Hey, so you know the hollywood movies' now written rule: "Don't kill the dog". You can do whatever to a person but not an animal(well not unless it's a rat or something equally less *endearing*   ).
So my question is this; what about small children? Do they fall in the "person" categary, therefore anything goes?
I'm thinking of writing a script that has a child dying suddenly due to a care-giver's neglect. Think it'll fly?

I recall children being killed in the recent 'The Amityville Horror'. The truly shocking child death - only time I have truly been shocked - in 'City of God' is another example that springs to mind.

Personally - as an avid movie watcher - I would advocate it, if it benefits your story.

I am no authority on this matter, however!

Andrew

How many children did Anakin kill in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith?  There was no uproar whatsoever from that.  Lucas just showed them lying there dead, no blood.

I read somewhere (I can't remember where) that a lot of agent/producers/professional readers will put down a script if the villain rapes a woman or kills a dog.  The reason behind this is because amateur writers need to show us that the villain is evil by performing such a dastardly deed.

Your mileage may vary.


Phil

I'm not a horror fan so I can't imagine the scene. Maybe such shocking images go with the genre generally, but drama?

Isn't Star Wars in the fantasy genre? I've never watched it, but it's so popular that even without seeing it I would've been aware of an uproar. I guess it's ok then.

It's sad that it's acceptable (to kill a child on film) than to shoot a dog. But maybe it's not an entirely bad idea to have the audience emote...

One of the most shocking deaths I've ever seen of a child in a movie was in 1900 by Bernardo Bertolucci. If you ever get a chance to see it and have the patience it's well worth the four hours.

Quoted from dogglebe I read somewhere (I can't remember where) that a lot of agent/producers/professional readers will put down a script if the villain rapes a woman or kills a dog.  The reason behind this is because amateur writers need to show us that the villain is evil by performing such a dastardly deed.

They actually satirized this in "What Just Happened" with Robert Deniro.

Quoted from dogglebe I read somewhere (I can't remember where) that a lot of agent/producers/professional readers will put down a script if the villain rapes a woman or kills a dog.  The reason behind this is because amateur writers need to show us that the villain is evil by performing such a dastardly deed. Your mileage may vary. Phil

ah, so this applies only for the newbie writer then?

I have thought of other ways to show certain consequences but I thought this might make the audience feel more... hmmm

Yeah, I saw the Dinero spoof. That's why I wondered about this.

What if it's graphic neglect, like a child locked in a place where he suffocates?

Quoted from JamminGirl ah, so this applies only for the newbie writer then? I have thought of other ways to show certain consequences but I thought this might make the audience feel more... hmmm

I think Phil means that from a "newbie" it's usually gratuitous or to show how "hardcore" you are by rebelling against Hollywood norms.  

I personally don't think anything is out-of-bounds as long as it's necessary.  "City of God" (mentioned earlier) is a perfect example of when it's necessary.

Hmmm... another one here. With the popularilty of films like MILK  and Brokeback Mountain winning oscars  how do you think hollywood might react with a homosexual antagonist specifically?  

Quoted from JamminGirl a homosexual antagonist specifically?

A homosexual antagonist killing children?

Quoted from dresseme A homosexual antagonist killing children?

not children, but a child. His. Through neglect.

*tumbling weed*

Quoted from JamminGirl not children, but a child. His. Through neglect.

I say "go for it".  If it's well written, it's well written.

Quoted from JamminGirl Hmmm... another one here. With the popularilty of films like MILK  and Brokeback Mountain winning oscars  how do you think hollywood might react with a homosexual antagonist specifically?

There were problems with Basic Instinct.  Members of the gay community were angry that Hollywood showed a lesbian (bisexual, actually) in a negative light.  But that was a long time ago.

If you have to introduce your villain in a story by raping a woman, or killing a puppy, then you're not really trying.


Phil