Favorite Screenplays?

[Gumby]

Does anyone here have a favorite screenplay? I mean, when you're watching the film, do you appreciate how the characters are developed and how the story progresses?

My current faves:

Jaws - There's so much going on here between the conflict of personalities (especially the battles of class and masculinity between Quint and Hooper), the politics of a small tourist town, and the shark.

Rocky - A simple story with simple characters. The fact that Rocky doesn't win in the end and is fine with it is really a stroke of genius.

A Simple Plan - Great characters, and how they all become obsessed with the money and what they do because of it is just awesome. Jacob makes me sad.

Unforgiven - A simple story with simple, but very vivid characters. One thing I like is that the script doesn't try to overcomplicate the plot or the characters. His other films, like Million Dollar Baby and Mystic River have similar qualities.

The Searchers - Great blend of drama, humor, racism, very strong characters, and the effects of the Civil War.

You know Gumby, I appreciate people like you who not only watch a film but love the fact that there was more behind the film than the actors or the camera man or the best boy grip!

So, to answer your question, yes. I appreciate screenplays as well and have some favourites. Mine are:

Jerry Maguire - Jerry is such a complex character and at times you really hate him. But after that mission statement, that one single catalyst helps him to understand what it is he wants in life and to stand by it. Of course, he still doesn't know what he wants when he asks to marry

Good Will Hunting - I loved this screenplay so much!! Will Hunting comes off as such a troubled kid who on the exterior looks like a loser but when you get to know him beneath that foul mouth, he's not so bad. I think he's a great character and has a lot of depth to him.

Say Anything! - This was a great movie and a simple script of the whole boy meets girl. It was cute and fresh and totally memorable. Lloyd Dobbler is a great character and comes off pretty solid. Except when he's got the girl, Diane. He kind of lets his guard down and that's what so natural about it.

Originally Posted by Gumby

Does anyone here have a favorite screenplay? I mean, when you're watching the film, do you appreciate how the characters are developed and how the story progresses?

My current faves:

Jaws - There's so much going on here between the conflict of personalities (especially the battles of class and masculinity between Quint and Hooper), the politics of a small tourist town, and the shark.

Rocky - A simple story with simple characters. The fact that Rocky doesn't win in the end and is fine with it is really a stroke of genius.

A Simple Plan - Great characters, and how they all become obsessed with the money and what they do because of it is just awesome. Jacob makes me sad.

Unforgiven - A simple story with simple, but very vivid characters. One thing I like is that the script doesn't try to overcomplicate the plot or the characters. His other films, like Million Dollar Baby and Mystic River have similar qualities.

The Searchers - Great blend of drama, humor, racism, very strong characters, and the effects of the Civil War.

I just saw the movie recently and it was really good. The characters are really nicely written out and Jacob makes me sad too. It's sad what money can do to one. :(

[SilverSpoon]

Clerks and Chasing Amy. Kevin Smith wins for best dialogue in any movie ever.

[Kashie]

Stand By Me and My Own Private Idaho.

I don't know if SBM counts, because it was a book, but still many things were rewritten.

[Gumby]

I'm not really a big fan of Kevin Smith. Just not my style, I suppose.

I thought Good Will Hunting was a good movie, but way too overhyped and definitely should not have won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar. Nothing really original about it, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Other choices I forgot:

On the Waterfront - In the movie that shows us Marlon Brando's greatest performance, it couldn't have happened without the character of Terry Malloy, a failed boxer who's involvement in a murder and feelings for the victim's sister makes him question his conscience and his loyalty to his gangster friends, including his brother. This one pretty much has it all, right down to the tough-talking priest. Oh, and in 1954, it was a pretty big deal when Terry tells the priest to go to hell. At least the priest punches him for it.

A Christmas Story - Need I say more? Best holiday movie not involving Charlie Brown or Garfield. You didn't need to be alive at the time the movie is set in to be able to totally relate to Ralphie and his quest for the perfect Christmas present.