“Love Never Fails” Scripts

January 27, 2012 – 1:16 pm

One of the most desirable traits that can be attributed to a person is their ability to love unconditionally. In this world of fast paced divorces, serial killers and apathy, it is hard to find one person that truly holds on to that idea. However, a person that does is quite attractive.

This character trait is so attractive, in fact, that the movie industry has been able to make a multi-million dollar business off of it! With films like Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, people are able to see a side of love that is not often seen today. Instead of attraction based on physical appearance, there is such a thing as attraction based on kindness and a loving nature.

Without love, many people would live without motivation or hope. With it, some people can be spurred towards moving mountains. Because of this, it is important for the movie industry to continue making romantic films, although many of the films can come off as sappy or trite. We all need to see that love can win, even if it is only on the movie screen.

 

  1. (1939) Wuthering Heights Script [Transcript]
  2. (1994) Forrest Gump Script
  3. (1996) Romeo and Juliet Script
  4. (1997) Titanic Script
  5. (2004) The Very Long Engagement Script  [Transcript]
  6. (2007) Love in the Time of Cholera Script  [Transcript]
  7. (2007) The Nines Script
By Margaret C. Waggoner | Posted in Film | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Ghost Story Scripts

January 23, 2012 – 1:18 pm

The horror genre is a unique genre because its sole purpose is to scare the living daylights out of a person. Throughout the last century, the genre has evolved to meet the increasing demands of the movie-going public. New techniques, plots and monsters are developed every day to shock people and bring out their innermost fears. Whether a person is afraid of demons, darkness or animals- there is a film maker who is dying to take that fear to another level.

One of the classic genres of horror films is based on ghosts. Ghosts are pure fodder to the horror film maker because it is something that cannot be understood. Some people believe that ghosts are good while others believe that ghosts are bad. Some believe that ghosts do not exist while others attest to the opposite.

The general indecision that people have about ghosts makes it easy for film makers to come up with new plots and reasoning as to why ghosts exist. They determine the level of power a ghost has as well as their ability to bend time, space or circumstances in their favor. There is no right or wrong answer, so the film maker has a lot of room to be creative.

Film makers and writers would do well to read some of the following scripts. These scripts are composed of some of the best ghost stories that have ever graced the cinema screen. They show the infinite amount of creative control that a film maker can have when making a ghost story film. It also shows how much more potential has been untouched by film makers, and are diamonds yet to be discovered.m maker has the freedom to change as much or as little as he wishes.

Keep in mind, not all of the films listed below are horror films. But the original ideas make them interesting tools for a horror film maker to learn from and build upon.

 

  1. (1939) Wuthering Heights Script [Transcript]
  2. (1980) The Shining Script
  3. (1980) The Fog Script
  4. (1982) Poltergeist Script
  5. (1990) Ghost Script
  6. (1995) Casper Script [Transcript]
  7. (2001) The Others Script  [Transcript]
  8. (2002) Dark Water Script  [Transcript]
  9. (2007) Paranormal Activity Script  [Transcript]

 

By Margaret C. Waggoner | Posted in Film | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Inspirational Film Scripts

January 18, 2012 – 1:14 pm

An inspirational film is not something easily made. Writing a script that is attractive without being sappy is something that takes a lot of practice, experience and revision. When dialogue is able to bring an audience to tears, it shows a deep understanding of the emotional triggers of other human beings.

These film scripts are like solid gold. With just a pen and paper (or sometimes a computer), these writers have been able to change the lives of other people. Their scripts were enough to encourage people to be kind, to live life to the fullest, or to be brave in a time of danger.

There is not much that can be said about technique. Each person’s strategy is unique and should not be emulated by others, lest the technique might lose its power. However, these scripts show how a person’s life experiences, education and determination can wrap together a story into a coherent and touching film.

The only advice that they give to future film makers, writers and actors is to find something that they believe in and work to express that to the best of their ability. This may take years and years of practice and revision but in the end, everything will hopefully tie together and create something that not only the individual believes in, but that the world believes in as well.

Good luck.

  1. (1995) Braveheart Script
  2. (1996) Independence Day Script
  3. (1997) Titanic Script
  4. (2000) Dancer in the Dark [Transcript]
  5. (2000) Requiem for a Dream Script
  6. (2001) Amelie Transcript
  7. (2004) Crash Script
  8. (2007) Love in the Time of Cholera [Transcript]
By Margaret C. Waggoner | Posted in Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Film Scripts About Psychiatric Institutions

January 15, 2012 – 6:14 pm

Psychiatric institutions are a mysterious world to most people. Despite the fact that most people suffer from psychological disorders, most are treated outside of a clinic with medicine and therapy. People who end up in psychiatric institutions are frightening to those in the outside world. For some reason, these people were unable to be treated with traditional techniques and methods to the point that they became a risk to themselves or others.

