Anonymous asked: I am writing a short film. I have asked some feedback on the summary. I was told that it was disgusting. I have changed one of two parts that were said to be disgusting. However, I am unsure of what to do with the other part. This is the part that I want to change. I hope I do not bother or offend anyone: A teen girl wants revenge on her younger brother used her favorite sock to masturbate with. What should I change that plot detail to? What else could I have her brother do to her?
“Disgusting” is a broad term and I’m neither going to ask for details nor suggest a suitable plot point replacement. They’re also subjective. Audiences and readers come from a values perspective and are not one-size-fits-all.
Just remember that “disgusting” elements are appropriate when they’re grounded in story. When they’re present in a script to challenge parochial sensibilities, demonstrate a blasé or apathetic character or some other rooted reason, they’re defensible. If not, you’re likely either phoning it in with low-hanging fruit for shock value or wasting your audience’s time.
