Author: Margaret C. Waggoner

Top 6 Prison Film Scripts

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

Holocaust-Themed Scripts

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.

Top 6 World War 2 (WW2) Scripts

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

 

 

Film Scripts Adapted from Stage Plays

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 ($)
  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]


Bruce Willis Scripts

Bruce Willis is one of the most successful actors in American film industry. Not only does his name attract audiences by the truckload, but his films are often some of the top grossing movies of the time period.

Much of Willis’ success can be attributed to the fact that he stars in some truly epic films. The Fifth Element (1997) and Die Hard (1988) were big budget masterpieces that Willis complemented with his strong acting ability. He did not have to carry the films entirely on his shoulders. However, he also takes risks. The film Pulp Fiction (1994) was Quentin Tarantino’s directorial debut and could have been a box office flop. However, Willis took the risk and reaped the benefits when the film became a cult classic.

When it comes to scripts, Willis is able to choose roles that will further the audiences’ perception of the type of person that he is. In Willis films, he is always the hero. Audiences expect him to do what is right and to be uncorrupted by greed or personal gain. By choosing roles that contribute to this perception, Willis makes a place in the heart of the audience as the knight in shining armor.

As long as audiences believe that Willis is this sort of hero, they will always support him in the box office. It’s kind of like supporting your father when he starts a new business or supporting a close friend during a troubling time. Even if the film is not that interesting, people will still see it because Willis has created a place in their hearts.

Below is a list of Willis’ films throughout his career as an actor. By reading them (especially Willis’ roles), an actor can learn to recognize the same cues that Willis did in his path to creating this persona; and then they may be able to create a personality for themselves that is marketable.

As a screenwriter, these scripts give invaluable cues on how to get the actor you want. If you want an actor like Bruce Willis then you have to make sure the role suits his perceived personality. And once you have a big name star like Willis, your chances at success are enormous.

  1. (2011) Catch .44
  2. (2011) Setup
  3. (2010) Red [Transcript]
  4. (2010) Cop Out
  5. (2009) Surrogates
  6. (2008) What Just Happened?
  7. (2008) Assassination of a High School President [Transcript]
  8. (2007) Planet Terror Script
  9. (2007) Live Free or Die Hard
  10. (2007) Perfect Stranger
  11. (2006) Fast Food Nation
  12. (2006) 16 Blocks Script
  13. (2006) Lucky Number Slevin [Transcript]
  14. (2006) Alpha Dog [Transcript]
  15. (2005) Hostage Script
  16. (2004) The Whole Ten Yards [Transcript]
  17. (2003)  Tears of the Sun [Transcript]
  18. (2002) Grand Champion
  19. (2002) Hart’s War [Transcript]
  20. (2001) Bandits
  21. (2000)  Unbreakable Script
  22. (2000) The Kid
  23. (2000) The Whole Nine Yards [Transcript]
  24. (1999) The Story of Us
  25. (1999) The Sixth Sense Script
  26. (1999) Breakfast of Champions
  27. (1998) The Siege
  28. (1998) Armageddon Script
  29. (1998) Mercury Rising [Transcript]
  30. (1997) The Jackal [Transcript]
  31. (1997) The Fifth Element Script
  32. (1996) Last Man Standing [Transcript]
  33. (1995) 12 Monkeys Script
  34. (1995) Die Hard: With A Vengeance
  35. (1994) Nobody’s Fool [Transcript]
  36. (1994) Color of Night
  37. (1994) North
  38. (1994) Pulp Fiction Script
  39. (1993) Striking Distance [Transcript]
  40. (1992) Death Becomes Her [Transcript]
  41. (1991) The Last Boy Scout Script
  42. (1991) Billy Bathgate
  43. (1991) Hudson Hawk Script
  44. (1991) Mortal Thoughts [Transcript]
  45. (1990) The Bonfire of the Vanities Script
  46. (1990) Die Hard 2
  47. (1990) Look Who’s Talking 2
  48. (1989) Look Who’s Talking [Transcript]
  49. (1989) In Country
  50. (1988) Die Hard Script
  51. (1988) Sunset
  52. (1987) Blind Date
  53. (1980) The First Deadly Sin

Classic Novel Adaptation Scripts

It should come to no surprise that many of the greatest films of our day have been inspired, or directly taken, from the pages of novels. Writers such as Stephen King and J.R.R. Tolkien have been able to reach new audiences through the help of creative film makers and script writers.

The fact is that many people do not have the time to read. A good novel can often run from 300 to 1000 pages (depending on the author), and can take some time in order to finish. Even for the most avid reader, there is never enough time to read all the books in the world and that is where film makers come in.

