Screenwriting the Modern Biopic: A Reflexive Case Study

This book explores the intricate challenges screenwriters face when balancing fact and fiction in biopics. As biopics have become synonymous with prestige and award-worthiness in contemporary cinema, they also attract intense scrutiny for their handling of historical facts. The allure of the biopic lies in its ability to use fiction to delve into the interiority of its subjects, yet this raises ethical questions about historical fidelity and narrative truth. What obligations does the phrase ＂based on a true story＂ impose on screenwriters? Can a biopic truly capture the essence of its subject, or does it inherently distort reality? Through a self-reflexive case study of a screenplay about British boxer Randolph Turpin, this book seeks to answer these pressing questions. It examines the process of transforming extensive research into a compelling narrative, offering insights into the delicate balance between truth and fiction. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this work provides a fresh perspective on the biopic genre. Ideal for scholars in screenwriting and film studies, industry professionals, and students of screen production, this book offers a deeper understanding of how biopics reveal truths about historical figures and events.

Dr Michael Bentham is an award-winning filmmaker, researcher and educator. A graduate of the UK’s National Film and Television School, his feature drama Disclosure (2020) was nominated for an Australian Academy Award (Best Indie Film) and an Australian Directors’ Guild Award (Best Direction in a Feature Film). Michael holds a Doctorate from the University of Melbourne, where he received the Margaret Lawrence Social Justice Award in recognition of the social impact of his films.