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Dear Breakup Girl,
My girlfriend broke up with me and left me hanging on with every breath. She
inspired my new screenplay and I'm wondering if I should tell her that I'm
making a film that's loosely based on our relationship. I think that if I do
that, then there's absolutely no chance of getting back together with her. I
hope you help me out in my dilemma. Thanks.
-- Carmelo
|Dear Carmelo,
Yep, you make that film, and there's next to no chance
of "You've Got More Mail: The Sequel" in real life. As long as you do
understand that. Otherwise, yeah, clue her in. Your relationship may have had a
surprise ending, but still, it's only fair that her ex-best-boy give her a
heads-up. You should also assure her that it is indeed only "inspired
by" and "loosely-based" -- and I assume you'll be telling the
truth when you do. Yes, you are entitled -- and encouraged -- to "write
what you know." Who doesn't? (Well...) But notice:
write, not spite. I'm not saying you have to falsely warm-fuzzify. But you have
of course disguised details, preserved secrets, avoided actual documentary
footage, right? Just follow this metro-goldwyn rule: do not unto others as you
would not have Nora
Ephron do unto you.
Love,
Breakup Girl
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