Screenwriting the Contemporary Biopic: A Reflexive Case Study

By Michael Bentham

This book explores the intricate challenges screenwriters face when balancing fact and fiction in biopics. As biopics have become synonymous with prestige and award-worthiness in contemporary cinema, they also attract intense scrutiny for their handling of historical facts. The allure of the biopic lies in its ability to use fiction to delve into the interiority of its subjects, yet this raises ethical questions about historical fidelity and narrative truth. What obligations does the phrase "based on a true story" impose on screenwriters? Can a biopic truly capture the essence of its subject, or does it inherently distort reality? Through a self-reflexive case study of a screenplay about British boxer Randolph Turpin, this book seeks to answer these pressing questions. It examines the process of transforming extensive research into a compelling narrative, offering insights into the delicate balance between truth and fiction. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this work provides a fresh perspective on the biopic genre. Ideal for scholars in screenwriting and film studies, industry professionals, and students of screen production, this book offers a deeper understanding of how biopics reveal truths about historical figures and events.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3031978919
• ISBN13: 9783031978913
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 7.9"