Screenplays

Adapted Screenplay:
-The task: take a beloved book or play and make a movie out of it that won't get stoned for not being as good as the book. The writers who undertake this assignment are gluttons for punishment, as this is probably one of the most difficult jobs in the business. Working with something that is already published they have to incorporate what will work on film while putting their own individual touches to it all while finding a way to be both original, but still respectful to the book. Most of the time it is done poorly or just simply doesn't live up to the book, but sometimes lightning strikes and the screenwriter is able to transform an acclaimed book into an award worthy movie that provides a new perspective and is able to transcend the book. And the nominees are...

Simon Beaufoy(2nd Nomination) for Slumdog Millionaire- Adapted from the Indian novel Q&A by Vikas Swarup, Beaufoy does a brilliant job of creating a story that is able to simultaneously focus on the personal aspect of the three title characters while also viewing India as a whole. The parallel storylines of maturation, love, pride and modernization on both a personal and national scale is storytelling at its finest. The motif of using a modern game show as the platform to delve into history, connecting the old with the new, is extremely interesting and well thought out. This is a beautiful story about the nation of India but focuses on such universal concepts that it is instantly relatable to anyone around the globe. (Chances of Winning=Excellent)
David Hare(2nd Nomination) for The Reader- Adapted from a German novel of the same name by Bernhard Schlink, The Reader uses a taboo relationship to segue into an even more morally ambiguous situation involving German responsibility and guilt during WWII. As the outside world point their fingers at all the "evil" people in Germany who committed unspeakable atrocities, The Reader examines to what degree that guilt should be applied across the board. Hare takes the novel and creates a screenplay that extensively develops the relationship between the ex-Nazi SS officer and her much younger lover. Following her quick disappearance the two are later reunited as the boy, now a law student, is taken to observe her war crimes trial. As she is on trial for her responsibility in the deaths of countless Jews, he must wrestle with his own responsibility in the knowledge that he may hold a piece of information that could lighten her sentence or even prove her innocence to some extent. While this is an interesting topic, I felt that either due to the poor decisions of Hare or the director Daldry, the movie does a bad job at entering its own discussion, which made me think that it did not live up to its responsibility. (Chances of Winning=Average)
Peter Morgan(1st Nomination) for Frost/Nixon- The screen adaptation of his original play, Morgan ventures to tell the story of the behind the scenes actions that resulted in the famous Frost/Nixon interviews. While part of the film focuses on the interviews themselves and provides the platform for the actors to shine, the brilliance here is in the extensive back story and set up. From Frost's desire and purpose for wanting the interview, to the money involved, the countless hours of research, preparation and strategy, and the struggle to find a television sponsor, I guarantee you will never look at an interview the same way again. (Chances of Winning=Slim)
Eric Roth(4th Nomination/1 Previous Win)/Robin Swiccord(1st Nomination) for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- The basic idea for this movie is adapted from a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, but the story itself is mostly original (although it does seem to borrow some plotlines from Forrest Gump, also written by Roth and what he won his Oscar for). This story is the classic romantic epic that Hollywood has had an infatuation with since its inception. Integrating the idea of a person who defies the natural laws of physics by aging in reverse as he progresses forward thru life trying to find adventure and romance, and the constant pull that always brings him back home to find that some things change with time, but many things remain the same. It is a gripping storyline that is exciting and thought provoking, showcasing just how much of an effect the passage of time and our personal view of it has on our lives. (Chance of Winning=Good)
John Patrick Shanley(2nd Nomination/1 Previous Win) for Doubt- Another screen adaptation from an original play, which was also written by Shanley. In the wake of a fundamental conflict of ideologies between the priest and head nun at a Catholic church/school in the Bronx, the battle spills over into an assault on character. While the premise centers around an alleged inappropriate relationship between the priest and one of the school's students, this storyline is in reality a pawn in the greater power struggle. In the absence of facts, personal feelings, assumptions and convictions take precedence and threaten to create divide in the church along with the possibility of considerable collateral damage. The question is ultimately how long and at what cost are you willing to push aside your own doubt, in the effort to obtain power, victory and vindication. (Chances of Winning=Slim)

