Page One: “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (2020)

Written by Aaron Sorkin

The movie version of the opening:

One of the more impressive features of the movie — and as exhibited in the screenplay — is how Sorkin conveyed a ton of exposition in such an efficient manner. The combination of news footage, voice-over narration, “quick hit” mini-scenes to introduce key characters sets the stage for an audience which, by and large, knows little to nothing about this subject matter.

Often, we try to tease exposition, dole it out over time. But in a movie like this one, it requires a significant “info dump.” What Sorkin pulls off is a master class in effective, efficient writing.

Download the script 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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