lgbtq+ WRITING

Andrew Haigh’s adaptation of “All of Us Strangers” provides several valuable insights for LGBTQ+ writers on reimagining existing works, exploring concepts of time, engaging with “what ifs”, delving into introspection, and incorporating supernatural elements. Here’s a summary:

• Reimagining existing works:
  • Haigh demonstrates the power of building upon existing narratives to explore new themes, suggesting that LGBTQ+ writers can find fresh, resonant stories within established works by infusing them with personal and contemporary perspectives.
• Exploring concepts of time:
  • The narrative’s unique engagement with time — meeting one’s parents as peers — encourages writers to experiment with non-linear storytelling and temporal shifts as means to explore complex emotional landscapes and character dynamics from unique angles.
• Engaging with “what ifs”:
  • Haigh’s focus on hypothetical scenarios highlights the potential of “what if” questions to delve into unexplored territories of relationships and identities, suggesting that such imaginative inquiries can open up new narrative possibilities and deepen character development.
• Delving into introspection:
  • The film’s introspective nature, examining the protagonist’s internal struggles and growth, underscores the importance of introspection in storytelling. LGBTQ+ writers are encouraged to probe deeply into their characters’ psyches, using their internal journeys to drive the narrative and connect with audiences on a profound level.
• Incorporating the supernatural:
  • While not explicitly supernatural, the film’s premise of an impossible reunion introduces an element of the fantastical. This approach suggests that integrating supernatural or magical realism elements can serve as a powerful metaphor for exploring themes of love, loss, and identity, offering LGBTQ+ writers a creative tool to express complex emotions and experiences.
• Fostering connection and vulnerability:
  • Haigh’s emphasis on emotional vulnerability and the desire for connection resonates with the LGBTQ+ experience, advocating for stories that celebrate authenticity, foster empathy, and explore the intricacies of relationships, both romantic and familial.
• Using feature film as a collection of shorts
  • I watched the film and viewed it as a collection of powerful short films. Each scene captured a wonderful story, and the sum of the parts became powerful when combined.
• Valuing collective experiences:
  • The film’s impact in a communal setting highlights the significance of shared emotional experiences. LGBTQ+ writers are reminded of the power of stories to unite people, suggesting that narratives that evoke collective feelings can be particularly impactful.

This adaptation not only showcases Haigh’s innovative storytelling but also serves as a guide for LGBTQ+ writers on leveraging their unique perspectives to enrich and expand upon existing narratives, using time, introspection, and the supernatural to explore the depths of human emotion and connection.