Because of this, psychiatric institutions are otherworldly- an experience that many fear to enter but will do so if from the safety of their home. Many films have been made about psychiatric institutions. Dramas, comedies and horror films have taken from the taboo world to create fictional stories that delight viewers. However, there are a few films that stand out from the rest.

From the complex world of psychiatric institutions, here are some of the best scripts that depict both the gritty realism of the experience and an interesting story to go along with it.

  1. (1975) One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Script
  2. (1995) 12 Monkeys Script
  3. (1999) Girl, Interrupted Script
  4. (2001) Don’t Say a Word Script [Transcript]
  5. (2002) The Ring Script [Transcript]
  6. (2008) Changeling Script

 

By Margaret C. Waggoner | Posted in Film | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Film Scripts Based on Mental Disorders

January 10, 2012 – 6:13 pm

Borderline Personality Disorder, OCD, Bipolar Disorder and depression are among the many psychological disorders that have gained notoriety in films over the past few decades. The concept of a warped mind that sees the world in a much different way from the mainstream is something that intrigues people from all walks of life. Individualism is shown in its true dark form and for a few moments, an audience is able to comprehend what it’s like to see through a “crazy” person’s mind.

Many of the best psychological disorder films were written by people who actually had the disorder. This adds realism and definition to the characters and makes it likeable by many audiences. However, some disorders (such as schizophrenia) can be so debilitating that it’s difficult to find a person who can write a story representing their experience.

So in these cases, writers are given a challenge to try to experience something they know nothing about using only clinical definitions and second-hand accounts from doctors or family members. But when an interesting perspective is found, it opens a path that allows many people to experience a different state of mind as well.

Below is a list of some of the best film scripts based on a person with a mental disorder. From these scripts, a writer will be able to see how disorders are characterized by people with experience and those without. By taking note of the methods used in writing these scripts, a person will be better prepared to show the perspective of someone or something that they had never experienced in their lives; yet do so in a way that is believable.

For those who have suffered with a disorder, these scripts show how to use scenes and dialogue to help people understand what it feels like to live with that disorder.

 

  1. (2003) Identity Script
  2. (2002) May Script [Transcript]
  3. (2001) Donnie Darko Script
  4. (2001) A Beautiful Mind Script [Transcript]
  5. (1999) Fight Club Script
  6. (1999) Girl, Interrupted Script [Transcript]
  7. (1997) As Good As It Gets Script
  8. (1993) What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Script [Transcript]
  9. (1988) Rain Man Script  [Transcript]
By Margaret C. Waggoner | Posted in Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Top 7 Vietnam Film Scripts

January 4, 2012 – 10:42 pm

Vietnam: the war that divided a country, gave birth to hippies, and started a new music revolution. Despite what people may feel about the war, Vietnam was the starting point for a lot of changes. Gone are the days when Americans used to band together during a time of war. Now there are protestors who believe more in themselves than in following orders.

Given this change of perspective, a Vietnam war film is much different than the patriotic war films of the World War 2 era. These films show gritty life, pessimistic outcomes, and psychological damage to the full extent. There are many great films that have been inspired by the anti-war movement and the Vietnam war, but none so much as the ones listed here.

By reading these scripts, a person will learn how to write a war script that brings out the psychological harm, personal struggles and indecision that was prevalent during the Vietnam war.

  1. (1979) Apocalypse Now Script
  2. (1979) The Deer Hunter Script
  3. (1986) Platoon Script
  4. (1987) Full Metal Jacket Script
  5. (1987) Good Morning Vietnam Script
  6. (1989) Born on the 4th of July Script
  7. (1994) Forrest Gump Script

 

 

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Top 6 Prison Film Scripts

January 2, 2012 – 6:43 am

Films have the ability to take a person to a different world that they may never have experienced in their lifetime. Sometimes, the places a film shows are not very pretty. Prison films show a world that is weaved into every society, but is often not experienced by the majority. Anyone who has been to prison often describes the place to be a dark, cruel place where the rules of society are broken and a new order reigns over the lives of the inhabitants

It’s difficult to show this kind of world or explain it in a way that makes sense. The following scripts were written by people who attempted to show the prison structure of their time in the most poignant way possible. By reading these scripts, a person will have a perspective into the ever-changing world of prisons that are continually evolving and changing with each coming generation.

Filmography

  1. (1967) Cool Hand Luke
  2. (1973) Papillon
  3. (1994) The Shawshank Redemption
  4. (1998) American History X
  5. (1999) The Green Mile
  6. (2000) O Brother Where Art Thou
By Margaret C. Waggoner | Posted in Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Holocaust-Themed Scripts

December 28, 2011 – 6:42 am

The Holocaust of the Jewish people was one of the most terrible incidents in recent history. Millions of Jews were deprived of their rights, placed into concentration camps and suffered intolerable tortures during their stay. The people were treated like stains that needed to be expelled out of existence.

