Page One: “Syriana” (2005)

Screenplay by Stephen Gaghan, based on a book by Robert Baer

The movie version of the opening:

Note that introduction of the story’s Protagonist: Bob Baer:

And with them is BOB BAER, 40's, professionally
nondescript, he could be anything, a salesman, a high-
school teacher. His face is ever-changing and his eyes
miss nothing. Bob is the only American in the place and
still you almost wouldn't notice him.

It is more about the character’s personality and the way he comes off than a description solely of his physical attributes. This is a good example of how a writer may comment on a character when introducing them.

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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