Navigating Originality in Cinema: How to Identify Genuine Ideas

The quest to discern whether a movie is based on an original idea or an adaptation is a fascinating exploration that intertwines with the rich tapestry of film history. This article will guide you through understanding the nuances between original and adapted screenplays, while also exploring the various elements that contribute to the creativity behind a film.

Checking the Source of the Screenplay

One primary method to determine the originality of a movie is to examine the source of the screenplay. If the screenplay is an adaptation, it means the idea has been transcribed from another medium—such as a book, a short story, a play, or even a musical. Conversely, identifying an original screenplay requires a simple online search. Academically, the Oscars provide a clear distinction between these two categories: there is an award for Best Adapted Screenplay and an award for Best Original Screenplay.

Note that some film directors and screenwriters may have released works that won in one of these categories. For instance, Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained was an original screenplay and consequently, won the Best Original Screenplay Academy Award in 2013. On the other hand, No Country for Old Men, directed by the Coen Brothers, was an adapted screenplay based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy.

Exploring Broad Categories of Films

Films often fall into broad categories, including Westerns, crime, comedy, romance, science fiction, horror, revenge, buddy, coming-of-age, and documentaries. More often than not, films may blend elements from multiple genres, making it complex to pigeonhole them into a single category.

Key contributors to the final product include the dialogue crafted by the screenwriter, the plot development overseen by the director, the visual style guided by the director of photography, and the performances of the actors in line with the script and direction. Beyond these core elements, numerous 'behind-the-scenes' individuals also contribute to the making of a movie, all playing a crucial role in its final realization.

Creating Original Ideas in Cinema

In the realm of cinema, original ideas can emerge through the blend and reimagining of pre-existing elements. One prime example is George Lucas's Star Wars, where the saga reimagines 'Buck Rogers'-type classic matinee serials, infuses samurai elements, and adds a mystical twist. Another fascinating example is Pulp Fiction, where the narrative structure is inverted, adding a redemption motif, and reversing the plot progression.

It's important to recognize that while many films build upon ideas from what has come before, some originality still exists. For instance, Andy Warhol's experimental film, The Empire, which involved filming the Empire State Building for hours without changing the camera, and Kick Mattress, his film of a man falling asleep on a static camera, showcase unique and original contributions to cinema. Similarly, Citizen Kane was noted for its originality at the time of its release.

However, the question of 'How do we know that the movies are original ideas?' strikes at the core of film history. Many contemporary films do draw from earlier works, leading one to wonder: how genuine are these ideas? While some originality exists, it is often heavily influenced by what has been documented in cinema before.