Scripts.

[PeeSlowlyAndSee]

I assume there are people here that enjoy reading plays (I do).

My question, however, is this: Does anybody else here enjoy reading movie scripts, as well?

Personally, I love to.

I don't even really know why, either, but I know what I like.

"Wouldn't it be easier to just watch the movie?" (<----That's what you're thinking, admit it.)

Yes, but just like reading a book version of a movie, it's different.

I don't know how to elaborate on this more, so thoughts?

[Maryd.]

It's not abnormal... Reading a script is exactly the same as reading a play in many ways. I loved the play "A Long Days Journey into the Night', by Eugene O'Neill. I loved it so much I used to act out some of the scenes, he put forward. Just like a movie script.

So no, there is nothing wrong with reading movie scripts. I'd rather read one that watch the movie/performance. You feel your enterpretation of the plot.

[PeeSlowlyAndSee]

You feel your interpretation of the plot.

This is what I was trying to think of, but I couldn't put it in words for whatever reason.

What I see in my head can be totally different than what I see on the screen.

[Maryd.]

This is what I was trying to think of, but I couldn't put it in words for whatever reason.

What I see in my head can be totally different than what I see on the screen.

Makes sense... You're very intuitive. Congrats.

[wlz]

I spend most of my time trying to write screenplays. This justifies the idea I suppose of wanting (and needing) to read screenplays and then sometimes filming scripts. I enjoy reading screenplays, especially those written by Woody Allen. My favourite is his film 'Stardust Memories'.

[Maryd.]

Yes, he is quite talented. Some people dislike his acting... But I love him... He is very clever.

[wlz]

Agreed Maryd. I find a terrible amount of people dislike him for either his acting or the fact that they do not quite understand his comedy. But then, I live in Ireland... (no wait, don't get me started!) I am no great judge of acting but I do love the characters Allen creates and plays. In my mind he is a legendary Director and Screenwriter who has a greater run of Cinema Classics under his belt than most others! (That's probably a bold statement...? but what the hell - HE IS THAT GOOD.) It would be GREAT to meet him. I've been watching his films from an early age. Any favourites?

[Maryd.]

Bananas, Crimes and Misdemeanors and it may sound silly, but he does great voice overs for children's films. (Antz)

[wlz]

Yes, seemingly as far back as 'Annie Hall': remember the small part of script worked into animation? I enjoyed 'Ants'. Perhaps there are more, though I wouldn't be too sure. I think Woody Allen's work on out-and-out comedies like 'Bananas' and 'Love and Death' to the rom-com cinematic classics such as 'Manhattan' and 'Annie Hall' show his genius as both a comedian and serious artist...

Though this film owes a great deal to Fellini's '8 1/2', and maybe some of Bergman's masterpieces, and I am sure it crosses swords somewhat with the film 'Alex in Wonderland', the multi-layered and sometimes surreal, 'Stardust Memories' had the most lasting affect on me with regards to film. At the age of seventeen after watching this film, my ideas about the world of cinema were superbly transformed forever.

Maryd, have you seen 'The Purple Rose of Cairo'?

What do you think of Woody Allen's influences like the Marx Brothers and those mentioned above?

Forgive all the questions, I was hoping that someone would begin a script/screenplay thread for obvious reasons!

[kelby_lake]

I assume there are people here that enjoy reading plays (I do).

My question, however, is this: Does anybody else here enjoy reading movie scripts, as well?

Personally, I love to.

I don't even really know why, either, but I know what I like.

"Wouldn't it be easier to just watch the movie?" (<----That's what you're thinking, admit it.)

Yes, but just like reading a book version of a movie, it's different.

I don't know how to elaborate on this more, so thoughts?

If I could get hold of some...actually, I have. I read the movie script for 'Baby Doll'.
I love seeing how the film has been constructed- when you watch it, you don't really see through the manipulation. Reading scripts is like...finding the catalyst to the finished product, or a new layer. It opens up the possibilities of what could so easily have happened.

I love reading stage plays but don't know anybody else who does :(

[Modest Proposal]

I took a class in which we read a novel, read the movie script and then watched the movie. The prof had worked a lot in hollywood and we got a chance to see the whole process of adaptation. My favorite part of the process was understanding that the primary issue is finding what is REALLY important in the book through close reading so as to make sure it is evinced in the movie--which obviously is forced to cut much. We read: The Hours, The End of the Affair, The Human Stain, The Unbearable Lightness of Being and the very famous screenwriting book "Story". I recommend them all.

