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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

 

Pixar Scripts

It’s no secret that Pixar has been one of the forefront runners in the film industry since their first major feature film Toy Story (1995) was released in theaters. The technical mastery of computer simulated animation was a fresh change from the traditional animation styles of cartoon films, and since then, every Pixar film has been financial successes in the box office and in DVD sales. In addition to the beautiful animation, Pixar has excelled in creating spellbinding stories that have attracted movie audiences young and old.

The writers that work at Pixar are some of the best in the business and usually have graduated from top ranked schools. Their talent is usually accompanied by rigorous study in film writing technique and is critiqued according to the high standards of the company. If any aspiring writer wants to see how a professional quality script is written, then Pixar is a great place to start.

  1. (2011) Cars 2
  2. (2010) Toy Story 3 Script
  3. (2009) Up Script
  4. (2008) Wall-E Script
  5. (2007) Ratatouille Script
  6. (2006) Cars Script [Transcript]
  7. (2004) The Incredibles Script [Transcript]
  8. (2003) Finding Nemo Script
  9. (2001) Monsters Inc. Script
  10. (1999) Toy Story 2 Script
  11. (1998) A Bug’s Life
  12. (1995) Toy Story Script [Transcript]

Legendary Horror Franchise Scripts

It’s difficult to make a horror film that can make a big enough impression with audiences to spark an entire franchise. Many directors have attempted to capture an audience with stunning monsters, open-ended story lines and intense special effects. However, audiences are difficult to please and it’s not uncommon for these movies to fall directly into obscurity.

But there are times when a horror movie is good enough to really get the attention of horror film addicts and the general movie-goers as well. These films, for some reason or another, just have the chemistry of a horror film concocted in a perfect manner to attract an audience and keep them wanting more.

For the aspiring horror film writer, these films are crucial for understanding what balance of story and characters is necessary to create a perfect franchise and the best way to start is at the beginning. Contained in the list below is the premiere films of several different successful franchises spanning from the 1970’s to today.  Upon close observation, an aspiring screenwriter may be able to recognize a pattern and therefore figure out a “formula” for creating the perfect scary movie. For those who choose to set upon this journey, I wish you good luck in finding the Holy Grail of the horror industry.

  1. (1968) Night of the Living Dead Script [Transcript]
  2. (1978) Halloween Script
  3. (1979) Phantasm Script [Transcript]
  4. (1980) Friday the 13th Script
  5. (1984) Nightmare on Elm Street Script
  6. (1984) Children of the Corn Script
  7. (1987) Hellraiser Script
  8. (1988) Child’s Play Script
  9. (2004) Saw Script
  10. (2007) Paranormal Activity Script

Amy Adams Scripts

Miltary brat and Mormon, Amy Adams has proven herself as quite the actress over the last 12 years. Here are all of the movies she appeared in.

  1. The Muppets (2011)
  2. On the Road (2011)
  3. The Fighter Script $ (2010)
  4. Leap Year Script $ (2010)
  5. Julie and Julia Script $ (2009)
  6. Moonlight Serenade (2009)
  7. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian Script $ (2009)
  8. Sunshine Cleaning Script (2009)
  9. Doubt Script (2008)
  10. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008)
  11. Charlie Wilson’s War Script (2007)
  12. Enchanted Script $ (2007)
  13. Underdog(2007)
  14. The Ex (2007)
  15. Standing Still (2006)
  16. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Script $ (2006)
  17. Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny(2006)
  18. Junebug Script (2005)
  19. The Wedding Date Script (2005)
  20. The Slaughter Rule (2003)
  21. Catch Me If You Can Script (2002)
  22. Pumpkin Script $ (2002)
  23. Serving Sara Script $ (2002)
  24. Cruel Intentions 2 (2000)
  25. Psycho Beach Party Script $ (2000)
  26. The Peter Principle (2000)
  27. Drop Dead Gorgeous Script (1999)

William Friedkin Scripts

From The French Connection to The Exorcist to Rules of Engagement, William Friedkin had made some of the most iconic movies in Hollywood. Here are all of the films he has directed to date:

  1. Killer Joe (2011)
  2. Bug (2006)
  3. The Hunted Script  (2003)
  4. Rules of Engagement Script $ (2000)
  5. 12 Angry Men  (1997)
  6. Jade Script (1995)
  7. Blue Chips Script $ (1994)
  8. The Guardian Script $ (1990)
  9. C.A.T. Squad: Python Wolf (1988)
  10. Rampage Script (1987)
  11. C.A.T. Squad (1986)
  12. To Live and Die in L.A. Script (1985)
  13. Deal of the Century Script  (1983)
  14. Cruising Script  (1980)
  15. The Brink’s Job Script (1978)
  16. Sorcerer Script  (1977)
  17. The Exorcist Script (1973)
  18. The French Connection Script (1971)
  19. The Boys in the Band (1970)
  20. The Night They Raided Minsky’s (1968)
  21. The Birthday Party (1968)
  22. Good Times (1967)

DC Comics Movie Scripts

DC Comics has created some of the greatest super heroes in history and has produced some of the greatest movies to help those heroes leap out of the pages.