One of the biggest problems related to transforming a book into a movie is the issue of accurately following the storyline while maintaining the same emotions that a person gets when reading the book. This is a difficult task and requires a person of great emotional intelligence and technical skill in order to complete.

Below is a list of some of the best (and worst) adaptations of novels. Whether they are good or bad depends on the viewer. However, there are some elements that make them generally enjoyable and worthy of being a major motion picture. What are those elements, you ask? Well, I will leave you to find that out as you compare some of these screenplays to the classic novels that inspired them.

Once you find out the answers, you will be on your way to being able to accurately adapt a novel that you cherish. And who knows? One day your screenplay might be the one chosen for a major motion picture adaptation. Good luck!

  1. The Godfather Script
  2. The Shawshank Redemption Script
  3. Schindler’s List Script
  4. The Hunt for Red October [Transcript]
  5. The Princess Bride [Transcript]
  6. Wuthering Heights [Transcript]
  7. Scarface Script
  8. GoodFellas [Transcript]
  9. No Country For Old Men Script
  10. Girl, Interrupted [Transcript]

Top 10 Film Scripts in American History

In the film industry, there are three types of films: the good, the bad, and the great. Differentiating between the good and the bad is usually easy. On the rare case, a film may just be too advanced or artistic for its time. But not all movies are artistic masterpieces; there are some films that are just plain bad.

Problems occur in films when there is lack of responsibility and determination. Writers must be passionate about their work in order to create a story that attracts an audience. Directors must be efficient leaders with an attention to detail. The crew must be able to communicate with each other to reach a common goal. If a person slacks in their role, the result shows in the final film product.

So in reality, a bad movie is just a disorganized film while a good movie is an organized one. But what is the difference between a good movie and a great movie? Great films often are a result of many different factors. They usually have professional, experienced writers or a masterful director. They often are big budget films that attract crowds of technology junkies. They have romance for the romantic viewers and action for the viewers who love violence. All in all, they are a little bit of everything.

The following list consists of the top 10 film scripts in the history of American cinema. These film scripts have a little bit of everything and were written by some of the most professional writers of their time periods. By reading these, you are getting a closer look at some of the most successful script writers of America’s history. You will get a feel of what the public wants and what styles are effective in getting their attention.

  1. (1942) Casablanca Script
  2. (1972) The Godfather Part 1 Script
  3. (1974) Chinatown Script
  4. (1941) Citizen Kane Script
  5. (1950) All About Eve Script
  6. (1977) Annie Hall Script
  7. (1950) Sunset Boulevard Script
  8. (1976) Network Script
  9. (1959) Some Like It Hot Script
  10. (1974) The Godfather 2 Script

Top Confusing Movie Scripts

Watching a movie is like taking a trip into the mind of another person. Fiction stories are concocted by people based on their life experiences and imagination. When the stories are put onto film, audience members are allowed insight into the imagination and personal thoughts of the writer.

Some writers find it easy to share their ideas with other people. Their messages come out strong and clear so that no other interpretation can be assumed. However, there are a few directors who have such complex mind processes that they have difficulty sharing it with others in a linear, easy to understand manner.

Darren Aronofsky, David Lynch and Ingmar Bergman are examples of writers/directors that have this personal challenge. They do not always think in a formulaic, Hollywood manner and this can lead to complex story lines, odd dialogue and questionable plot lines.

However, just because a movie is confusing does not make it bad. Most of the films listed below are considered masterpieces- far beyond their time and steaming with profound thought. However, the full message cannot be understood in one viewing. An audience member may have to research the film and watch it over and over again before it starts making sense.

In order to help with the process of understanding, we have linked to the scripts to some of these great, but confusing, films. Reading the script may help give insight that simply watching the film would not. We hope that with time, you may be able to discover deeper meaning from these films and many other confusing masterpieces.

  1. (1957) The Seventh Seal Script
  2. (1977) Eraserhead [Transcript]
  3. (1995) Dead Man [Transcript]
  4. (1998) Pi Script
  5. (1999) Fight Club Script
  6. (2000) Memento Script
  7. (2001) Donnie Darko Script
  8. (2001) Mulholland Drive Script
  9. (2001) The Matrix Script
  10. (2003) The Matrix Reloaded Script
  11. (2003) The Matrix Revolutions Script
  12. (2004) Primer Script

Film Noir Scripts

The film noir style that arose in the post WW2 era represented a great change in the mindset of the American people towards cinema. Prior to this time period, films were created to bring about happiness and good will in audiences. Given that the two World Wars and the Great Depression had occurred nearly back-to-back, it was only natural for people to want an escape from their devastating situations.

