I find myself getting upset oftentimes, due to the lack of respect given to creative writers. When I’m told of the greatness of entertainment vehicles, my response is typically the same; It’s all about the writers. My response is the same when a particularly shoddy entertainment vehicle is pointed out to me, because it means the writing was rather bad. Over the years, I’ve managed to convert people by giving examples to back the veracity of my belief.
If I ask anyone what their favorite television show or movie is, invariably it’s due to the writer. The Godfather movies, parts one and two (three is not worth mentioning), are globally recognized for the greatness of the saga. Right? Yet, the writer, Mario Puzo is not given the credit he deserves for creating The Godfather from the recesses of his mind. No Mario means no Corleones.
We were enthralled and addicted to the series Game of Thrones, then by Fire and Blood. Somewhere, there’s a chubby bearded fellow named George R.R. Martin giggling. He dreamt of a world, and used his pen to bring it to life. If you’re reading this, George, you still owe us two more books to complete the saga. I digress. It’s all about the writers.
The Wire is disputably the greatest television show ever, with honorable mentions to Homicide, The Shield, and The Sopranos. George Pelecanos, Mills, Burns, David Simon, and Dennis Lehane were the scribes who wrote most of the episodes. Yeah, those dudes. Great writers and novelists. “The King stay the King.” “Y’all sound like a forty-degree day.” It’s all about the writers.
So, when you watch a great television show or movie, where the actor delivers a gut-wrenching performance, give him or her their credit, but don’t forget they didn’t create the characters they are portraying. Stanley Kowalski, Fast Eddie Felson, Doctor Who, and everyone else on screen were created from a writer’s imagination. When particular quotes astound and inspire you, recognize who and where they come from. “That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet.” “Say what again. I dare you.” When you’re touched by a pretty poem in a Hallmark card for Mother’s Day, recognize the creativity behind those words. Last thought, the Bible. You know it didn’t arrive by fax, right? It’s all about the writers.
