For screenwriters, one of the best pieces of advice is to read other screenplays and learn from them as you grow as a writer. Do you have any scripts that you recommend to read (to fall back on, etc). I always revisit Little Miss Sunshine when I'm stuck or confused, but I'm eager to hear your taste and opinions.
Hi Anon,
I don’t have one script in particular I always go back to, but I have multiple that I reference depending on what I am writing at the time. I am in the process of writing a feature that is inspired by The Breakfast Club, and so I have been rereading that a lot lately. Not my favorite script, but it is enjoyable and helpful for my purposes right now.
When I look to scripts for inspiration, I tend to lean toward dramas, because I find a lot of emotional value in them that can translate to any genre.
Some scripts that I really enjoy are:
You Can Count on Me - A low-budget drama that centers around a single mother and her estranged brother. A great film centered around familial love rather than romance.
The Alienist Pilot - The most recent TV drama I’ve read, and it’s a great adaptation and very well-written. In 1896, an investigative team assembled by Commissioner Teddy Roosevelt try to solve a series of murder cases and catch the killer.
On the Waterfront - The script of one of my favorite crime/dramas. Terry Malone struggles with his conscience when he chooses to stand up to a powerful mob boss. A great reference for externalizing an internal conflict.
Get Out - A horror film written with all the precision of a comedy writer, this script is a great read for those interested in both or one of those genres. (It also has a different and darker ending than the film.)
The Station Agent - A man born with dwarfism seeks solitude in rural New Jersey, only to befriend a talkative hot dog vendor and an unhappy artist. This script has very little dialogue, but it is, in my opinion, very well done. You should watch the film AFTER you read it to see how the sparse dialogue can translate into a powerful performance when put in the hands of the right actors.
There are tons more, but these are the most recent ones I’ve read (or reread). You can find all of these (except The Alienist Pilot, since it hasn’t been released yet) on the Resource Drive, along with a few other scripts.
Side note: if there are scripts anyone would like to read but can’t find, send me an ask and I will see if I can add it to the drive!
Best,
Jules
