All screenplays on the simplyscripts.com and simplyscripts.net domain are copyrighted to their respective authors. All rights reserved. This screenplaymay not be used or reproduced for any purpose including educational purposes without the expressed written permission of the author.
So last night I watched Empire Records, for what realistically would be no less than the 50th time (I watched it a lot in the 90's).
It's not my favourite film, although I do love it, but I would have to say I've definitely watched it more that any other movie.
It has great, lovable characters, a simple but enjoyable storyline, the best soundtrack of all time, some great one liners, and Liv Tyler and Renee Zellweger looking absolutely amazing.
So what's the one film you have watched more than any other, and what keeps drawing you back to it?
Jaws. Been rewatching endlessly since I was six or so. Really doesn't require an explanation for anyone who's seen it. Second is probably Jurassic Park just given the time since I first saw it.
It's really quite a masterpiece in terms of making a very predictable story into something timeless. It's got the brilliance of the tension, the incredible chemistry of the leads, the wider social issues, the typical but well realised character flaw to overcome, perfect set pieces, man vs nature and then the kind of genius moments like when they're singing together.
Yeah, it's pretty much a text book "How to make a movie"...both in terms of script and filmmaking techniques. The early Spielberg was really something.
Mad Max 2 is a film I'll drop everything for if I find it's on. No fluff storytelling with great action sequences. That and The Long Good Friday - for that end sequence alone.
My short scripts can be found here on my new & improved budget website:
Probably cheating, but it's the Back to the Future trilogy for me. The first one in particular is basically flawless in terms of the writing - simple but rich premise, ticking clock for tension, memorable and well-defined characters, PERFECT use of a B story / subplot to add depth to the whole narrative with the A and B stories deftly converging at the climax, strong running gags, enjoyable set pieces... it's pretty much perfect imo.