July 15, 2004
I'm 35 Years Old with Jim Morrison's Beer as a Shrine
I'm finally taking a stab at a bit of screenwriting, working on two projects -- one with Chris Marr, another with Bob DeMarco -- with disparate themes but a similar naturalistic, whimsical vibe. Think Jarmusch, Wes Anderson, D. G. Green and Ashby, only, you know, not as good. I've written half a scene, which is, though unimpressive, still half a scene more than I've ever written before. So that's a start.
My biggest obstacle is that, while I have a passable understanding of cinematic language and plot structure, I haven't the first clue about script terminology. To correct this, I've been poring over some screenplays available online. I've spent a few hours looking at Cameron Crowe's shooting script for Almost Famous, trying to let the language sink in, and I've been reminded what a disarmingly emotional film it is. Even on the page, with no images or soundtrack, it's remarkably affecting -- especially scenes with Elaine Miller or Lester Bangs, two figures of wisdom who can still be wounded. Lester's last speech ("the only true currency in this bankrupt world...") made me tear up, just reading it.
And there's at least one brilliant sequence that didn't even make it into the DVD's deleted scenes, so far as I can recall; it may not have even been shot.
It happens right after William's Rolling Stone story is rejected as false by the fact checkers, and he's left alone in the boardroom. In the shooting script, however, he's not completely alone: David Felton, the comic-relief assistant editor eventually played by Rainn Wilson, stays behind with him, and delivers a pep talk:
William sits there, as only David Felton stay behind, brandishing his cigarette-holder. He sits down next to the kid.
FELTON
Well, I believe you.
He looks at the kid, decides to offer a personal parable.
FELTON (cont'd)
Jim Morrison once came to my house and drank a beer. The beer is still on my mantle. I'm 35 years old with Jim Morrison's beer as a shrine. I wanted to be Earnest Hemingway. Instead. I have Jim Morrison's beer.
(shrugs, he's learned to live with it)
If you didn't make your story up, good for you. If you did make it up... good for you.
The kid looks at him, too tired and still in shock.
FELTON (cont'd)
Say something, so I know you're alive.
WILLIAM
Goodbye.
He exits.
FELTON
Powerful word. Strong. Final.
Fantastic stuff: Funny as hell, and weirdly sad. And, while I'm raving, here's a longer version of the lunch-table confrontation between lead guitarist Russell Hammond and "band-aid" Saphire:
RUSSELL
I'm not going to blame myself. I do make people happy. They just shouldn't get to know me... 'cause it appears to spoil everything.
SAPPHIRE
Don't be so easy on yourself.
RUSSELL
What gives you the right to get this personal with me?
SAPPHIRE
Let's not reminisce.
Hmm, I just finished reading through the script, and I think I'm glad that Crowe decided to cut most of what he did. There were only a few scenes that were cut that I thought would've made the movie better, the two scenes you chose being among them. I'm glad he redid the ending of the movie too. And I love that picture of Crowe, Fugit, and the little kid. Also, if you could let me know how I might go about contacting Chriss Marr, that would be great.
Posted by: Tim F. at July 15, 2004 02:51 PMHey I don't know if it would help you or not but there's a comic book script writing forum at Digital Webbing Presents: Writers Showcase Where ameture and even some seasoned Pros post some of their comic book scripts. I know you're talking movie scripts but they tend to be similar...sometimes. Maybe it'll help maybe not and if you do check it out check out my scripts. I only have 3 and they're bad. But hey it's fun. I post under the handle Zerxex
P
Posted by: Pablo at July 16, 2004 12:25 PM