Narrative technique · used in 1 film

Self-Referential Script Structure

Writing a film about its own creation, so the characters struggle with the same structure the audience is watching and the story comments on itself.

Examples

Where you can see it

  1. Adaptation. (2002) poster

    Adaptation.

    Spike Jonze · 2002

    Charlie fails to adapt The Orchid Thief, so the film becomes about his failure. He asks screenwriting guru Robert McKee for help, and the last act turns into the kind of thriller he swore to avoid. You laugh at the joke and then notice it worked.

    Where to see it: The McKee seminar. Charlie asks the screenwriting teacher for advice about his script.

Questions

Quick answers

What is self-referential script structure in film?
Writing a film about its own creation, so the characters struggle with the same structure the audience is watching and the story comments on itself.
Which films use self-referential script structure?
Adaptation. (2002).
What kind of technique is self-referential script structure?
It is a narrative technique. Related narrative techniques include Fiction Crossing Into Reality, Externalized Inner Voice, Symbolic Object.

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