Writing a screenplay is an art. It is perhaps the most important pre-production task on which the whole movie relies on. One should be familiar with the rules, format, and structure of the screenplay before giving it a shot.
Do you know screenplay and story are not the same? Yes, you read that right. A story is meant to be read by the final audience whereas the screenplay is written for the cast and crew of a film. It covers every action and reaction that is to be there in the movie. It is written while keeping in mind the camera angle, placement of actors, sound design, and even editing. Does all this make writing the screenplay a daunting task? Do not worry, there are some examples of brilliant screenplays written that can help you in your writing process.
The Truman Show
This 1998 Jim Carrey film was written by Andrew Niccol and it is a prime example of a three-act structure script. The film focuses on the routine life of Truman Burbank and received many accolades for its brilliant idea and perfect storytelling.
Andrew Niccol brilliantly divided the whole film into three acts with each act more powerful than the previous one. The character arc is developed with so much attention that you feel living the life of Truman. Andrew Niccol’s brilliance was recognized by the world after this movie and he received the prestigious BAFTA award for the same.
Kahaani
Kahaani, directed by Sujoy Ghosh and written by Advaita Kala & Sujoy Ghosh is a Hindi language thriller released in 2012. Kahaani was the first Indian film that had a bound script and it turned out to be one of the most amazing scripts ever written in Hindi cinema. The film, like The Truman Show, follows the three-act structure and keeps the audience on their toes for the whole time.
Inception
Should all stories be written in the three-act structure? The answer is - NO. The three-act structure is a rule which is religiously followed by many screenwriters but one can break the rule as per their need. Writing is a creative process and therefore should not be bound by any such rule. Inception is an example of a movie that has its own structure and is loved by many. Written by the great Christopher Nolan himself, this movie is a class apart.
These were some of the examples of great screenplays ever written. Writing a screenplay sure requires rare focus but at the same time, it gives great satisfaction. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pen and start writing.
