WRITERS

Screenwriters delve deep into the archives and history books when researching period pieces

Part of the fun in watching period films and biopics is the chance to learn something new and interesting about that bygone era and its people — what they wore, how they spoke, what particular mannerisms or societal customs were of that day and age. And while creative liberties and anachronisms can almost always be expected in the name of efficient or enrapturing storytelling, a screenwriter’s research is of the utmost importance when penning a well-made period film. Given the cornucopia of such films in contention this year, Variety asked the screenwriters for their favorite pieces of trivia gleaned during the research process.