“Winter Solstice” is competing for an Oscar, among others. in the best original screenplay category. Strong accusations once morest its author, David Hemingson, were made by Simon Stephenson, screenwriter of films such as “Luca” and “The Mad World of Louis Wain”.
Is the “Winter Solstice” script plagiarism?!
Simon Stephenson claims that the story told in “Winter Solstice” is a plagiarism of “Frisco” – his script, which in 2013 was in third place on the blacklist, i.e. a list of the best unused texts circulating in Hollywood. Stephenson contacted the Writers’ Guild regarding this matter. The email quoted by Variety reads:
The evidence that the script for “Winter Solstice” was rewritten line by line from “Frisco” is staggering. Anyone who compares even the shortest fragments finds it impudent.
The protagonists of “Frisco” were a bitter middle-aged pediatrician and his 15-year-old patient who, as a result of an accident, are confined to each other’s company. In “Winter Solstice” they are a boarding school teacher and one of his students, respectively. A combination of unfavorable circumstances forces them to spend the Christmas break together. Initially, they dislike each other, but as they get to know each other better, they begin to respect each other.
Alexander Payne and David Hemingson declined to comment. Simon Stephenson confirmed the veracity of the emails quoted by Variety, but also did not comment on the matter.
Watch the trailer for “Winter Solstice”
“Winter Solstice” is competing for Oscars in five categories, including: best film and best original screenplay. Joy Randolph, who plays Mary Da’Vine, is considered a favorite in the best supporting actress category. Watch the trailer:
