Writing about the past

I'm writing a screenplay that takes place in the late 1970's ... so I've spent most of the day going through old photos, online images and news of the time as well as sparking memories I've not thought about for .. well, almost 30 years.

I tend to remember the big ticket items - the major events - but many details and names have eluded me. Perhaps for good reason.

Since my screenplay is based on a true story, the research needs to be impeccable. Even though it's based on my own experience, all the facts and tone of the time and environment need to be accurate.

So there are the bell bottoms, disco, faux 'fro's, huge glasses and all the other elements that in hindsight can be experienced as embarrassing. As in, "What the heck were we thinking?"

We saw it as a time of newfound freedom and unbridled expression - but the euphoria of freedom can obviously have hidden costs.

And some not so hidden.