Exploring the Inspiration Behind "Whittier": An Interview
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Chapter 1: The Creative Genesis
In this segment, we delve into the minds of Filipe Coutinho and Ben Mehlman, the writers behind the critically acclaimed screenplay "Whittier," which made it to the 2021 Black List. I had the pleasure of discussing their artistic backgrounds, the screenplay itself, and the nuances of screenwriting. This conversation is part two of a six-part series airing daily through Sunday, highlighting the inspiration behind their notable work.
Scott: Let's discuss "Whittier." I yearn for more films that capture the essence of the gritty dramas reminiscent of the '80s. Could you summarize the plot for us?
Ben: Our story follows a Los Angeles social worker investigating a murder, only to stumble upon a political conspiracy linked to the aftermath of the 1987 Whittier earthquake.
Scott: What sparked the idea for this narrative?
Ben: We had recently wrapped up a project focused on the dark world of sex trafficking, which was quite heavy. After that, we desired to create something lighter. Our philosophy is to pay attention to the stories that resonate with us. During our research, we came across the 1987 Whittier earthquake, closely followed by Black Monday, and it felt like a pivotal moment in LA's history. We recognized it as an LA neo-noir, reminiscent of classic films like "Chinatown" and "LA Confidential," genres we deeply admire. The socio-political landscape of the late '80s feels alarmingly relevant today, especially as the pandemic exacerbates issues like homelessness in LA.
Filipe: There aren't many noir films set in the '80s, which intrigued us. When we think of that era, we imagine expansion, excess, and vibrant colors—elements not typically associated with film noir. While Michael Mann explored some of these themes in films like "Thief," we wanted to carve our niche within this genre.
Section 1.1: Thematic Elements and Social Commentary
Ben: Our protagonist is a social worker, a role fraught with danger. The '80s also birthed a sub-genre known as neon-noir, with films like "Drive" capturing that aesthetic, yet none have fully embraced the era as a backdrop.
Scott: The '80s was a pivotal time, marking the decline of the "greed is good" mentality. The Whittier earthquake and Black Monday shattered that illusion. It seems the earthquake acts as both a plot device and a thematic anchor.
Ben: Certainly, the earthquake serves as a metaphor, catalyzing the narrative and unveiling truths that the characters, Jackie and Tracy, encounter.
Filipe: We wanted to address the implications of trickle-down economics, emphasizing who truly suffers under such policies.
Section 1.2: Relevance in Today's Society
Scott: "Whittier" is set in 1987, making it a period piece. As I advise my students, it's crucial to identify a modern relevance for historical stories. In "Whittier," you touch on homelessness, a pressing issue in LA, and the rise of true-crime podcasts. Did you consider these factors while writing?
Filipe: At the time, we were working for a brand consultancy focusing on cultural trends. This perspective informed our writing, integrating homelessness as a significant aspect of JD's storyline. Living in Los Angeles, we witness these issues daily. The pandemic has only intensified the problem, making it impossible to ignore. While we didn't specifically target the podcast trend, we aimed for our period piece to resonate with contemporary issues.
Ben: We began this project in late 2016, around the onset of the Trump administration, which opened doors to discuss various societal challenges.
Filipe: Indeed, we viewed this as an opportunity to address a multitude of pressing matters.
Section 1.3: Corruption and Its Consequences
Ben: Unfortunately, themes of corruption remain timeless. We drew inspiration from films we admire, seeking to explore contemporary issues within the framework of small-town politics, akin to the California water wars depicted in "Chinatown." David Simon's work, especially "Show Me A Hero," influenced our approach to depicting the consequences of local policies on broader societal issues.
Filipe: The idea that a person's worth can be overshadowed by their race, ethnicity, or economic status is a deeply ingrained issue that seems to be worsening. Many individuals focus on avoiding the label of racism rather than addressing their own biases.
Ben: Initially, there were doubts about the extent of corruption depicted in "Whittier." However, as we progressed through the previous administration and the pandemic, the reality of corruption became unmistakable. Our research revealed that embezzling funds from local governments is alarmingly straightforward, often only thwarted by sheer stupidity.
Tomorrow, in Part 3, Filipe and Ben will delve into key characters in "Whittier," including the protagonist Jackie Cross, a determined social worker entangled in a complex murder investigation.
For the first part of this interview, click here.
Ben and Filipe are represented by Matt Rosen at Rain Management.
IMDb: Ben, Filipe
Instagram: Ben, Filipe
Letterboxd: Ben, Filipe
Twitter: @filipefcoutinho, @Ben_Mehlman
For my interviews with other Black List writers, click here.