Page One: ‘Die Hard’ (1988)

Screenplay by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza, novel by Roderick Thorp.

The movie version of the opening:

This is known as a “set-up.” Here is Part One of the payoff:

Part Two of the payoff:

Part Three:

And finally Part Four:

The whole “barefoot McClane” subplot is one of multiple bits in the movie planted to add to the Protagonist’s pain and suffering, thereby, increasing the odds against him … and the viewer’s sympathy for the character. A tiny, but clever piece of writing by the screenwriters.

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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