neat hair. Now, the wind can carry her away.

            In Todd’s screenplay, I find it may touch on the subject of “home.” Perhaps, Bellpond’s home (his type of Eden) was taken away from him, and like all of us we are continually searching to return back to our home. Yuridia becomes his “Ithaca.” And his writer’s block, and his challenge to compose this “masterpiece” is the raging sea (that of Odysseus’s travels). Bellpond doesn’t recognize his home until it is lost, and he cannot return to his home unless he is renewed. Perhaps, it’s the “broken heart and contrite spirit” motivation. We all must be broken before we can be repaired.