Page One: “I, Robot” (2004)

Screenplay by Jeff Vintar and Akiva Goldsman, screen story by Jeff Vintar, suggested by the book by Isaac Asimov

Two things to note. First, the script begins with “a day in the life wake up” scene. We have seen so much of this, it’s considered to be a trope. In your writing: Approach with caution!

Second thing: Whereas the script begins with a description of the setting (“The remarkable thing about this apartment…”), the movie begins with an image of the Protagonist. Why? Two words: Will Smith. He’s a star. A big star. You want to write star parts. As my friend and colleague Brad Riddell says: “Screenplays are actor bait.”

You may read the screenplay here.

FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!

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.