I'm working on a new script but first I have to read the screenplay for Horrible Bosses to make sure I don't overlap that too much with one of my projects. The Manager always reminds me of this. One of her regular questions to me is "What are you reading?" I get the impression that she has dealt with a ton of new writers who never read anything. I make sure I can always tell her the latest scripts I've read and which ones I liked.
Last week I was getting ready for the start of school, but I still had time to read the remake of The Thing and 127 Hours. This week even though I'm starting back to work I'm still going to make sure I have time to read Horrible Bosses and another script I've been eager to read.
As much as I like Carson's Scriptshadow site, reading his reviews is no replacement for reading the scripts themselves.
What have you read lately? What did you think of it?
Right now reading Woman in Black, another kick-ass script by Jane Goldman. A handful that left impression over last few months (lean and fun rides, so graceful and seemingly effortless (like Fred Astaire dancing, or better yet like Ginger Rogers dancing backwards in heels)): Red, Kids are Alright, Howl, Jeff the Immortal, My Mother's Curse,The Escort, Zombieland.
ReplyDeleteFavorite recent book reads, Man Who Loved Numbers (Paul Hoffman), seriously fun read (another book from him that's terrific, Wings of Madness), and decent chance those books will be at your library, and three books by Paul Kidd that involve a fearless hero named Evelyn, a sentient sword, big love with a fairy, and a whole lot of action. Those books are White Plume Mountain, Descent into the Depths of the Earth, and Queen of the Demonweb Pits. I don't usually do D&D pulp fiction, but these, recommended by my mate, are superior fare, and fabulously fun reads.
Also, comic books. Great stuff out there, two that come quickly to mind include Walking Dead (writer Robert Kirkman) and Secret Six (writer Gail Simone). Blair Butler provides entertaining overviews (Fresh Ink) of what's happening in comicland.
Interesting post this morning Emily. I commented on twitter yesterday that reading scripts is quite a motivator for me.
ReplyDeleteGood or bad, after I read a script I find myself itching to get some pages down.
Recent reads include:
Gravity - Good fast read. Tense.
The Colony - Good bug movie. Interesting how a writer can introduce something at the beginning causing you to be in constant fear of something happening to that thing throughout the story. I need to get better at this.
Goliath - Think Medieval but with David and Goliath.
The End of History - Sci-Fi spectacle. Fun Read.
Vanishing on 7th street - Creepy end of the world shit with odd ending.
The Grey - Gritty forest survival story. Well written.
Whenever I get into a funk reading a good script gets me back in the game.
-Jim
I haven't read any scripts recently but I've enjoyed a few books.
ReplyDeleteImperial Bedrooms by Bret Easton Ellis (sequel to the novel Less Than Zero)
The Blonde by Duane Swiercynski (can't imagine a faster, pulpier, read than this one)
Just got The Hilliker Curse by James Ellroy and can't wait to dig in to that insanity
Emily, I think you should read WATERSHIP DOWN or HEART OF DARKNESS.
ReplyDeleteOne visionary director should write the human version with FOR BOTH - with rabbits and like heart of darkness! Watership Down goes Vietnam.
So are impressed with my imagination.
Segal,
I should read more scripts. More fiction in general. I'm wondering if Perez Hilton and Twitter counts?
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