Geoffrey S. Fletcher
Encyclopedia
Geoffrey Shawn Fletcher (born October 4, 1970) is an American
screenwriter, film director, and adjunct film professor at Columbia University
and New York University
's Tisch School of the Arts
in New York City
, New York
. Fletcher is the screenwriter of Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire and received an Oscar for Writing (Adapted Screenplay) from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on March 7, 2010. He is the first African American to win in this category. In September 2010, Fletcher began shooting "Violet and Daisy" in New York City based on his original script as his directorial debut.
, one of three children of Alphonse Fletcher, Sr. and Bettye R. Fletcher. Alphonse Fletcher, Jr. and Todd Fletcher are his brothers. Fletcher attended Waterford High School
in Waterford, Connecticut
prior to completing his secondary education at Choate Rosemary Hall
. Fletcher was graduated from Harvard College
where he concentrated in psychology and from NYU's Tisch School where he earned a Master of Fine Arts. His student film "Magic Markers" which he wrote and directed was shown at festivals and caught the attention of director John Singleton.
and also at Columbia. In 2006, producer Lee Daniels
viewed "Magic Markers" and asked Fletcher to adapt the book "Push
" by Sapphire
which became the film "Precious." Daniels, well known to be "passionately dedicated" to artists "serious about their craft," considered several writers before choosing Fletcher according to a Variety article that included Fletcher among the "Ten Screenwriters to Watch." Fletcher is represented by his agents Billy Hawkins, Brian Siberell and Chris Till of CAA and by the law firm of Gang, Tyre, Ramer and Brown.
who with her husband hosted a private screening for 200 and declared "Precious is a new call to action." In recounting the 773 grants given by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 50 states, Mrs. Bush wrote, "what saves 'Precious' from a life of despair is a teacher who helps her learn to read and write...If I were to give out a homework assignment, it would be this: go see the movie." "Precious" opened in November 2009 with average revenue of $100,000 per screen in its first weekend, "a feat accomplished only twice before (by Dreamgirls
and Brokeback Mountain
)" according to Time Magazine.
and Fletcher announced that they would be collaborating on a film re-creation of the 1971 Attica state prison rebellion. Fletcher said in a statement "Working with a remarkable director in Doug Liman whose family history binds him personally to this project, I hope to create opportunities for re-examination of this dramatic crossroad in our nation's history while contributing to the current dialogue on the value of protecting everyone's rights."
Best First Screenplay
25th Independent Spirit Awards
Winner Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
41st NAACP Image Awards
Best Screenplay – Adapted Geoffrey Fletcher
14th Satellite Awards
Best Screenplay Geoffrey Fletcher
7th AAFCA Awards
Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted Geoffrey Fletcher
10th Black Reel Awards
8th Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association
Best Screenplay, Adapted
4th Alliance of Women Film Journalists Award
Best Screenplay
3rd Houston Film Critics Society Awards
Best Adapted Screenplay
14th Florida Film Critics Circle Awards
Scripter Award
and Sapphire
23rd USC Scripter Awards
Adapted Screenplay
62nd Writers Guild of America Awards
Adapted Screenplay
63rd British Academy Film Awards
Student Film Award, 1996.
Shown at Hamptons International Film Festival
October 18–22, 1995.
Shown at Sundance Film Festival
(Shorts Program) in Park City, Utah January 18–28, 1996.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
screenwriter, film director, and adjunct film professor at Columbia University
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
and New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
's Tisch School of the Arts
Tisch School of the Arts
Tisch School of the Arts is one of the 15 schools that make up New York University ....
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. Fletcher is the screenwriter of Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire and received an Oscar for Writing (Adapted Screenplay) from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on March 7, 2010. He is the first African American to win in this category. In September 2010, Fletcher began shooting "Violet and Daisy" in New York City based on his original script as his directorial debut.
Early life
Fletcher was born in New London, ConnecticutNew London, Connecticut
New London is a seaport city and a port of entry on the northeast coast of the United States.It is located at the mouth of the Thames River in New London County, southeastern Connecticut....