In modern society, the Holocaust proves to be a reminder of the dangers of racism and discrimination based on religion or heritage. It is also a lesson in hope, perseverance and faith. Film makers have tried to capture the fear and hope that intertwined behind the gates of concentration camps during that time. However, it is a difficult task.

The films below show some of the most courageous efforts to inform and romanticize the people who suffered and endured during that dark time. Despite the horrible setting, these scripts use subtlety and symbolism to engage their audiences and bring a hopeful message. Luckily, there has not been a huge demand for Holocaust films in the “torture porn” genre, yet.

The Holocaust is something that should be shown in a graceful manner; with disregard to cheap film tactics and emotionless scripts. For anyone who chooses to write a film about the Holocaust, they should remember it was a true story that affected the lives of millions of people. Their lives should be respected in a retelling of their experiences. The following films are a good example of how to write a poignant yet respectful script.

By Margaret C. Waggoner | Posted in Film | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Top 6 World War 2 (WW2) Scripts

December 24, 2011 – 6:42 am

World War 2 is (oddly) one of the most marketable and popular wars in recent history. The public still flocks to films that depict incidents of this war, whether they are true or false. In addition, video games have been published that allow people to experience World War 2 battles from the safety of their own home.

This war distinguishes itself from any other recent war because most people symbolize it as a battle of good versus evil. To many people, the Nazis were one of the most sadistic groups that ever existed. Their leader, Adolf Hitler, is considered a racist who allowed millions of civilians to be killed based solely on their race.

Through this war, many countries learned what a real enemy looks like. Upon seeing the treatment of prisoners in concentration camps, the rest of the world determined what was truly worth fighting for.

Many films have been made about World War 2, but there are still many perspectives that haven’t been shown. Below is a comprehensive list of films that are focused on the actual battles that took place. These films are expressive, emotional and gut-wrenching. They can also be humorous, odd or disturbing. They show many different perspectives that are based on World War 2.

By reading these, you will gain understanding about what type of films can be made based on a World War 2 theme. Then all you must do is use your creativity to add a new element. Good luck!

(If you are interested in films about the concentration or POW camps, please refer to the scripts-onscreen.com search box.)

 

  1. (1998) Saving Private Ryan Script
  2. (2001) Enemy At the Gates [Transcript]
  3. (2001) Pearl Harbor Script
  4. (2006) Letters from Iwo Jima Script
  5. (2008) Valkyrie Script
  6. (2009) Inglourious Basterds Script

 

 

By Margaret C. Waggoner | Posted in Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Film Scripts Adapted from Stage Plays

December 16, 2011 – 3:11 am

A stage play is very difficult to convert into a film script and requires great finesse and understanding in order to pull it off. Stage plays are written, obviously, for the stage; and because of that, they are compromised in order to make use of stage space and other physical restrictions. Films, on the other hand, can make use of many different dimensions that are untouchable by stage performers; and would appear dry if they didn’t make use of that ability.

The most important thing a screenwriter must do when converting a play, is to understand two things. The first thing is the playwright’s intent. Although a playwright may have been happy with the original script, there is always something that he or she would’ve done differently if given freedom. Knowing that a film breaks many physical boundaries, the screenwriter must try to understand what the original playwright would’ve done given that much freedom.

In addition to the original playwright, screenwriters must cater to the perceived desires of the audience. There are going to be audience members who have seen the original play and have expected to get the same emotional reaction they got when watching the play. In addition, there will be a new group of people who have never seen the play, and expect something different. In this situation, a screenwriter must do his or her research and become part psychologist in addition to his writing job.

Below is a list of films that have been somewhat successful in translation from play script to screenplay.  By reading these along with the original plays, you will be able to understand how play translation is becoming an art form all of its own.

Scripts

  1. (1951) A Streetcar Named Desire [Transcript]
  2. (1953) Kiss Me Kate [Transcript]
  3. (1955) Guys and Dolls [Transcript]
  4. (1957) 12 Angry Men Script
  5. (1961) A Raisin in the Sun [Transcript]
  6. (1964) My Fair Lady [Transcript]
  7. (1973) Jesus Christ Superstar [Transcript]
  8. (1984) Amadeus Script
  9. (1986) Little Shop of Horrors [Transcript]
  10. (1992) Glengarry Glen Ross [Transcript]
  11. (1996) Suburbia Script
  12. (2004) Alfie [Transcript]
  13. (2005) Rent Script
  14. (2007) Sweeney Todd [Transcript]
  15. (2008) Mama Mia [Transcript]


By Margaret C. Waggoner | Posted in Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)