The Eric Roth Method: A Unique Writing Process
What method has enabled Eric Roth to work for several decades?
'Forest Gump'
One of my favorite screenwriters is Eric Roth. He's a prolific writer whose career has spanned decades and spawned hits like Forrest Gump and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
I remember him outside Fox on the picket lines, being a total legend and cheering on his compatriots, and taking laps.
Recently, I found this epic YouTube video where he generously shares his secrets to the craft. For anyone who has ever dreamed of writing for the silver screen, this was a masterclass you won't want to miss.
Let's dive in.
Unlocking the Script with Eric Roth
Right off the bat, I want to say I have always been obsessed with this YouTube video made by the Academy where Roth describes this method he's used to write great scripts for years.
Roth starts each day by reading his script from page one, a process he calls "erosion." This daily ritual allows him to constantly refine and improve his work, shoring up any weaknesses he finds.
While he's a firm believer in the power of research, he admits the internet has been a game-changer, replacing the shelves of research books he once relied on for adaptations and instead focusing entirely on the story.
When it comes to structuring his screenplays, Roth has a clear vision of the beginning and the end. The middle, however, is a "great big blob" that he discovers scene by scene, allowing for organic and surprising developments.
And what about writer's block?
Roth has a simple yet brilliant trick: change the weather. He explained that altering the weather in a scene can unlock new possibilities for character actions and plot progression.
Crafting Unforgettable Characters
At the heart of Roth's screenplays are his "particularly human and very emotional" characters. He emphasized the importance of delving deep into a character's psychology, understanding their backstory, and what makes them tick to create distinct and memorable voices.
Roth doesn't believe that every character needs to be likable.
Instead, he argues that it's more important for the audience to understand their motivations, even for the villains. This focus on psychological depth is what makes his characters so relatable and enduring.
The Power of Theme and Emotion
For Roth, a strong central theme is the guiding star for his writing. When a scene feels "inert," he returns to the core theme to find his way. He is a master of subtext, preferring to convey meaning through metaphor rather than being too on the nose about it.
It's okay if you can't find that theme right away; it may take a few scenes, and if you're starting at page one every day, you can layer it in as you go.
Collaborating with Others
The video also offered a glimpse into the collaborative nature of filmmaking and how screenwriters fit into these Hollywood movies.
Roth has worked with some of the most celebrated directors of our time, including David Fincher, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese, and he shared fascinating anecdotes about his experiences.
He recounted how Al Pacino, in a stroke of genius, cut a page-and-a-half monologue down to a single, powerful look in The Insider, a testament to the power of visual storytelling.
He also shared the origin of Bubba's famous shrimp monologue from Forrest Gump, which was born from a family brainstorming session.
Summing It All Up
For aspiring screenwriters, Eric Roth's insights are a gift. This convo reminds me that great writing is a combination of disciplined craft, psychological depth, and a whole lot of heart.
You have to sit every morning and pump out the pages if you want to get better and want to finish your work.
It's about finding the human truth in every story and having the courage to put it on the page.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