Who I would have nominated:
Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire)
Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road)
Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon)
Eric Roth/Robin Swiccord (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
John Patrick Shanley (Doubt)


Original Screenplay:
-Usually the category that awards writers who are able to create something visionary or are adept at creating entertaining, witty or deep dialogue. This category also recognizes screenwriters who are able to bring life stories to film that are informative, inspiring or entertaining where a book did not already exist. These screenwriters must possess all the characteristics of a great author, along with the realization that what they are writing also has to work on film and be visually appealing. A thankless job where the writer is seldom remembered when the movie is actually viewed by the public, but without these talented people the great directors and actors wouldn't have anything to work with. And the nominees are...

Dustin Black(1st Nomination) for Milk- Black passionately brings to life the story, political passion and ultimate demise of the first elected gay official Harvey Milk. This biopic follows the realization of Milk on his 40th birthday that he has yet to do anything meaningful with his life, through his resilient political career, culminating in his election and subsequent assassination. It is an interesting and moving story, but as with most politically tinged movies falls into the trap of feeling contrived and agendad. I appreciated the obvious passion behind the story, but ultimately was not won over or impressed. (Chances of Winning=Excellent)
Courtney Hunt(1st Nomination) for Frozen River- A story that centers around the concept of taking desperate measures during difficult times. These are dire circumstances in an unforgiving environment, as a mother tries to provide for herself and two children following their desertion by her husband (which doesn't seem to come as much of a surprise to her). The story is set in upstate New York, but for the extreme sense of loneliness, seclusion and isolation that each of these characters project it wouldn't feel out of place for them to be in Antarctica. When the mother forms an unlikely alliance with a Indian woman from the nearby reservation to aid in transporting illegal aliens across the border, it is never a question of if they will get caught, but rather how long before they will be caught and how serious the consequences will be. (Chances of Winning=Slim)
Mike Leigh(4th Nomination) for Happy-Go-Lucky- I have not seen this movie so I abstain from commenting on it.
Martin McDonagh(1st Nomination) for In Bruges- The life of a hit man is a rough one. Most movies about the mob or hit men follow the lead up and actual job, but what happens after the job is done? This story tries to take a shot at it. Following a botched job in London, two hit men are sent to lay low in the medieval tourist town of Bruges, Belgium. While one of them enjoys the sightseeing and relaxing atmosphere, the other is doing his best to find anything exciting. This is a profanity laced, quirky action comedy that investigates the bond of friendship and overarching moral code of criminals, while placing them in the even more ironically boring town of Bruges. Make no mistake this is probably the most action this town has seen since the Crusades. (Chances of Winning=Average)
Andrew Stanton(3rd Nomination)/Jim Reardon(1st Nomination)/Pete Docter(2nd Nomination) for WALL-E- What will the future look like if we continue to become increasingly reliant on technology. In this incredibly intelligent and visionary animated film, Stanton and his other Pixar colleagues attempt to offer their perspective. The basic question that this story poses is at what cost and sacrifice is our society advancing. As humankind becomes increasingly lazy, dissociated from each other and dependent upon technology and machines, are we in fact becoming less human? Are we willing to trade our feelings about meaningful relationships, hard work and purpose all in the name of making our lives easier and more convenient? As we embark on the intergalactic journey with a curious robot to a space cruise ship where the robots exhibit more human characteristics than the humans, the idea of a life lived in a perpetual resort vacation setting doesn't look so appealing. (Chances of Winning=Very Good)

Who I would have nominated:
Woody Allen (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
Joel and Ethan Coen (Burn After Reading)
Jenny Lumet (Rachel Getting Married)
Robert Siegel (The Wrestler)
Andrew Stanton/Jim Reardon/Pete Docter (WALL-E)