In everyday terms, this statement suggests that biographical films often struggle to capture the essence of a person's life story effectively on screen. The speaker implies that most lives are complex and messy, lacking the clear narrative structure that audiences typically expect from movies.
Exploring further, Bill Condon’s observation touches upon the challenge of translating real-life experiences into a compelling cinematic format. Life is inherently unpredictable, filled with moments both trivial and monumental, which makes it difficult to create a storyline that satisfies viewers looking for drama and coherence. Biopics often resort to selective storytelling or exaggeration to make their narratives more engaging, sometimes at the expense of accuracy. This quote highlights the tension between artistic license and historical fidelity in biographical filmmaking.
Bill Condon is an accomplished American screenwriter and director known for his work on various films including "Gods and Monsters," which won him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and his contributions to the "Twilight" film series. His insight into the nature of biopics stems from his extensive experience in bringing real-life stories to life on screen, acknowledging both their limitations and potential.