 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Posted: |
Jan 11, 2017 - 7:01 PM
|
|
|
|
By: |
Aidabaida
(Member)
|
You know, now that I've brought up the topic, I'm trying to think of what makes a good screenplay.
First of all, good dialogue. I think good dialogue both advances the plot and develops characters at the same time. Also, it doesn't feel like it's just using characters as mouthpieces for exposition. Good dialogue feels like what a character would actually say at that moment, not what the writer wants him to say. For an example of good dialogue, just turn to Rian Johnson's Looper. A man from the past says to a man from the future that he's planning to go to France. The man from the future says, "I'm from the future. Go to Shanghai." Combined with the actor's delivery, this is a funny line, it shows the personality of the character, and it adds plot information.
Second of all, a storyline that feels unpredictable yet still satisfying. Random, out of hat twists can make a movie unpredictable, but the key is keeping things exciting and unpredictable without losing the satisfaction element. For an example of this, turn to Gareth Edward's "Rogue One". It's unpredictable. We know the plans eventually make it to the rebel alliance but we're not sure who will live and die. There's no wild twists, but you're not sure how things are going to turn out. Yet when the resolution does come, it's satsifying!
So, dialogue that advances a plot and develops characters and a storyline that is both unpredictable yet satisfying.
What else makes a great screenplay?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Wilson
I 2nd, 3rd and 4th the vote for MICHAEL WILSON!
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are many screenwriters I find very good, though I can't say I have a list or can narrow it down to a single person.
I remember there are movies that made me take note of the writer. Se7en for example was so excellently written, that I took note of Andrew Kevin Walker. I know Alan Ball because his screenplay for American Beauty was terrific. Robert Towne because of Chinatown, Paddy Chayefsky because of Network.
I also really (yeah, this may be like throwing a bomb into this pool here) think Joe Eszterhas is (or was, he hasn't had a script produced in over a decade) a terrific screenwriter. His stuff tends to be genre pulp, but it's darn good pulp with panache.
In any case, Eszterhas book "Hollywood Animal" sure is a highly entertaining read. He doesn't mince words or seems to be afraid stepping on people's toes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
