The Darkest Chapters: Examples of Poorly Written Hollywood Scripts
The Darkest Chapters: Examples of Poorly Written Hollywood Scripts
The history of Hollywood is riddled with gems and travesties, some of which are so poorly written that they should serve as cautionary tales. In this exploration, we delve into some of the worst scripts in Hollywood history, examining not only the failures but also the unique stories of those who brought them to life.
Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer: The Two 'Biggest Hacks'
Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer are often cited as some of the most notorious in the realm of poorly written scripts. Their bodies of work serve as prime examples of why they have gained infamy. These scripts are marked by a lack of substance, convoluted plots, and a disregard for narrative coherence. The duo's creations are a testament to just how damaging poor writing can be to a film's success.
Uwe Boll: The Trash Master Extraordinaire
Uwe Boll, the German director known for his trashy and often poorly written films, stands out as a master of the genre. Boll often takes existing material, strips it of its luster, and delivers sequels that are worse than their predecessors. His work has been so universally panned that discussing it can be painful. One of his notorious entries is the fifth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean series. The film is so bad that it's often cited as a prime example of a poorly written and executed film.
Jeff Nathanson: The Master of Misinterpretation
Jeff Nathanson is well-regarded for his ability to take any existing material and rix it so badly that the sequels fall short of their own initial successes. He is a master of the sideways plot and convoluted narratives, often resulting in films that are forgettable and barely watchable. One of his most notorious adaptations is the Fifth Pirates of the Caribbean film, which is widely panned for its poor writing and execution.
The Case of "The Ape Man" with Bela Lugosi
The infamous "The Ape Man," starring Bela Lugosi, stands at the pinnacle of poorly written scripts. In this film, a mysterious figure who lends advice to minor characters and aids in saving them ultimately reveals himself with a shocking twist, only to break the fourth wall and mock the audience. The script's convoluted and nonsensical elements were so egregious that one of the characters literally points to the screen and says, "I’m the writer who wrote this script. I told them it was a silly idea."
Orson Welles and "The Lady from Shanghai"
A more surprising entry in our list is Orson Welles' own poorly written script for "The Lady from Shanghai." Initially based on a book, Welles crafted a complex, twists-and-turns-laden story that was so convoluted that no one could make sense of it. Welles had to turn to Harry Cohn and Virginia Van Upp, the first woman producer in Hollywood, for help in untangling the plot. Despite the film's lack of financial success, its place in cinematic history is secure due to its groundbreaking status and the involvement of Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth in its making.
Conclusion
The story of poorly written Hollywood scripts is a long and often comical one. These examples serve as stark reminders of the importance of writing quality content. From the hackish work of Friedberg and Seltzer to the trashy efforts of Uwe Boll, and the convoluted plots of Orson Welles in "The Lady from Shanghai," there are many tales that remind us of the value of careful scriptwriting and the dire consequences of a poorly developed story.