Script-of-the-week: Slumdog Millioinaire

by Simon Beaufoy (121 Pages)

based on a novel by Vikas Swarup

2008 Oscar winner for best writing, screenplay based on material previously produced or published

Points of Interest:

• Pacing: Good. The story moves along at at lightning pace however sorting out the flashbacks is a little confusing.
• Screen Visibility: Good. Detailed with exceptional prose. I only became lost a few times.
• Formating: Is brief and to the point. Take note, since there was a return to the game show set several times, the usually required description of a location was not included. Often all action was absent, cutting straight to dialogue.

Recommended for writers who want to see the complex made simple. Don't be mislead, this is very difficult to pull off. Simon Beaufoy is a British writer so consider a lot of his influence likely comes from across the pond.

Script-of-the-week: Michael Clayton

Written by Tony Gilroy (127 pages)

Nominated for a 2008 Oscar for best writing, screenplay written directly for the screen.

Points of interest:

• Pacing: Quick and natural. The story moves along and develops at an enjoyable pace.
• Screen Visibility: High. I was able to create a strong image in my head (although previously seeing the film)and follow the action.
• Formatting: Stylized. I would say this script looks very sharp and is formatted in a way that adds a lot of "movement" to the pages. Well done. I especially liked the extensive use of dashes and ellipsis.

Recommended for writers who want to witness real style in action.