What Are Screenplay Anachronisms? Understanding Common Mistakes

Screenplay anachronisms occur when elements in a script, such as objects, language, or technology, are inaccurately placed in a historical setting. Common examples include modern slang in period dramas or smartphones in movies set before their invention.

In this article, you’ll discover:

• The types of screenplay anachronisms
• Famous instances in film and TV
• Tips to avoid these mistakes

Understanding screenplay anachronisms helps ensure a script’s authenticity and audience immersion.

Definition of Screenplay Anachronisms

Screenplay anachronisms refer to elements within a script that are inaccurately placed in a time period where they do not belong. Greenlight Coverage, offering a special promotion where you can use code 5OFFNOW at checkout to get 5% off, meticulously reviews screenplays to identify such errors. These anachronisms can significantly affect the authenticity and immersion of a story.

For instance, imagine a period film set in the 18th century where a character is seen using a smartphone. This clear mismatch would distract the audience and reduce the credibility of the narrative. Similarly, incorporating modern slang or technological advancements in historical settings can disrupt the film’s historical accuracy.

Examples of anachronisms can range from subtle to glaringly obvious:

• Small Details: Characters using modern idioms or expressions that did not exist during the period.
• Props and Costumes: Utilizing items such as zippers or Velcro in costumes set in the Middle Ages.
• Technology: Depicting digital devices in eras before their invention.

Understanding these nuances is essential for screenwriters to craft believable and immersive stories.

Types of Anachronisms in Screenplays

Anachronisms can be categorized into different types, each contributing uniquely to the potential disruption of narrative flow.

Contextual Anachronisms

Contextual anachronisms involve elements foreign to the cultural, social, or historical context of the story. For instance, a character in a medieval setting talking about democracy in a manner only understood by modern audiences is a contextual anachronism. These can be particularly jarring as they misalign the cultural understandings and social constructs of the time.

Historical Anachronisms

Historical anachronisms occur when actual historical events, figures, or objects are misrepresented or placed incorrectly in the timeline. A notable example is the 1995 film “Braveheart” where kilts are worn by characters 300 years before their documented use. Similarly, the presence of Roman infrastructure in movies set before the Roman Empire’s establishment also falls into this category.

Technological Anachronisms

Technological anachronisms involve the portrayal of technology that did not exist during the film’s time period. A famous blunder is seen in “The Hurt Locker” where an iPod Touch appears, a device that wasn’t available at the time the movie is set. Similarly, the misplaced Starbucks cup in “Game of Thrones” became an infamous example of not only technological but prop anachronism.

Each type of anachronism has the power to disrupt a viewer’s immersion and authenticity of the time period portrayed.

Why Screenplay Anachronisms Happen

Research Gaps

One primary reason for the existence of screenplay anachronisms is inadequate research. Screenwriters and directors often juggle multiple elements and can overlook historical accuracy. This lack of thorough research allows mismatched elements to slip through.

Intentional Creation

Sometimes anachronisms are included intentionally. This artistic choice, known as anachronistic license, is used to create a unique viewing experience or draw parallels between the past and the present. For example, in the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar,” modern instruments and attire are deliberately used to offer a fresh perspective on a historical tale.

Oversight

Another common reason for anachronisms is simple oversight during the production process. With the vast number of details involved in set design, choreography, and wardrobe, small anachronistic errors can easily occur. An example here would be visible modern logos on period costumes.

Modern Sensibilities

Modern sensibilities and the desire to connect with contemporary audiences can lead screenwriters to inadvertently incorporate anachronisms. For example, using modern dialogue helps current audiences relate better with historical characters, although this can sacrifice the historical accuracy of the script.

Recognizing these various factors allows filmmakers and screenwriters to better avoid unintentional anachronisms that could detract from the intended storytelling.

