Page One: “Stranger Than Fiction” (2006)

Written by Zach Helm

The movie version of the opening scene:

The movie changes the time-frame from nine years to twelve. If you watch the scene above, the repetition of that voice-over line — “for twelve years” — builds our anticipation: What happens after twelve years?

As always, it’s a good thing for a screenwriter to create a question in the mind of the audience. Curiosity drives them deeper into the story.

You may download 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.

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