krazyklassykat

I admit it, I need help. But I'm not just trying to find help on a homework assignment; I am openly willing to have a mature and sophisticated discussion, and I actually enjoy writing. Writing is one of my strong points, but plots are a definite weak point, and I have been asked to write a film prospectus for a remake of Antigone. It needs to include convincing reasons why my remake will be a popular success, a basic plot outline, and some notes on costuming and music. Obviously, it's the plot that is worrying me the most. I have a basic idea to modernize Antigone and make its themes fit into a familiar situation -- the state of America under Bush's rule. If you wholly support Bush (and are, as most conservatives, too narrow-minded to be a devil's advocate) then you can tune out now. As for anyone else: it is understood that my remake need not stay strictly by the original; it requires only the presence of major themes and conflicts. I hope to emphasize the motif of ignorance/arrogance, the conflict of pride vs. prudence, and the theme "opression breeds unrest" in President Bush's profile. This is my main structure, and the other themes will follow.
This is where I'm stuck. Beyond that, I can't figure how to include the other themes and conflicts. D'oh. >_< I know that "divine law" vs. "human law" could be somehow relevant, and that pride and tyranny are important motifs. Hopefully, I can tie in a well-organized plot to fit this and more. To make things simple, I've tried to assign my "characters" to characters of the original play. For example, Bush would assimilate most with Creon. America might fit the part of Thebes, or perhaps the chorus. But most importantly, I need an Antigone. And almost as importantly, I need a way to deliver Tiresias' prophecy; this may or may not require the addition of another character. Then, I need a climactic and resonant ending - something that will
In short, I have quite a predicament on my hands, but I'm hoping that some fellow writers could give me a few pointers. I'm certainly not asking you to spoon-feed me the answers, but discussing the play may help me organize my ideas and formulate new ones. Keep in mind that this IS a school assignment. I'm not actually hoping to present a remake of Antigone to a film company, though if I do well enough, I may give it a shot.
REMINDER: This is NOT an invitation for argument. I have an assignment, and while I greatly appreciate any help, I sincerely hope I will not have to tolerate any meaningless political debate. If you feel you must be argumentative, I beseech you take a CONSTRUCTIVE approach -- and something relevant to Antigone.
Thank you!

BauB

If you can't mold the plot around this setting, why not mold it around another? To be a success as a film, the film can't turn off too many viewers and many would be turned off by this subject, ruling out the chance for success.

Does it have to be a modern-day setting or can it be one of your chosing? If it's the ladder, I would make my own setting.

Also, remember that the social construct doesn't always have to be similar. Your Creon doesn't have to be a king. Perhaps a viscious demagogue turned archon in ancient Athens? Or a journalist that is trying to defame the name of your Polyneices (Joe McArthy style) while your Antigone is another journalist trying to clear his name.

Getting even more creative, your Creon could be a sport's best and loudest while Polyneises is Antigone's retarded brother that tries the sport. When Creon makes fun of him, Antigone responds by joining the sport (running or something) and almost beats him. Haemon could fall in love with Antigone and instead of killing themselves, they move from the city, devestating Creon. Small city community dominated by Creon, the local celeb. I could write the play right now, but it's your project

You don't have to write a tragedy. Why not be different and make it a romantic comedy where, instead of suicide, they are turned to slavery, sent to prison, marked with some sort of symbol, something. It's much too interesting a play to remake scene for scene.

Basically, be creative and don't try to head directly into politics or especially current politics. It's a nonsense arena that you shouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole. People read or watch fiction to escape that sort of thing, not reaffirm their opinion through them.

Personally, I hate politics in general.

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