The Impact of Anachronisms on Storytelling

Narrative Believability

Anachronisms, when detected by the audience, can significantly undermine the plausibility of a narrative. The moment viewers spot a historical inaccuracy, they are pulled out of the story, causing a break in the immersive experience that films strive to create. For instance, seeing a digital wristwatch in a World War II movie can be particularly distracting and takes away from the intended period feel.

Character Development

Anachronisms can also impact character development. Characters depicted using modern language or attitudes in historical settings may appear anachronistic and less believable. This disparity can lead audiences to question the authenticity of the characters’ actions and decisions, thereby weakening character arcs and the overall narrative.

Audience Immersion

Audience immersion hinges on the seamless fusion of all film elements to create a believable world. Anachronisms disrupt this fusion, making the audience aware of the film as a constructed reality rather than an immersive experience. Period dramas like “The Tudors,” known for their strict attention to detail, suffer immensely from even minor anachronistic oversights as they break the carefully curated sense of authenticity.

Artistic and Comedic Effects

Conversely, some films use anachronisms artistically or for comedic effect. Shows like “Dickinson” blend modern music and language with historical settings to create a unique narrative experience that bridges the gap between past and present. In this context, anachronisms are not errors but tools that enhance thematic depth and audience engagement. Similarly, the comedy genre, like in “A Knight’s Tale,” uses modern music and references to lighten the historical setting.

Understanding the impact of anachronisms on storytelling is crucial for screenwriters aiming to create authentic narratives or leverage anachronisms to engage audiences creatively.

Continued…

Famous Examples of Anachronisms in Film and Television

Screenwriters, directors, and set designers can sometimes let anachronisms slip through, leading to well-documented examples in film and television. These anachronisms often spark discussions among audiences and critics alike.

Notable Film Anachronisms

Several films, regardless of their critical acclaim, have featured glaring historical inaccuracies. These serve as prime examples of how anachronisms can attract attention:

• “Braveheart”: This epic film is renowned for its portrayal of William Wallace’s life, but historians are quick to point out that kilts, seen prominently in the movie, weren’t worn by Scots until at least 300 years later.
• “Gladiator”: In this historical drama, Maximus’ armor shows a depiction of Spanish territories, which didn’t exist in the Roman Empire. Moreover, the film features stirrups, not adopted until after the depicted period.
• “Pirates of the Caribbean”: Though beloved for its fantastical plot, the series shows multiple anachronistic elements, like doubled-barreled pistols, which didn’t exist in the early 18th century. Also, the portrayal of Blackbeard’s demise features modern elements not present in the era.

TV Shows and Period Dramas

Television is not exempt from anachronisms either. Shows aiming for historical accuracy often slip in anachronistic elements, sometimes intentionally, other times by mistake:

• “Game of Thrones”: The most infamous example is the Starbucks coffee cup noticed on set in Season 8. Though unintentional, it became a viral sensation and a meme reflecting the importance of attention to detail.
• “The Tudors”: This drama series features 16th-century England but contains buildings like Hampton Court Palace, showcasing additions made long after Henry VIII’s reign.
• “Mad Men”: Set in the 1960s, this show focuses on the advertising world, yet occasionally includes songs that were released years after the timeline depicted on screen.

The Impact of Famous Anachronisms

These examples demonstrate how meticulous research and careful planning are essential to maintaining narrative authenticity. Anachronisms, whether blatant or subtle, can affect audience perception and historical credibility. For instance, while “The Hurt Locker’s” inclusion of an iPod Touch did not detract from the film’s critical acclaim, it raised eyebrows among attentive viewers.

Avoiding Anachronisms in Your Screenplay

Screenwriters can take several steps to avoid anachronisms, ensuring the accuracy of their scripts and maintaining the immersive quality of their stories.

Conduct Thorough Research

Before writing a screenplay set in a specific historical period, exhaustively research the era. Use primary sources such as letters, diaries, and historical records.

• First key idea: Immerse yourself in the language, cultural norms, and technologies of the time.
• Second key idea: Consult history experts or specialized researchers to verify details.

