Last week, I didn't read as much as I usually would've, but I have good reasons. One, I got to see two live performances of musicals. Two, I performed in two live (improvised) performances as part of the Del Close Marathon. So even though I didn't read as much, I was still surrounded by stories. Here are my takeaways.
Big Fish
Screenplay by John August, based on novel by Daniel Wallace, film directed by Tim Burton
A great example of how good writing pulls you through scene to scene. Great seamless storytelling. The film (which I viewed the same night) perfectly translated the writing, particularly the scene in which time stands still for a brief moment. Screenplay available here johnaugust.com. Film available at Amazon.
4/5
West Side Story
Musical Book by Arthur Laurents
(Note: My sister was in this show!) A simple plot with simple characters and simple wants can make a fantastic story. Extremely clear desires allow the plot to unfold as it does with inevitability and tragedy. Performance by Paper Mill Playhouse. Film version available at Amazon.
4/5
6/5 - (My sister's performance as one of the Jet girls)
Betty Bureau
TV Pilot by Amanda Morad via Scriptnotes
Reminiscent of Agent Carter, this pilot works well, but doesn't quite separate itself from other procedurals. A great reminder that concept is key. Nice writing from someone trying to break into the business, and very inspiring to read. Available from johnaugust.com.
3/5
Bright Star
Musical Book by Steve Martin
Great performances and great staging, but lackluster story. No real inciting incident, so nothing to carry the audience through. Some sharp, simple comedy bits from Steve Martin, but not enough. Unfortunately, this show just closed on Broadway, but soundtrack is available on the official site.
2/5
The Big Short
Screenplay by Charles Randolph and Adam McKay
Very cool use of V.O. and breaking of fourth wall. One thing I had trouble with was following along with characters in screenplay, because I felt like they didn't have unique voices. I wonder if part of this is because one of the writers was also directing, so there perhaps isn't enough of a need for this in the screenplay because the need to ensure character translation from page to screen doesn't happen across two separate minds. Screenplay available
3/5
Del Close Marathon
This weekend, I performed with The Cardigan Party and The Floating Cities in the 18th Del Close Marathon, the annual improv marathon put on by the Upright Citizens Brigade. The biggest takeaway from this is to keep things simple and build moments, scenes, and stories one piece at a time. I saw some fantastic groups from all over the world, far too many to name here, but some highlights include the teams BUCKY, Grandma's Ashes, True Lies, and The Smokes.
5/5