Margaret C. Waggoner – Page 7

Seth Rogan Scripts

Seth Rogan is one of the few comedians who have skyrocketed to success following the success of the film, 40 Year Old Virgin (2005). The film, which starred many now-famous actors such as Steve Carrell and Jonah Hill, was an original masterpiece that changed the path of comedic films.

Judd Apatow, the writer of the 40 Year Old Virgin, reaped enormous fame and success following this film, and continued to work with Rogan in other features such as Pineapple Express (2008) and Knocked Up (2007). The repeated film successes gave Rogan the fame and reputation that he needed to start his own career as a writer.

Following the success of Knocked Up, Rogan wrote a film that became a national sensation, spurring on the careers of even more film actors including Jonah Hill and Michael Cera. That film was called Superbad (2007). Since this film, Rogan has become a household name. On IMDB.com, he is on the top 500 list of celebrities and he is only climbing upwards from there.

Screenwriters may have noticed the types of comedic trends that have been brewing in Hollywood lately, spurred on since the release of the nearly-moral yet raunchy 40 Year Old Virgin. Despite the dirty humor that occurs, popular comedic films have also added on a sentimentalism that is downright endearing. Behind the crude humor are deeper issues that many people deal with in their lives.

By employing moralistic elements and endearing characters, comedic films have been able to bridge the gap that has forever divided them from classic dramas and romances. Long gone are the tasteless, ill-prepared lobotomies that once cursed the comedy genre. Now there is realism and sentimentality that could just make comedy a respectable genre… perhaps even an Oscar winner!

Filmography

(2013) The Apocalypse
(2012) The Guilt Trip
(2012) For a Good Time, Call…
(2011) 50/50 Script
(2011) Take This Waltz
(2011) Kung Fu Panda 2
(2011) Paul
(2011) The Green Hornet Script
(2009) Funny People Script
(2009) Monsters vs Aliens
(2009) Observe and Report
(2009) Fanboys
(2008) Zack and Miri Make a Porno
(2008) Pineapple Express Script
(2008) Step Brothers [Transcript]
(2008) Kung Fu Panda [Transcript]
(2008) Horton Hears a Who!
(2008) The Spiderwick Chronicles [Transcript]
(2007) Superbad Script
(2007) Shrek the Third Script
(2007) Knocked Up Script
(2006) You, Me and Dupree
(2005) The 40 Year Old Virgin Script
(2004) Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
(2001) Donnie Darko Script

Adam Sandler Acting Scripts

Adam Sandler is one of the few comedic actors that have successfully transitioned into dramatic and romantic roles as well. In the beginning of his career, Sandler was known for his goofy (and sometimes tasteless) sense of humor; beginning with Billy Madison (1995) and ending with Little Nicky (2000). For those five years, Sandler could easily be predicted. Going to his movies guaranteed a couple of good laughs and no deep message to consume the audience’s thoughts afterwards.

Then came Punch Drunk Love (2002), an independent-styled romantic picture with loads of drama and a bit of comedy as well. The film was directed by Paul Anderson, a well-respected director known for his work in the film Magnolia (1999) and There Will Be Blood (2007). Stereotypically thinking, this director’s idea for a film was much different than the Happy Gilmore-esque films from Sandler’s past.

However, the risk that Sandler took was not in vain and the movie was a huge success. The film was nominated for 5 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay; and Sandler’s acting career took off even more after that.

While still making occasional slapstick films per his usual style, Sandler took a different road from most comedic actors and started taking roles in films with a dramatic or romantic overtone.

His greatest decision though, was when he decided to produce his own films. The films that resulted from this (i.e. “Click”) took elements from all different genres; including romance, drama and, of course, comedy. These movies have been pretty successful as well, considering their complexity.

If there is ever an Oscar given to a comedic actor, then the best candidate would have to be Adam Sandler. With the art and complexity that he was welded with comedy, there is no doubt that he is a pioneer in the field of film making and acting.

(2010) Grown Ups
(2009) Funny People Script
(2008) Bedtime Stories [Transcript]
(2008) You Don’t Mess With the Zohan [Transcript]
(2007) Reign Over Me
(2007) I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry [Transcript]
(2006) Click
(2005) The Longest Yard [Transcript]
(2004) Spanglish Script
(2004) 50 First Dates [Transcript]
(2003) Anger Management [Transcript]
(2002) Eight Crazy Nights [Transcript]
(2002) Mr. Deeds [Transcript]
(2002) Punch Drunk Love Script
(2000) Little Nicky Script
(1999) Big Daddy [Transcript]
(1998) The Waterboy [Transcript]
(1998) The Wedding Singer [Transcript]
(1996) Happy Gilmore [Transcript]
(1995) Billy Madison
(1994) Airheads

Scripts Based on Shakespearean Plays

One of the few authors that remain as popular today as they did in their own time is William Shakespeare. The ingenious writer concocted plays that intrigued his audiences and scintillated their minds. Today, film and theater production companies crank out remakes and adaptations with the desperate desire to add even more beauty to the already classic plays.

