It’s so interesting how subjective screenplay reading can be. I found Anora - while clinically written - compulsively readable and binged the script in one sitting. Unfortunately, I found Nickel Boys somewhat of a slog to get through, but I see why it’s highly regarded. I haven’t yet read Conclave (though I did like the movie a lot), so we’ll have to see how it stacks up.
I think scripts that combine ease of readability with good structure are winners for me. If they also have beautiful literary writing - like the script for 1917 - that’s just icing on the top. But ease of readability comes first.
Also, I loved the joke in your script excerpt! It’s so hard to do plants and payoffs successfully. Structure!
I agree with you re: Challengers! and yes, I do like a mix of blank white space that helps me flow down the page, but something like Baker's "Anora" was too blueprint-y for my personal preference
It’s so interesting how subjective screenplay reading can be. I found Anora - while clinically written - compulsively readable and binged the script in one sitting. Unfortunately, I found Nickel Boys somewhat of a slog to get through, but I see why it’s highly regarded. I haven’t yet read Conclave (though I did like the movie a lot), so we’ll have to see how it stacks up.
I think scripts that combine ease of readability with good structure are winners for me. If they also have beautiful literary writing - like the script for 1917 - that’s just icing on the top. But ease of readability comes first.
Also, I loved the joke in your script excerpt! It’s so hard to do plants and payoffs successfully. Structure!
Anyway, I still think it’s a travesty Challengers did not get a best screenplay nomination. What a great script.
I agree with you re: Challengers! and yes, I do like a mix of blank white space that helps me flow down the page, but something like Baker's "Anora" was too blueprint-y for my personal preference