Ep200 - Charles Randolph, Screenwriter ‘Bombshell,’ ‘The Big Short,’ and ‘Love & Other Drugs’

Charles Randolph is intrigued with things that frighten him. Complicated, yet unusual subjects with unique internal conflicts make up his films. Amongst these hard hitting character studies, Randolph has credits such as ‘The Life of David Gale,’ ‘The Interpreter,’ ‘Love & Other Drugs,’ ‘The Big Short,’ and now, ‘Bombshell.’ In the latest movie, the story focuses on a group of women who conspired to take down Fox News head Roger Ailes for the toxic atmosphere he created within the conservative network. The film stars Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly, Nicole Kidman as Gretchen Carlson, John Lithgow as Roger Ailes, and Margot Robbie as the composite character Kayla Pospisil. In this exclusive interview, Randolph discusses modern villains, societal obstacles for character, how he uses a thematic toolkit, a writer’s contract to the audience, balancing real and unusual, and how to make politics entertaining. If you enjoyed this interview, look for the print version on Creative Screenwriting’s website, and join thousands of viewers for the new YouTube video essay series, Creative Principles, which dissects new films, series, and more: bit.ly/2FARJz5