My word, when did Kevin Spacey get a sex change?

Doesn't everybody know that M-A-R-I-A-H spells Lester Burnham?

I applaud you, Bert.  I checked it out myself and didn't even get that far.

What scene is this supposed to be copying, Bert?


Phil

Here’s a strange coincidence. I checked out another script from this same writer called “Never Really Was…” and it has a character named Kevin and another character whose last name is Spacey.

I read the first episode of SS and was honest with the problems I found with it, like why would a drug lord (who's pulling in a million dollars a week, or something) would be in the street selling nicklebags?  Or why the same guy wouldn't buy a dishwasher for his pregnant wife/girlfriend.

It was just bad....


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe What scene is this supposed to be copying, Bert? Phil

Not to step on Bert's toes, but the scene he's talking about is exactly like the beginning of "American Beauty".


Mike

Ack!  Phil, I am surprised at you...

Anybody who has not seen "American Beauty" is hereby ordered to visit the video store this weekend!

Brilliant stuff...just brilliant...

(The script is available at S.S., btw.  A helluva read, too.)

I just came from Blockbuster.  They didn't have Ax 'Em.


Phil

Now to throw in my two cents...

I totally agree with everyone here about constructive criticisim.  I think if someone is not serious about their work and is showing no signs of improvement(meaning they are reading other's posts on their scripts) then they deserve what they get.  But I also feel that the way in which you do it is another story.

A poster on another screenwritting board I post on puts this before every review.  "I am not a professional and this is my humble opinion on your script.  If you don't agree then pay it no attention."

I have so much respect for him as a writter and reviewer.

Yet, some other people simply show criticism by blantantly slamming the writter for making mistakes.  If the writter is putting out shoddy work and shows no respect for others' comments then I can understand.  But going off on newbies who are trying to learn deserve constructive criticism in a different way.

But let me just say that I have a lot of respect for the "older" posters on this board(and mainly this thread).  I take everyone of your comments whole-heartedly.

T.I.N.

Hello people. Merry festive season to all.

I'm gonna go ahead and agree with everyone except breanne whose writing is far above mediocre. And Helio who should definitely stick around 'cause he's one of the most creative writers on the site.

As for constructive criticism. I agree with Phil and basically everyone else who has posted on this thread. How can people call themselves writers if they don't even proof-read or format their work? If people want criticism on their 'story', they have to learn to do the basics right i.e. formatting, spelling, and grammar. Otherwise the criticism is just a bunch of posts saying 'learn proper formatting'.

From my experience, the critiques on this forum are a lot kinder than you'll get elsewhere on the net and bad reviews are always more useful than heaps of praise. If anything, I think we should get nasty

Anyway, happy holidays to all. I won't be around for a while 'cause I'm off the Amsterdam for NYE! Woohoo!

Hei guys, you all got me emotional!

I'm so thank for your kind comments about me - my work - and Brea what a hell are trying to say with MEDIOCRE? Your writing is very nice and your feelings when you are analyzing our scripts are serious and consistent.

Now say with me - "I wont to say that I'm a mediocre writer, never ever!"

I'm sorry Greg to repeat here your lines. I agree with you 1000%:

"Breanne, you're too hard on yourself.  I've read some of your stuff and consider you one of the better talents on this site, so I think your opinion is pretty valid."

Thanks a lot everyone!
Helio

I'll also throw my 2 cents in. When I review, I tend to review the way I have had my work critiqued. I'll be honest, professional and to the point. It's the best trick to be honest, it will seperate the serious writers with the weekend hacks.

Also - I don't know how old people are when they post. Yeah, I can tell most of the time when I get into the script further, but I've read scripts from 15 year olds that stand above older people. When I review, I don't take age in consideration.

As for my own work, I never show first drafts to anyone. Sometimes my wife, but that's it. I don't post a lot of my serious work here as I am to critical of myself and consider it a work in progress. I usually post my shorts that I write when I take a break from my feature length work.

Stew

Quoted from bert Anybody who has not seen "American Beauty" is hereby ordered to visit the video store this weekend! Brilliant stuff...just brilliant...

As well written as it may be, the plot is just warped and bizarre, not to mention just flat disturbing. I thought Lester's journey, as it were, was one of the strangest, and I really didn't like the ending either. Yes, the characters were well-rounded and believable, and I don't recall the plot having any holes, but the movie is just messed up.

Some people have said that it's better to go easy on newbs, but what do you consider a newb? A newb to writing or a newb to the site? There are folks who have been submitting poor scripts for over a year and none of them have shown any signs of improvement.  Are they still a newb?  Just curious as to what you guys think.

I am a newb to this site, and I've surpassed being a newb for screenwriting. I think at least.

I've been writing since the age of 9 and have never stopped.

I'm not a great writer, but plan to be one after joining this marvelous site.