Alan Sharp, Scottish-American author and screenwriter (d. 2013)

Alan Sharp: A Scottish Literary Voice and Maverick Hollywood Screenwriter

Alan Sharp (12 January 1934 – 8 February 2013) was a distinguished Scottish novelist and screenwriter, widely recognized for his profound impact on both literature and cinema. Born in Fairlie, Ayrshire, Sharp cultivated a unique narrative voice that consistently challenged conventional storytelling, earning him a significant place in the cultural landscape.

Early Literary Works and Transition to Film

Sharp's career initially blossomed in the 1960s with the publication of two critically acclaimed novels, showcasing his talent for incisive character study and compelling narrative. His debut, A Quick One Before The Kids Start (1965), garnered praise for its sharp wit and observational depth. This was followed by The Wind Shifts (1967), which further solidified his reputation as a significant new voice in Scottish literature. These works laid the groundwork for his subsequent pivot to screenwriting, where he would leave an even more indelible mark.

A Prolific and Influential Hollywood Screenwriting Career

Transitioning from novelist to screenwriter, Alan Sharp became a highly sought-after talent in Hollywood. He penned the screenplays for approximately twenty feature films, predominantly produced in the United States, between the early 1970s and the mid-1990s. His work spanned a diverse range of genres, from gritty neo-noirs to expansive historical dramas, but he was particularly celebrated for his contributions to the revisionist Western and suspense thriller genres.

• The Hired Hand (1971): Directed by and starring Peter Fonda, this film is often cited as a cornerstone of the revisionist Western, exploring themes of freedom, commitment, and the changing American West with a melancholic tone.
• Ulzana's Raid (1972): A stark and brutal Western directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Burt Lancaster, this film delves into complex moral ambiguities surrounding conflict and survival, offering a grim, unflinching look at violence and prejudice.
• Night Moves (1975): Directed by Arthur Penn and starring Gene Hackman, this critically acclaimed neo-noir thriller is celebrated for its intricate plot, psychological depth, and unsettling atmosphere, standing as a benchmark of the genre.
• Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974): A high-octane action-crime film featuring Peter Fonda and Susan George, showcasing Sharp's versatility in crafting fast-paced, engaging narratives.
• Smash Palace (1981): A powerful New Zealand drama directed by Roger Donaldson, which earned international acclaim for its raw portrayal of a disintegrating marriage.
• The Osterman Weekend (1983): Sharp adapted Robert Ludlum's espionage thriller for director Sam Peckinpah's final film, adding his distinctive touch to the complex spy narrative.
• Rob Roy (1995): An epic historical drama set in 18th-century Scotland, directed by Michael Caton-Jones and starring Liam Neeson, which brought Sharp's storytelling prowess to a broader, mainstream audience.

Deconstructing Hollywood Verities: A Signature Style

A hallmark of Alan Sharp's screenwriting, as articulated in a notable obituary, was his unique ability to "create and then disassemble audience expectations about all the usual Hollywood verities, especially the triumph of justice, love and friendship." This critical observation underscores Sharp's deliberate subversion of conventional cinematic tropes. Unlike many traditional Hollywood narratives that often guarantee a clear-cut victory for good, unambiguous heroic figures, or saccharine happy endings, Sharp's films consistently presented a more nuanced and often bleak reality. He explored morally ambiguous characters, complex dilemmas, and frequently concluded with outcomes that eschewed simplistic resolutions. This approach resonated deeply with the "New Hollywood" movement of the 1970s, which favoured challenging, realistic, and psychologically rich storytelling over formulaic escapism. Sharp's work provided a cynical yet profoundly human lens through which to examine the darker facets of human nature and societal structures.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Alan Sharp's distinctive narrative voice and unwavering commitment to challenging cinematic conventions ensured his enduring legacy. He is remembered not only as a master craftsman of screenplays but also as a writer who brought a rigorous intellectual and emotional depth to genre filmmaking, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of American and international cinema.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alan Sharp

What were Alan Sharp's primary literary contributions?

Alan Sharp published two novels in the 1960s: A Quick One Before The Kids Start (1965) and The Wind Shifts (1967). These works established his reputation as a significant voice in Scottish literature before he transitioned to screenwriting.

Which are some of Alan Sharp's most acclaimed screenplays?

Some of his most celebrated screenplays include the revisionist Westerns The Hired Hand (1971) and Ulzana's Raid (1972), the neo-noir thriller Night Moves (1975), and the epic historical drama Rob Roy (1995). These films showcase his versatility and unique narrative style.

How did Alan Sharp challenge traditional Hollywood narratives?

Alan Sharp was known for "disassembling audience expectations about all the usual Hollywood verities," meaning he often subverted conventional happy endings, clear moral victories, and unambiguous heroes. His stories frequently featured complex, morally grey characters and explored bleaker, more realistic outcomes, aligning with the "New Hollywood" movement's embrace of nuanced and challenging themes.

What genres did Alan Sharp primarily work within as a screenwriter?

While Alan Sharp worked across various genres, he was particularly renowned for his contributions to the Western, often in a revisionist capacity, and the neo-noir thriller. He also wrote for action-crime films and historical dramas, demonstrating his broad range as a storyteller.