Episode 293 - What Writers Can Learn from "The Full Monty" with Jennifer Hilt and Ran Walker
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Jennifer Hilt and Ran Walker discusses WHAT WRITERS CAN LEARN FROM "THE FULL MONTY," including the idea of characters' external wants versus internal needs; the use of tropes such as found family, ticking time bombs, and ugly duckling progressions; and how the film uses one element to convey multiple messages. We discuss how the movie explores themes of masculinity, self-image, and societal expectations, and reflect on what makes the movie universally appealing and emotionally impactful so that writers can apply those techniques to their own work.
Jennifer Hilt is a USA Today Bestselling author and the creator of The Trope Thesaurus: An Author Resource, a five-book series beloved by writers seeking to hone their craft. With a diverse portfolio spanning twenty-four books under four pen names, she has also authored the urban fantasy trilogy The Undead Detective.
Ran Walker is an award-winning author of 38 books. He is an associate professor of creative writing at Hampton University and teaches with Writer's Digest University. He lives in Virginia with his wife, daughter, and puppy.
Episode Links
Jennifer Hilt
https://jenniferhilt.substack.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@TropeTalk
https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hilt
Episode 288 - Decoding Storytelling Tropes with Jennifer Hilt
Episode 140 - Troping Your Way to a Stronger Story with Jennifer Hilt
Ran Walker
Episode 289 - Crafting Poetic Prose with Ran Walker
Episode 098 - Redefining Indy Success through Short Fiction with Ran Walker
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with authors Jennifer Hilt and Ran Walker about what writers can learn from the 1997 film "The Full Monty." The discussion pivots around the film's key themes, character development, and storytelling techniques. The conversation explores how both authors view storytelling elements within "The Full Monty," with Matty expressing her fondness for the film's direct and economic storytelling style.
External Wants vs. Internal Needs
The discussion centers around the film's portrayal of external wants versus internal needs. The primary character, Gaz, played by Robert Carlisle, exemplifies this theme. Gaz's external want is to earn money for child support to see his son, Nathan. Internally, Gaz needs to prove he can follow through on something, showcasing this through the microcosm of preparing for a strip show.
Ran notes Gaz's duality as both the best and worst father, which is visually represented in scenes where he involves his son in adult situations. They explore how Gaz's progression to assuming responsibility resonates with audiences, particularly through heartfelt moments between him and his son, Nathan.
Character Dynamics and Development
The podcast delves into the character dynamics and development, specifically focusing on Dave, Gerald, Lomper, and Guy. Dave represents many people's self-doubt and issues with body image. His journey towards self-acceptance and understanding his wife's love for him is both humorous and deeply touching.
Gerald, once a figure of authority, struggles with the loss of his job and societal image. The podcast highlights a symbolic element—the gnome—as a representation of his crumbling facade and the resultant personal growth.
Lomper's story, depicting isolation and eventual embracing of love with Guy, highlights themes of friendship and acceptance. Matty points out that the film beautifully illustrates brotherhood and the forming of a found family, something that resonates universally.
Ran emphasizes the irony and complexity in seemingly minor characters, like Horse, bringing depth to moments that might initially appear comedic. These layers add to the richness of the film's narrative and the relatability of its characters.
Storytelling Economy and Symbols
Another crucial aspect discussed is the film's economical storytelling. Matty appreciates how the film conveys much with few words or scenes, such as Dave's symbolic struggle to fit through a window and Gaz's prison-sewing skills. Jennifer agrees, noting the film's ability to achieve significant character revelations and plot advancement in concise moments.
Ran highlights symbolic gestures like the passing of a hat from Nathan to Gaz in key scenes, encapsulating themes of support and growth. These elements reflect the calculated and intentional crafting that makes the film enduring.
Themes and Tropes
Jennifer remarks on tropes prevalent in the film, such as ticking time bombs tied to economic desperation and the forced proximity that naturally evolves into a found family narrative. Matty reflects on how these motifs enhance the storytelling's emotional pull and engage viewers deeply.
The conversation concludes with reflections on how "The Full Monty" succeeds in creating a story devoid of villainy, focusing instead on self-inflicted obstacles and growth. Matty and her guests express appreciation for the film's ability to foster emotional depth without excessive dialogue or complex plots, leaving listeners with insights into the art of creating relatable, enduring stories.
By exploring the film's character arcs, symbolic storytelling, and inherent humor, this episode of The Indy Author Podcast provides listeners with rich examples and actionable takeaways for their writing journeys.