How Phoebe Waller-Bridge's bold scripts are reshaping Hollywood
What's the story
Phoebe Waller-Bridge has emerged as a game-changer in Hollywood's scriptwriting arena. With her distinctive storytelling style, she has introduced new perspectives and techniques to the industry. Her work is defined by the sharpest of wit, the most complex of characters, and a narrative voice like no other. Here's how Waller-Bridge's scriptwriting style is re-defining Hollywood, what makes her creative process unique, and more.
Narrative technique
Breaking the fourth wall
One of Waller-Bridge's signatures is breaking the fourth wall. The technique, wherein the characters address the audience directly, creates a personal connection between the audience and the story. It gives a closer look into characters's minds and adds another layer of complexity to storylines. Using this technique so beautifully in Fleabag, she has encouraged other writers to experiment with different styles of storytelling.
Character development
Strong female characters
Waller-Bridge is also brilliant at writing strong female characters who don't fall into stereotypes. Her leads are so flawed yet relatable that it's a refreshing change from the usual portrayal of women in media. This emphasis on writing real characters leads to scripts with more variety, changing the way female characters are written across Hollywood.
Writing style
Humor with depth
Her writing effortlessly combines humor with depth, addressing serious topics but not losing the comedic touch. This equilibrium enables viewers to address complex themes without being burdened. By incorporating humor into serious stories like Killing Eve, Waller-Bridge reinforces that comedy can be combined with serious storytelling.
Storytelling approach
Innovative plot structures
Waller-Bridge's non-linear plots keep audiences hooked with surprises and layered stories. This not only defies conventional narrative structure but also motivates other writers to venture into the realm of creative writing. The way she writes keeps us on our toes, making us deeply invested in the story. This creativity ensures we stay glued to our seats, highlighting her contribution to scriptwriting.
Script realism
Authentic dialogue
The key to Waller-Bridge's dialogue writing style is authenticity. Her scripts showcase real conversations laced with wit and honesty, rather than scripted perfectionism that other Hollywood productions seem to have mastered today. By focusing on realistic interaction rather than polished banter, she is setting a new standard for dialogue authenticity in industry circles.