Utilize Historical Databases and References

Access comprehensive databases specifically designed for historical accuracy. These can provide invaluable references for technological, social, and cultural details relevant to your script.

Period-Appropriate Language and Dialogue

Ensure that your characters’ dialogue fits the period. Modern slang or idioms can easily slip in, but maintaining consistent period-appropriate language bolsters authenticity:

• First key idea: Study historical texts or literature to understand common vernacular.
• Second key idea: Be aware of anachronistic expressions and avoid them consciously.

Fact-Check Setting and Props

Collaborate with set designers and prop masters to ensure all visual elements align with the chosen period:

• First key idea: Cross-check with visual archives or museums.
• Second key idea: Ensure costumes, gadgets, and settings accurately reflect the time frame.

The Artistic Use of Anachronisms

Intentional Anachronisms for Stylistic Reasons

Some filmmakers intentionally use anachronisms as an artistic choice, blending past and present to create unique narratives. This approach, known as anachronistic license, can challenge traditional storytelling conventions and add layers of meaning.

Modern Music in Historical Settings

Using contemporary music in period settings can create a dynamic contrast that resonates with today’s viewers. For instance, Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” employs modern rock music to highlight the rebellious nature of its protagonist, despite the film’s 18th-century setting. This deliberate anachronism offers a fresh, engaging perspective and connects historical themes to contemporary audiences.

Emphasizing Thematic Parallels

Anachronisms can underscore thematic parallels between past events and current situations. By integrating modern elements into historical narratives, filmmakers can draw direct connections between epochs, emphasizing recurring themes in human experience.

Key Example:

• “Dickinson“: This TV show blends modern dialogue, music, and attitudes within a 19th-century setting, exploring timeless issues like gender equality and artistic expression through a contemporary lens. This stylistic choice recontextualizes Emily Dickinson’s life, making historical narratives more relatable and relevant to present-day viewers.

Conceptual Juxtapositions

Anachronisms serve as devices for conceptual juxtapositions, where the collision of eras can provoke thought and add depth to storytelling. Quentin Tarantino’s films often blend period-specific and modern elements to create a playful pastiche that transcends time.

First key idea: Utilize deliberate anachronisms to challenge and reinterpret historical narratives. Second key idea: Ensure the creative context justifies the inclusion of anachronistic elements, maintaining thematic coherence.

Tools and Resources for Screenwriters

To effectively avoid unintentional anachronisms and ensure historical accuracy, screenwriters have various tools and resources at their disposal.

Historical Databases

Access comprehensive databases and digital libraries that offer detailed information about specific historical periods. These resources are invaluable for fact-checking and ensuring that all elements of a screenplay align with the era depicted.

Expert Consultations

Collaborate with historians, archivists, or subject matter experts to gain deeper insights into the period you are writing about. Expert consultations can help identify common pitfalls and ensure minute details are accurate.

Period-Specific Dictionaries

Utilize period-specific dictionaries and linguistic resources to perfect the dialogue in your screenplay. Understanding the vernacular and commonly used expressions in the period you are depicting can prevent anachronistic language use.

Visual References and Archives

Access visual archives for accurate representations of clothing, architecture, and everyday objects relevant to your period setting. Museums, online archives, and historical societies offer a treasure trove of visual information.

If you are developing a screenplay and need professional analysis to pinpoint potential anachronisms, consider our services at Greenlight Coverage. Use code 5OFFNOW at checkout to get 5% off and ensure your script maintains historical integrity.

Conclusion

Understanding screenplay anachronisms and how they affect storytelling helps you create authentic and immersive narratives. Whether unintentional or purposeful, anachronisms play a significant role in how audiences perceive the historical accuracy of a film or TV show. By leveraging the tools, resources, and tips mentioned above, screenwriters can avoid these pitfalls and enhance the credibility of their work.