Christopher Nolan’s screenplay for Inception was nominated for Best Original Screenplay this year. The 146-page script is a beast, but well worth the time and effort.
April 9, 2011
5 Lessons from the Work of Sidney Lumet
Sidney Lumet, director of such masterpieces as 12 Angry Men, Network, Dog Day Afternoon, and The Verdict passed away this weekend. S.T. Vanairsdale was quick to report on the life lessons we can all learn from his work:
1. First impressions are everything
Contemporary filmmakers could learn a lot from Lumet’s openings, the most expressive of which feature long, gradual shots working from the outside in. Sometimes this is literal; take 12 Angry Men, which marvelously sets up the entire narrative in about seven shots — a courthouse exterior to a young murder defendant’s close-up — before getting to the opening credits. The effect compels viewers to digest the stakes while entering the deliberation room with the jurors. Subtle stuff, but utterly standard-defying for its time.read more »
April 9, 2011
Quote of the Day: Anton Chekhov
Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.
