Page One: “The Lost Weekend” (1945)

Screen play by Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder, novel by Charles R. Jackson

The original trailer for the movie:

While contemporary screenplay style favors less description and more white space, one can’t help but admire the sheer visual vibrancy of the writing on Page One of The Lost Weekend. Today, screenwriters are tasked with creating strong visuals and evocative atmosphere, but in a more efficient manner. As the mantra goes: Minimum words. Maximum impact.

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.