Also, my best friend is a script reader in hollywood and he sends me scripts that he likes--shh, don't tell--to see what I think of them and whether he should recommend they get opted. He's actually working on a film right now with Billy Bob Thorton and Salma Hayek which I have the script for. Unfortunately, it sucks.

[PeeSlowlyAndSee]

It would be cool to have an actual copy of the script to hold in your hands, but I just make do and read them online.

[wlz]

Any aspiring screenwriters on this thread?

[Maryd.]

Maryd, have you seen 'The Purple Rose of Cairo'?

What do you think of Woody Allen's influences like the Marx Brothers and those mentioned above?

No, I haven't seen either films

The Marx Brothers were a very intelligent bunch. Grouchy was very witty and his quick one liners were amazing. However some were quite offensive. Mind you in their time offensive remarks were the best form of comedy... We have all become "stick in the muds" these days, such a shame.

The reason Woody is disliked in some circumstances is because he has a dry sense of humour, perhaps a little too much like past comedians and this puts him in a different category of comedy.

Well that is my opionion, in any case he is an amazing man and I think he is great.;)

[PeeSlowlyAndSee]

I absolutely love Harpo Marx.

[dfloyd]

although if I had the time they might be interesting. I think it is interesting to note that some very good writers turned out some mediocre scripts for Hollywood. These include Scott Fitzgerald, Raymond Chandler, and Dorothy Parker.

As for plays, I enjoy the classical ones as much as I do classical literature. Not counting Shakespeare, which I have read, I have read a few of the classical Greek plays, George Bernard Shaw, Eugene O'neil, Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams et al. The last play i read was The Rivals by Sheridan.

[PeeSlowlyAndSee]

I personally don't even care if the scripts aren't particularly good.

[Modest Proposal]

I personally don't even care if the scripts aren't particularly good.

That's strange? Why do you think you like reading them if it isn't to enjoy their quality?

[Maryd.]

I absolutely love Harpo Marx.

Want to know something weird, Pee. I pull a face like his... You know the kind he pulls, when he goes crosseyed, puffs out his cheeks and pokes his tongue between his teeth. My family love when I pull that face.:lol:

[PeeSlowlyAndSee]

That's strange? Why do you think you like reading them if it isn't to enjoy their quality?
Good question.
I have no idea, but I do know that I've never not finished one I started reading.


Want to know something weird, Pee. I pull a face like his... You know the kind he pulls, when he goes crosseyed, puffs out his cheeks and pokes his tongue between his teeth. My family love when I pull that face.:lol:

Bahaha that's awesome.

[Maryd.]

And how talented were they... Musically I mean. Unbelievably talented and funny, can't beat that combination.

[kelby_lake]

Good question.
I have no idea, but I do know that I've never not finished one I started reading.

Probably so you can get a feel for different types of films.

OMG, you have the lyrics for 'Stand and Deliver' in your sig! :D

[PeeSlowlyAndSee]

Maryd--I agree 100%. All of that was before my time, but I wish comedy was still like that now-a-days.

Kelby--Haha yeah, Adam and the Ants for the win.

[Maryd.]

I grew up listening to Adam and the Ants... And loved them. Oh, I am old.:bawling:

[kelby_lake]

I grew up listening to Adam and the Ants... And loved them. Oh, I am old.:bawling:

I sort of grew up listening to them, but not at the time :D

[Maryd.]

I sort of grew up listening to them, but not at the time :D

I did and it was a crazy era the 80's. I must say I wasn't really into the modern fashions or trends, but I loved his look. Only he could pull off such a look.:alien:

[PeeSlowlyAndSee]

That's true, anybody else would have just looked ridiculous, but he definitely made it look awesome.

[Maryd.]

Hey Pee, you mentioned that you were a muso, do you have a certain look?

[PeeSlowlyAndSee]

I guess I do.

Stretch jeans, either bands or Harley Davidson t-shirts (tight, of course), denim jacket, aviator shades, various accessories--just straight rock n' roll.

I definitely look like a guitar player, that's for sure.

The picture in my avatar is probably 4 years old, at least, but that's an example.

[Maryd.]

I guess I do.

Stretch jeans, either bands or Harley Davidson t-shirts (tight, of course), denim jacket, aviator shades, various accessories--just straight rock n' roll.

I definitely look like a guitar player, that's for sure.

The picture in my avatar is probably 4 years old, at least, but that's an example.

Yep, you definitely have the look:thumbs_up