Need a serious sexist line.

I think it would be much more interesting and dramatic if the man was NOT sexist, but made an innocent comment that could be *construed* as sexist. Then he's unfairly accused, partially based on that comment. He's on the defensive and much more sympathetic (unless you want the character to be unsympathetic).
 
danv said:
I think it would be much more interesting and dramatic if the man was NOT sexist, but made an innocent comment that could be *construed* as sexist. Then he's unfairly accused, partially based on that comment. He's on the defensive and much more sympathetic (unless you want the character to be unsympathetic).
Click to expand...

That is an interesting approach. Then again, some of the more interesting mysteries I've seen involved defendants who were completely dislikable people -- real jerks, but still entitled to a vigorous defense. It might be more interesting to make this guy to be that kind of character.

I guess the big question is -- Who is the audience supposed to sympathize with? The accused man? The police detective? The defense (or prosecuting) attorney? A juror?

I once knew a man who, on first blush, seemed to be an unabashed racist. He used the 'n-word' whenever he was talking about an African-American person. It rubbed many people the wrong way, and it was easy for people to form an immediate opinion about him based on this. But the fact is, he was one of the nicest, most caring and compassionate Christian men I ever knew. Unfortunately, he had come to Christianity late in life -- long after some old habits had been permanently burned into his DNA. The use of the 'n-word' was just that -- an old habit that he tried to break, but just couldn't seem to. He didn't actually harbor any ill will towards minorities at all -- one of the people closest to him was a black woman who was the pastor of his church. She conducted his funeral service with tears in her eyes.

So it IS possible to create a character who can, on the one hand, seem to be extremely sexist, and yet can still be a sympathetic character whom the audience learns to care about. It's a challenge, though.
 
or chuck norris comes ......

Cmon people, lets help out.... Keep it on this planet.... lol.
 
chapelgrovefilms said:
If it were me, I wouldn't have the man make the sexist comment to the women -- I'd have him make it to his wife, but ABOUT the women. And he would be sure it was loud enough for them to hear. Something like, "Look Mabel -- dykes on bikes!"
Click to expand...
That's what I was thinking:
"Look wife, That's what I want you to look like, so ride faster! Fatty!"
 
I think if you're struggling to find an appropriate line - just skip it altogether. I think you'll have just as much impact by having him lick his lips or wink at the girls as he rides past, then you can have his wife tell him off or hit him. Either way, you can make the gesture as pronounced or as subtle as you need.
 
How about if he is arguing with his wife while riding and then as they pass the girls trying to fix a flat he jumps off his bike and fixes it real quick but then as he rides off again he mumbles "women should stay in the kitchen where they belong." I think this would show conflict within himself as well as with the women because he took the time to help.
 
Grug said:
I think if you're struggling to find an appropriate line - just skip it altogether. I think you'll have just as much impact by having him lick his lips or wink at the girls as he rides past, then you can have his wife tell him off or hit him. Either way, you can make the gesture as pronounced or as subtle as you need.
Click to expand...

yes. I agree. Sometimes we feel obligated to come up with the witty oneliner. That's not really keeping your eye on the ball. It's story and character. story and character. that's what makes a script good.
 
It's got to be an ambiguous remark.

It's got to be an ambiguous remark.

danv said:
I think it would be much more interesting and dramatic if the man was NOT sexist, but made an innocent comment that could be *construed* as sexist. Then he's unfairly accused, partially based on that comment. He's on the defensive and much more sympathetic (unless you want the character to be unsympathetic).
Click to expand...

I basically agree with that.

How about if the guy just says this:

"You girls need a pump?" then keeps on riding.

Of he could say this to his wife, loud enough for the girls to hear it:
"Think those girls need a pump?"

That could be construed as the guy really wanting to be helpful, (particularly with the guy's wife right there), and
with enough double-entendre to be taken (or mistaken) for sexism.

x
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top