Theme: Why I watch movies (as if I need a reason)...
Screenwriting
Another reason I watch movies? Screenwriting research. I analyze films... What works? What doesn't? How did it flow? What structure did they follow? Did that element enhance the story?  |
| A few screenplays from my bookshelf. |
I also study screenplays. If a movie, for instance, contains flashbacks and flash-forwards yet didn't lose me, I want to see how it was written! When a film tickles my funny bone, I read that screenwriter's work. If I feel drawn to multiple movies written by the same person, I study her writing style (I'm looking at you, Nora Ephron).
Watching and reading movies helps improve my screenwriting skills.
Who wrote the screenplay for your favorite film?
Trudy,
ReplyDeleteI did not know that you're a screenwriter. Have you sold any of your work? I had to ask! ;) You sure put more thought into a movie than I do. I just watch for the entertainment and after 15-30 minutes if the story doesn't grab me, then I switch to something else. This is all cool to know, especially about you. :)
Thanks for joining me for A2Z Little Mermaid art sketch series 'Sebastian & Scuttle'
@Cathy ... I haven't sold any screenplays. Came close one time, but I ended up not signing the producer's contract. (Long story.) It's a difficult and frustrating business. There's a quote by R.A. Salvatore, "If you can quit, then quit. If you can't quit, you're a writer." Well, I can't quit screenwriting.
ReplyDeleteGreat quote. I wish you the best in your screenwriting, and for many serendipitous opportunities for your stories to be filmed. I have also written screenplays and it is a tough field to break into.
ReplyDeleteThe film I first thought of was The Shawshank Redemption. It was written by Frank Darabont from a novella by Stephen King. After I saw the movie for the first time, I read Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. Frank did a great job adapting King's story. There was of course excellence there to begin with.
Original screenplay that came to mind was Good Will Hunting. Love that movie. I heard that Affleck and Damon may have had some help polishing it, this from an inside source, but then who doesn't need some expert help when starting out. I've watched both those films again and again.
@Sue ... "for many serendipitous opportunities..." I like that. Thank you! And same goes for you!
ReplyDeleteI've seen the Shawshank Redemption, but haven't read the screenplay or the novella. That would be an interesting one to study.
About Affleck and Damon, I've heard that too (also from an insider), and you're right, expert help is needed even for some of the screenwriters who've been in the business for years. I still haven't seen Good Will Hunting. (I'm adding that to my list right now!)
Oh my, you must see Good Will Hunting! Robin Williams is perfection, Gus Van Sant did a great job directing, and I could go on, but I will restrain myself. I did a review a long time ago: https://moodmovie.blogspot.com/2006/05/good-will-hunting.html
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested to hear what you think of the film once you see it.
@Sue ... Sounds like a powerful film (I read your review). I'm hoping to see it in May (after the A to Z Challenge), and I'll let you know what I think of it. I'll leave a comment on your review for the film.
ReplyDeleteTrudy,
ReplyDeleteMaybe your ship will sail in one day and we'll see your screenplay on the big screen! :)
@Cathy ... That will be wonderful, thanks!
ReplyDelete