, one of three children of Alphonse Fletcher, Sr. and Bettye R. Fletcher. Alphonse Fletcher, Jr. and Todd Fletcher are his brothers. Fletcher attended Waterford High School
Waterford High School
Waterford High School is a public comprehensive high school in Waterford, California, United States. Opened in 2001, it is the only high school in Waterford Unified School District.-History:...
in Waterford, Connecticut
Waterford, Connecticut
Waterford is a town in New London County, Connecticut, United States. It is named after Waterford, Ireland. The population was 19,152 at the 2000 census. The town center is listed as a census-designated place .-Geography:...
prior to completing his secondary education at Choate Rosemary Hall
Choate Rosemary Hall
Choate Rosemary Hall is a private, college-preparatory, coeducational boarding school located in Wallingford, Connecticut...
. Fletcher was graduated from Harvard College
Harvard College
Harvard College, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of two schools within Harvard University granting undergraduate degrees...
where he concentrated in psychology and from NYU's Tisch School where he earned a Master of Fine Arts. His student film "Magic Markers" which he wrote and directed was shown at festivals and caught the attention of director John Singleton.
Career
Fletcher worked in a variety of temporary staff positions for years as he wrote and directed his own films. Eventually he was appointed an adjunct professor at TischTisch School of the Arts
Tisch School of the Arts is one of the 15 schools that make up New York University ....
and also at Columbia. In 2006, producer Lee Daniels
Lee Daniels
Lee Louis Daniels is an American actor, film producer, and director. He produced Monster's Ball and directed the film Precious, which received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Director; the film won two of the awards.-Early years:Daniels was born on Christmas Eve, 1959, in...
viewed "Magic Markers" and asked Fletcher to adapt the book "Push
Push (novel)
Push is the 1996 debut novel of American author Sapphire. Thirteen years after its release, it was made into an acclaimed film that won two Academy Awards and was produced by Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry.- Plot summary :...
" by Sapphire
Sapphire
Sapphire is a gemstone variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminium oxide , when it is a color other than red or dark pink; in which case the gem would instead be called a ruby, considered to be a different gemstone. Trace amounts of other elements such as iron, titanium, or chromium can give...
which became the film "Precious." Daniels, well known to be "passionately dedicated" to artists "serious about their craft," considered several writers before choosing Fletcher according to a Variety article that included Fletcher among the "Ten Screenwriters to Watch." Fletcher is represented by his agents Billy Hawkins, Brian Siberell and Chris Till of CAA and by the law firm of Gang, Tyre, Ramer and Brown.
"Precious"
"'Push' is a very gritty book," Daniels said. "And Geoffrey brought his elegance to it. It's a woman's story, but he wrote it in the way that a very elegant man would write it. He's a very classy act." With a script that pleased him finally in hand, Daniels then assembled a team that also included Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Lionsgate Films and that eventually earned dozens of nominations and awards including six nominations from the Academy of Motion Picture Awards. Precious won the three top awards at Sundance and became the first film to win audience awards at both the Toronto Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival. "Precious" earned an enthusiastic public endorsement from 30-year literacy advocate and former First Lady Barbara BushBarbara Bush
Barbara Pierce Bush is the wife of the 41st President of the United States George H. W. Bush, and served as First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993. She is the mother of the 43rd President George W. Bush and of the 43rd Governor of Florida Jeb Bush...
who with her husband hosted a private screening for 200 and declared "Precious is a new call to action." In recounting the 773 grants given by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 50 states, Mrs. Bush wrote, "what saves 'Precious' from a life of despair is a teacher who helps her learn to read and write...If I were to give out a homework assignment, it would be this: go see the movie." "Precious" opened in November 2009 with average revenue of $100,000 per screen in its first weekend, "a feat accomplished only twice before (by Dreamgirls
Dreamgirls (film)
Dreamgirls is a 2006 musical drama film, directed by Bill Condon and jointly produced and released by DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures. The film debuted in three special road show engagements beginning December 15, 2006 before its nationwide release on December 25, 2006...
and Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain is a 2005 romantic drama film directed by Ang Lee. It is a film adaptation of the 1997 short story of the same name by Annie Proulx with the screenplay written by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry...
