When trying the capture the feel from a film genre or certain time period when something was good what is the best way to do that without ripping it off? Would you watch films from that specific time period in the genre your screenplay is in or would you write it how you feel is right and see if others get the impression you tried to give?

I usually do watch movies of that same genre...even same time period (if the time period is important to the movie's plot or setting).

It is difficult not to see something that you think would look good in your script and it's hard not to subconsciously rip an idea off...but I manage, no problems.

The best is when you watch something similar, and yours is superior.

:-)

Gee, Wes.  I think the best way to do it is...well...by ripping it off.  There is no shame in that as long as you make it your own at the same time, you know?  You bring a pretty unique voice to your stuff, so I say rip away.  I'll bet when you are finished, it will still "feel" different from what went before.

I'm with Bert. If you see a great sunrise, you will describe through your own eyes anyway, which will be different from someone else's impression of it. So even if you rip off the look of a particular scene, the final outcome will be in line with your own vision anyway. The only real plagiarism is deliberately ripping something off bit by bit.