Also Read: Ethan Hawke Is 'Nuttier Than a Squirrel Turd' in Showtime's 'The Good Lord Bird' Trailer (Video)“Tesla” started off as a spec script written by Jerzy Skolimowski in his early 20s and has since evolved over time, drawing on references as diverse as the films of Derek Jarman, the novels of Henry James and even certain episodes of “Drunk History.” It’s described as a “deconstructed biopic” for how it breaks with the traditions and restraints of the genre.