)" according to Time Magazine.
"Attica"
On February 16, 2010 director Doug LimanDoug Liman
Douglas Eric "Doug" Liman is an American film director and producer best known for Swingers , The Bourne Identity , Mr. & Mrs. Smith , Jumper , and Fair Game .-Early life:...
and Fletcher announced that they would be collaborating on a film re-creation of the 1971 Attica state prison rebellion. Fletcher said in a statement "Working with a remarkable director in Doug Liman whose family history binds him personally to this project, I hope to create opportunities for re-examination of this dramatic crossroad in our nation's history while contributing to the current dialogue on the value of protecting everyone's rights."
Screenwriting Awards for "Precious"
Best Adapted Screenplay- 82nd Academy Awards82nd Academy Awards
The 82nd Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences , honored the best films of 2009 and took place March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles beginning at 5:30 p.m. PST / 8:30 p.m. EST. The ceremony was scheduled well after...
Best First Screenplay
25th Independent Spirit Awards
Independent Spirit Awards 2009
The Independent Spirit Awardsઞ 2009 announced its nominees in December 2009. The winners were announced on March 5, 2010.-Best Film. :*Precious** Days of Summer**Amreeka**The Last Station...
Winner Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
41st NAACP Image Awards
Best Screenplay – Adapted Geoffrey Fletcher
14th Satellite Awards
Satellite Awards 2009
The 2009 Satellite Awards, honoring the year's outstanding performers, films, television shows, DVDs, and interactive media, were presented by the International Press Academy at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday, December 20, 2009...
Best Screenplay Geoffrey Fletcher
7th AAFCA Awards
African-American Film Critics Association
The African-American Film Critics Association is a group of African-American film critics that give various awards for excellence in film at the end of each year.-History:The association was founded in 2003 by Gil L. Robertson IV and Shawn Edwards...
Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted Geoffrey Fletcher
10th Black Reel Awards
Black Reel Awards
The Black Reel Awards began in 2000 and were designed to annually recognize and celebrate the achievements of black people in feature, independent and television films...
Screenwriting Nominations for "Precious"
Best Screenplay – Adapted8th Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards 2009
The 8th Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards 2009 were given in December 2009.-Winners and nominees:*Best Film:**Up in the Air*The Hurt Locker*Inglourious Basterds*Precious*Up*Best Director:...
Best Screenplay, Adapted
4th Alliance of Women Film Journalists Award
Best Screenplay
3rd Houston Film Critics Society Awards
Houston Film Critics Society Awards 2009
The 3rd Houston Film Critics Society Awards nominations were announced on the December 17, 2009. The 2009 awards were given out at a ceremony held at the Museum of Fine Arts on December 19, 2009...
Best Adapted Screenplay
14th Florida Film Critics Circle Awards
Florida Film Critics Circle Awards 2009
-Winners:*Best Actor:**George Clooney - Up in the Air*Best Actress:**Gabourey Sidibe - Precious*Best Animated Film:**Up*Best Cinematography:**Avatar - Mauro Fiore*Best Director:**Jason Reitman - Up in the Air*Best Documentary Film:...
Scripter Award
and Sapphire
23rd USC Scripter Awards
USC Scripter Award
USC Scripter Award is the name given to an award presented annually by the University of Southern California to honor screenwriters.-1987:*84 Charing Cross Road**Hugh Whitemore and Helene Hanff -1988:...
Adapted Screenplay
62nd Writers Guild of America Awards
Writers Guild of America Awards 2009
The 62nd Writers Guild of America Awards honored the best film, television, and videogame writers of 2009. Winners were announced on February 20, 2010.-Best Adapted Screenplay:*Crazy Heart*Julie & Julia...
Adapted Screenplay
63rd British Academy Film Awards
63rd British Academy Film Awards
The 63rd British Academy Film Awards, hosted by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, took place on 21 February 2010 and honoured the best films of 2009. The Hurt Locker took home the most awards, receiving 6 BAFTAS...
