Page One: ‘Adaptation.’ (2002)
Screenplay by Charlie Kaufman, book by Susan Orlean
Screenplay by Charlie Kaufman, book by Susan Orlean
Here is the movie version of the scene:
One thing this opening scene does is introduce voice-over narration which plays throughout the movie including this wonderful scene where Charlie Kaufman attends a session with famed screenwriting guru Robert McKee:
“God help you if you use voiceover” while Charlie’s character is deep into a V.O. monologue. Brilliant!
Here are links to many interviews I’ve aggregated over the years with Charlie Kaufman. I especially recommend the BAFTA talk he gave on screenwriting.
Kaufman, Charlie (72 minutes)
Kaufman, Charlie (BAFTA)
Kaufman, Charlie (I’m Thinking of Ending Things)
Kaufman, Charlie (2016 | Criterion)
Kaufman, Charlie (2018 | The Talks)
Page One is a daily Go Into The Story series featuring the first page of notable movie scripts from the classic era to contemporary times. Comparing them is an excellent way to study a variety of writing styles and see how professional writers start a story.
For more Page One posts, go here.
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