How Do You Write A Dark Comedy Screenplay?
Dark or black comedy takes disturbing events and transposes them with amusement. Who knew that dropping an atomic bomb could be so funny? Suicide, death, extreme violence, rape, rabid drug use, mental insanity and terrorism are all hilarious. At least they are in a black comedy film. The result is often a mix of horror, laughter and ultimately shock. Watch all the classic black comedies to get a sense of timing, structure, satire and morbidity. These include: “MASH,” “Dr. Strangelove,” “Fargo,” “Harold and Maude,” “Prizzi’s Honor,” “Very Bad Things,” “Barton Fink,” and “Reservoir Dogs.” Exaggerate normal events. The traditional black comedy takes ordinary people then stretches the story beyond normal irony and satire. For example, in the film “Very Bad Things,” a group of men attend a bachelor party and hire a prostitute. The prostitute accidentally is killed and a series of tragic events unfold in a rather amusing manner. Juxtapose morbid situations with funny ones. In the film “Reser