However, with the end of the Second World War came a new hope and a bright future for the American people. They were able to have fulfilling lives without worrying about an impending threat looming constantly over their heads. They didn’t need happy films to make them feel happy- because their reality was promising. So they turned to the cinema for something else. Their escape now was not in happy stories, but in dark stories that transcended their happy reality.

Enter the film noir. These films are filled with seedy characters, painful situations and tragedy by the truckload. In addition, the cinematography was something new as well. Instead of trying to light everything in a bright and cheerful manner, cinematographers made use of the now-popular technique of bringing out dark shadows through abstract lighting.

But the most notable aspect of a film noir would have to be the storyline. The film makers who made these film noir classics did not bother themselves with creating an accurate story timeline that is easy to follow. They would rather confuse the audience with nonlinear bits and pieces that drew the audiences’ attention but left them in the dark until the conclusion.

Given the popularity of film noir and the remarkable influence it has made on many big budget productions (i.e. Sin City, Chinatown) it is imperative for a person involved in the film industry to be knowledgeable of the distinct flavor that is a film noir.

            The scripts below are some of the largely forgotten treasures of the film noir legacy which have within their pages, a strategic and formulaic way to create a dark yet crowd-pleasing script. Serious film makers and writers will do well to seek the wisdom within their pages.

  1. (1941) The Maltese Falcon Script
  2. (1944) The Big Sleep Script
  3. (1945) The Lost Weekend Script
  4. (1946) The Postman Always Rings Twice [Transcript]
  5. (1946) Gilda [Transcript]
  6. (1948) Double Indemnity Script
  7. (1948) Sorry, Wrong Number
  8. (1949) The Third Man Script
  9. (1948) The Naked City Script
  10. (1953) The Big Heat
  11. (1955) The Night of the Hunter Script

 

 

Bruce Campbell Scripts

One of the most successful actors to come out of the B-movie franchise, Bruce Campbell has built a career on his ability to bring humor and a snarky charm to any film that he stars in. While he is mostly known for his B-movie sensations (i.e. The Evil Dead trilogy and My Name is Bruce) he is much more than that. His popularity has stemmed into a career in many forms of entertainment including television, cartoons and video game voiceovers. He has been in major film productions such as Spiderman and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs while still maintaining his B-movie king status with underground films (i.e. Man with the Screaming Brain and Bubba Ho-Tep).

Bruce Campbell has been a successful actor based on his ability to pick and choose scripts that he believed were interesting, whether they were big budget masterpieces or low-budget slasher flicks. Even if his role is limited to a bit part or cameo appearance, he recognizes potentially good films and makes sure that he was part of the experience.  Because of his ability to work with such a humble mindset, he is most assuredly going to be a successful actor for many years to come. His filmography is a beneficial tool for understanding how to maintain long term success in the film industry.

  1. (2011) Cars 2
  2. (2009) Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs Script
  3. (2009) White on Rice
  4. (2007) Spiderman 3 Script
  5. (2007) My Name Is Bruce Script
  6. (2006) The Ant Bully Script [Transcript]
  7. (2006) The Woods
  8. (2005) Sky High Script [Transcript]
  9. (2005) Man With The Screaming Brain Script [Subscription Req’d]
  10. (2004) Spiderman 2 Script [Transcript]
  11. (2004) The Ladykillers Script
  12. (2002) Serving Sara Script [Transcript]
  13. (2002) Bubba Ho-Tep Script [Transcript]
  14. (2002) Spiderman Script
  15. (2001) The Majestic Script [Transcript]
  16. (2000) Timequest
  17. (2000) Icebreaker
  18. (1998) The Ice Rink
  19. (1997) McHale’s Navy
  20. (1997) Running Time
  21. (1997) Menno’s Mind
  22. (1996) Escape From L.A. Script
  23. (1995) Congo
  24. (1994) The Hudsucker Proxy Script
  25. (1992) Army of Darkness Script [Transcript]
  26. (1992) Mindwarp
  27. (1992) Eddie Presley
  28. (1992) Waxwork 2
  29. (1991) Lunatics: A Love Story
  30. (1990) Darkman Script
  31. (1990) Maniac Cop 2
  32. (1990) Sundown: The Vampire In Retreat
  33. (1989) Moontrap
  34. (1989) Intruder
  35. (1988) Maniac Cop Script
  36. (1987) Evil Dead 2 Script
  37. (1985) Crimewave Script [Transcript]
  38. (1984) Going Back
  39. (1981) Evil Dead Script