  1. Superman and the Mole Men (1951)
  2. Stamp Day for Superman (1954)
  3. Batman Script $ (1966)
  4. Superman Script (1978)
  5. Superman II Script (1980)
  6. Swamp Thing Script $ (1982)
  7. Superman III Script  (1983)
  8. Supergirl Script (1984)
  9. Superman IV : The Quest for Peace Script  (1987)
  10. The Return of Swamp Thing (1989)
  11. Batman Script (1989)
  12. Batman Return Script (1992)
  13. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Script $ (1993) (Animated)
  14. Batman Forever Script (1995)
  15. Batman & Robin Script (1997)
  16. Steel (1997)
  17. Justice League of America (1997)
  18. Gen¹³ (1998) (Animated)
  19. Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1998) (Animated)
  20. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Script (2000) (Animated)
  21. Road to Perdition Script $ (2002)
  22. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Script $ (2003)
  23. Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (2003) (Animated)
  24. Catwoman Script (2004)
  25. A History of Violence (2005)
  26. Batman Begins Script (2005)
  27. Constantine Script (2005)
  28. V for Vendetta Script (2005)
  29. The Batman vs. Dracula (2005)
  30. Superman Return Script $ (2006)
  31. Superman: Brainiac Attacks (2006)
  32. Stardust Script $ (2007)
  33. Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo (2007)
  34. Superman: Doomsday (2007)
  35. The Dark Knight Script (2008)
  36. The Spirit (2008)
  37. Justice League: The New Frontier (Animated) (2008)
  38. Batman: Gotham Knight (Animated) (2008)
  39. Watchmen Script (2009)
  40. Wonder Woman (Animated) (2009)
  41. Tales of the Black Freighter (Animated) (2009)
  42. Green Lantern: First Flight (Animated) (2009)
  43. Superman/Batman: Public (Animated) (2009)
  44. Jonah Hex Script $ (2010)
  45. The Losers Script (2010)
  46. Red Summit (2010)
  47. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (Animated) (2010)
  48. Batman: Under the Red Hood (Animated) (2010)
  49. Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (Animated) (2010)
  50. DC Showcase Original Shorts Collection (Animated) (2010)
  51. Green Lantern Script $ (2011)
  52. All-Star Superman (Animated) (2011)
  53. Green Lantern: Emerald Knights Collection (Animated) (2011)
  54. Batman: Year One Script (Animated) (2011)

Lars Von Trier Scripts

Lars Von Trier is one of the few honest directors left in the business. The 50-something year old Danish director has created films that continuously defied conventional norms of morality, directorial style and pretty much anything else that could risk defiance. What this rebellion results in are poignant films that make an audience experience the world through the eyes of Trier. Despite his talent,  Trier is not a mainstream director nor does he desire to fall under that category. Trier once stated,

“You have to fight the urge to do a big action movie. You avoid ‘Batman.’ The bigger it is, the worse it is.” (IMDB.com, 2011).

Trier believes in expression and notices how American films are usually devoid of the individual perspective of a director- with film companies vying more for financial gain than a truly enchanting film. Trier, on the other hand, believes in film making not only as a source of income, but as a therapeutic and personal experience.

That being said, Trier suffers from many phobias including the fear of underground structures, flying and illness. His belief is that these phobias stemmed from his terrible childhood. According to Trier, his mother allowed him complete freedom over everything in his life except “feelings, religion and enjoyment” (Beltzer, 2011) which led to his paranoid complexity of phobias and anxiety attacks. These emotions and experiences reflect in Trier’s films and gives the viewer a firsthand look at the painful experiences that Trier has lived through.

 

Filmography

References

Beltzer, T. (2011) “Lars Von Trier” Retrieved from http://www.sensesofcinema.com/2002/great-directors/vontrier/IMDB.com (2011) “Lars Von Trier” Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001885/