In order to create a film or play based on a Shakespearian script, a writer must remember that he or she should not go too far in changing the story. While the film, Romeo and Juliet (1996) fared well in theaters, some Shakespearian fans thought it was a cheesy remake. The same can be said of Hamlet (1996), which had many qualities of the original play, but lacked some of the most important plot points.

In order to create a Shakespearian-inspired script, an individual must become familiar with the master. In addition to that, the writer must be humble enough to realize the tremendous impact that Shakespeare had on the literary world. By becoming humble, the writer may be able to characterize the emotions of the original play in a respectfully done modern adaptation.

Remember that people come to Shakespearian-inspired films and plays with their own pre-conceptions. They have, more than likely, read the original Shakespeare play and will judge the new film against his original work. To go against Shakespeare is like a fight between David and Goliath. But instead of fighting the giant, the writer must learn to stand on his shoulders.

Below is a list of some of the greatest and worst Shakespearian-inspired scripts. Take note of the differences that make them good or bad. Sometimes all it takes is a little too much creativity to cause the popularity and emotion of the film to plummet. The best plays consist of a person making the most of their technological advances to further the ideas that Shakespeare had already pictured but perhaps, lacked the technology to display.

(1956) Forbidden Planet [Transcript]
(1958) Kiss Me Kate [Transcript]
(1967) Chimes At Midnight Script ($)
(1968) Romeo and Juliet [Transcript]
(1989) My Own Private Idaho Script
(1990) Hamlet [Transcript]
(1996) Romeo and Juliet [Transcript]
(1996) Hamlet Script ($)
(1999) A Midsummer Night’s Dream [Transcript]
(1999) Ten Things I Hate About You Script
(2000) Hamlet Script ($)
(2003) Deliver Us From Eva [Transcript]
(2004) The Merchant of Venice [Transcript]
(2006) She’s the Man Script ($)

Film Scripts Based on “Romeo and Juliet”

Out of the hundreds of “Romeo and Juliet” films that have been made in the past, only handfuls have been able to stand up to the test of time. Writers have tried everything to make the story different, while still maintaining the basic storyline first depicted by the great William Shakespeare. There are Romeo and Juliet films based in underground vampire worlds, slum cities and even in a suburban family’s backyard.

Many of these film scripts make it to the big screen, simply because audiences cannot get enough of this tragic love story. However, the success of a movie depends solely on the film maker’s ability to weld his or her creativity with the work of Shakespeare.

In the film, Romeo + Juliet (1996), Director Baz Luhrmann took a chance by creating a modern landscape with the same romantic couple. In this sexy, high fashion world, he was able to paint an astounding picture of the lovers’ lives that attracted young audiences everywhere.

Some people thought that the film was trash, but to this day it is still a very popular film.

On the other hand, a film maker can create a great adaptation by merely, omitting most of Shakespeare’s direct influence. In these films, the advertisements make no mention that the love story is based on Shakespeare. In fact, the film can only hint to the possibility of a relationship. A good example of this is the film, Underworld (2003) that tells the story of a doomed relationship between a wolf-man and a vampire.

By leaving out the potential influence of Shakespeare, the director steered clear of the “Shakespeare Police” crowd, who are characterized by their severe, religious devotion to the original Shakespeare plays; and will blow the whistle at anyone who tries to take too much creative freedom in the depiction.

So take note from the following film scripts and determine what route to take when writing a “Romeo and Juliet” styled play. There are a million creative ways that it can be expressed- it just requires an original mind to employ them.

(1961) West Side Story Script
(1998) The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride Script
(1961) Romanoff and Juliet Script
(1996) Romeo + Juliet Script
(2003) Underworld [Transcript]

“Love Never Fails” Scripts

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.

(1939) Wuthering Heights Script [Transcript]
(1994) Forrest Gump Script
(1996) Romeo and Juliet Script
(1997) Titanic Script
(2004) The Very Long Engagement Script [Transcript]
(2007) Love in the Time of Cholera Script [Transcript]
(2007) The Nines Script

Ghost Story Scripts

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.

(1939) Wuthering Heights Script [Transcript]
(1980) The Shining Script
(1980) The Fog Script
(1982) Poltergeist Script
(1990) Ghost Script
(1995) Casper Script [Transcript]
(2001) The Others Script [Transcript]
(2002) Dark Water Script [Transcript]
(2007) Paranormal Activity Script [Transcript]

Inspirational Film Scripts

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.

(1995) Braveheart Script
(1996) Independence Day Script
(1997) Titanic Script
(2000) Dancer in the Dark [Transcript]
(2000) Requiem for a Dream Script
(2001) Amelie Transcript
(2004) Crash Scr ipt
(2007) Love in the Time of Cholera [Transcript]

Film Scripts About Psychiatric Institutions

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.

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

Film Scripts Based on Mental Disorders

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.

(2003) Identity Script
(2002) May Script [Transcript]
(2001) Donnie Darko Script
(2001) A Beautiful Mind Script [Transcript]
(1999) Fight Club Script
(1999) Girl, Interrupted Script [Transcript]
(1997) As Good As It Gets Script
(1993) What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Script [Transcript]
(1988) Rain Man Script [Transcript]

Top 7 Vietnam Film Scripts

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.