Awards and Festivals for "Magic Markers"
Directors Guild of AmericaDirectors Guild of America
Directors Guild of America is an entertainment labor union which represents the interests of film and television directors in the United States motion picture industry...
Student Film Award, 1996.
Shown at Hamptons International Film Festival
Hamptons International Film Festival
Hamptons International Film Festival was founded to provide a forum for independent filmmakers from around the world to express their vision. The Festival is traditionally held for five days in mid-October in theatre venues from Montauk to Southampton and attracts roughly 15,000 visitors annually...
October 18–22, 1995.
Shown at Sundance Film Festival
Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is a film festival that takes place annually in Utah, in the United States. It is the largest independent cinema festival in the United States. Held in January in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, as well as at the Sundance Resort, the festival is a showcase for new...
(Shorts Program) in Park City, Utah January 18–28, 1996.
"Precious:" Critical Review
Film critics have focused on the challenges of creating "Precious" from "Push," a novel written as a first person diary where the raw power of the violence and degradation must be so carefully harnessed and finessed as to leave the audience captivated and not capitulated.- Erin Aubry Kaplan posed the question in Salon.com of how to assess the "hopeless story of a ghetto teen... in the Age of Obama." She responds with "'Precious' proves you don't always have to choose between artistic and commercial success; the film's first opening weekend was record-breaking. It's a sign how much we needed to tell this story. And, perhaps, how many stories there are left to tell."
- Jack Mathews wrote: “Without being familiar with the source material, you really have no idea how much work went into the adaptation or how well it was done... 'Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire'...First-time screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher did yeoman's work turning Sapphire's graphic, idiomatic novel into a coherent and inspiring story about the journey of an abused Harlem teenager.”"
- A.O. Scott identifies the script's precise use of force and adept use of language including a memorable line created by Fletcher for the adaptation: a “risky, remarkable film adaptation, written by Geoffrey Fletcher, the facts of Precious’s life are also laid out with unsparing force (though not in overly graphic detail). But just as “Push” achieves an eloquence that makes it far more than a fictional diary of extreme dysfunction, so too does 'Precious' avoid the traps of well-meaning, preachy lower-depths realism. It howls and stammers, but it also sings...Inarticulate and emotionally shut down, her massive body at once a prison and a hiding place, Precious is also perceptive and shrewd, possessed of talents visible only to those who bother to look. At its plainest and most persuasive, her story is that of a writer discovering a voice. 'These people talked like TV stations I didn’t even watch,' she remarks of Ms. Rain and her lover (Kimberly Russell), displaying her awakening literary intelligence even as she marvels at the discovery of her ignorance.”"
- Owen Gleiberman's “'Precious' Displays Power of Film” (Entertainment Weekly) identifies how Daniels uses one of the rich scenes created by Fletcher to position Mo’nique in a painful confrontation with Sidibe that results in masterful and thought-provoking performance that delivers the final push needed by Sidibe: “The more Precious tries to get away from her mother, the more she's pulled back, and the final scene of revelation between them will leave you tearful, shaken, dazed with pity and terror. 'Precious' is a film that makes you think, 'There but for the grace of God go I.' It's a potent and moving experience, because by the end you feel you've witnessed nothing less than the birth of a soul.”
- Conversely, reflecting the transformation from script to screen, Dana StevensDana Stevens (critic)Dana Shawn Stevens is a movie critic at Slate magazine. She is also a regular on the magazine's weekly cultural podcast the Culture Gabfest.-Life and career:Stevens grew up in Scarsdale, New York...
of Slate disagrees with Gleiberman's suggestion that the "film makes you think" and argues that the film's "eagerness" to "drag" the audience "through the lower depths of human experience" leaves little space for independent "conclusions." Stevens noted that while the film is about improvement and self-actualization, "it wields an awfully large cudgel" in contrast to Scott's view of balance: "unsparing force (though not in overly graphic detail)." Perhaps sharing Mathews' view regarding the daunting challenge of adapting the harsh story of "Push," Stevens' observes that "Daniels and Fletcher no doubt intended for their film to lend a voice to the kind of protagonist too often excluded from American movie screens: a poor, black, overweight single mother from the inner city."