10 Screenwriting cliches that refuse to die

[brianhaas]

Billy Mernit has a good list of screenwriting cliches that we should probably avoid like the plague.*

Though many seem to be romantic-comedy-centered, they're good enough that they can apply to just about any script. Here's a list of his headings:

The Fired & Cheated-On Setup (nearly every rom com)
The First-Time Stoner Set Piece (Extract did this, though I still thought it was hilarious)
The Unbearable Failure of Engines
Worst Screenplay Opening in the World
The Obligatory Ethnic/Gender Stereotype Support (Plz no)
The Eating After-Hours Rule
Most Unimaginative Music Cue
The Big Video/Digital Reveal
The #1 Most Over-Used Image
The Chain-Reaction Scream

It's good stuff. Full article is here: livingromcom.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/04/10-screenwriting-clich%C3%A9s-that-refuse-to-die.html



*yes, the cliche was intended

[bscenefilms]

Nice.

All writers should read this IMO:

www.amazon.com/Eberts-Bigger-Little-Movie-Glossary/dp/0836282892/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275078640&sr=8-1

[jaymidtown]

If you don't already know about TVTropes.org, it's definitely worth a visit. Although this site makes the point that tropes are not necessarily cliches, all cliches begin as tropes before they become too over-used.

But be WARNED - this site is a easy way to burn through many, many hours.

tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HomePage

PS. First time poster having recently discovered GITS and the GITSclub. Really enjoying it all.