As I was reading A Boy's Life by Melissa Mathison, I knew it seemed strangely familiar. I soon realized that I was reading the original script for E.T. I remained very focused as I read through the script and learned that reading the screenplay was not as difficult as I had thought. A Boy's Life was the first screenplay I had ever read and I was shocked to see how straightforward and concise it was. Once I read past the first few pages, it was just as if I was reading a regular book. I was confused by some parts however, such as when "Keys" was mentioned. The first few pages of description began to bore me after a while but I understand that is necessary to set the tone and mood of the story. It would not have the same effect if the writer just started with dialogue.
As I continued reading, I automatically put the story together and envisioned settings and characters in my mind. I tried to separate the film and the actual screenplay in my mind; not letting one influence the other. I did notice as I read that some parts were omitted from the script but I realized that they were not necessary because the story was very complete and flowed nicely. Mathison did an excellent job of evoking emotion from the reader. I really felt as if I were experiencing things through the eyes of Elliot.
I believe that non-professionals should read screenplays. It allows the reader to use their imagination and make the story appeal to them rather than just viewing the movie and having every aspect depicted for them. I think it would help people have a better understanding and greater appreciation for film. I feel that after reading this screenplay and as I will continue to read more throughout the semester, I will never look at films the same way again.
Laurie Devaney
Discussion Questions
1. In regards to Script Analysis, according to the reading from Weston's text, which method do you agree with more? Meryl Streep's reading of a script once and "trusting the dream that was created in your head the first time you read it," or Anthony Hopkins method of "reading the script about two hundred times?"
2. What are some clues that shows how Elliot changes as a person throughout the script?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I am in the same boat with you concerning the confusion surrounding this "KEYS". Maybe it's been too long since I've seen the film, but KEYS being used as a sound effect and as a character made me scratch my head a few times. It may have been better to name the guy. The effect probably translates better into film than on paper.
Post a Comment