Just like with Oscar ballots I'm weighting these with #1 as my top choice and so on down the list.
1. A Separation - Written by Asghad Farad
Nader: What is wrong is wrong, no matter who said it or where it's written.
2. Beginners - Written by Mike Mills
Hal: Well, let's say that since you were little, you always dreamed of getting a lion. And you wait, and you wait, and you wait, and you wait but the lion doesn't come. And along comes a giraffe. You can be alone, or you can be with the giraffe.
Oliver: I'd wait for the lion.
Hal: That's why I worry about you.
3. Bridesmaids - Written by Kristen Wig & Annie Mumulo
Annie: (drunk) Whatever you say, Stove.
Flight Attendant Steve: Steve.
Annie: Stove, what kind of name is that?
Flight Attendant Steve: That's not a name - my name is Steve.
Annie: Are you an appliance?
Flight Attendant Steve: No I'm a man.
Annie: You're a flight attendant.
Flight Attendant Steve: That's absolutely accurate.
4. Martha Marcy May Marlene - Written by Sean Durkin
Martha: You're going to be a terrible mother.
5. Young Adult - Written by Diablo Cody
Mavis: Mom, can you please take down that photo of me and Alan.
Hedda: Which picture, Sweetie?
Mavis: The wedding photo. We are divorced.
Hedda: We just thought it was a nice memory.
Mavis: Of my failed marriage?
Hedda: Well, the wedding wasn't a failure. Remember the tiramisu?
Other Worthy Scripts
This year the competition for original screenplay is as rich as adapted screenplay is weak. Kelly Reichardt's Meek's Cutoff told a thrilling tale under its quiet, minimalist surface. Joe Cornish's Attack the Block was a lesson for Hollywood in doing Summer thrills the right way - was anybody paying attention? Andrew Haigh's script for Weekend so perfectly captures the unforced beats of real life romance that one could easily miss how well structured it is. The Artist may have hit familiar beats but rarely are they hit with such wit and charm. Kenneth Lonnergan's Margaret was bursting with enough material for three good films - jammed into one it makes for messy, yet fascinating experience. Gerardo Naranjo's Miss Bala subverted the tropes of the political thriller to powerful effect, and finally, there was no more maddening film to grapple with than Lars Von Trier's Melancholia. While the film is largely a triumph of directing and acting, there is no denying the daring of the screenplay.
More 2011 Ballots
The dialogue in Margin Call (2011) impressed me. Would be in my top 5 scripts. Reminded me of Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it too - especially Bettany's scene on the roof. But ultimately I considered more of a noble effort to make that material digestible, rather than a successful drama. Still happy for his Oscar nom even if I wouldn't include it. Quality work.
ReplyDelete