Film scripts lay the foundation for cinematic tapestries composed of many threads… the bedrock where characters, stories and emotional undercurrents are formed. As much as spectacular visuals and evocative performances can elevate a film, it’s the script that crystallises that world and draws us into the realm.
In this spirit of creating these illusions and portraying alternate dimensions, here are 5 films that showcase exceptional screenwriting.
The Social Network (2010)
Arguably one of the best, Aaron Sorkin knows how to unleash dense dialogue that bristles with life. Having penned The West Wing, he’s become accustomed to writing reams of pages that are ultimately condensed into short timeframes.
Instead of labouring the story with a 3 hour epic, The Social Network boils things down into a sharp-witted and fast-paced drama. Capturing the earliest days of Facebook, Sorkin’s script intertwines humour, drama and social commentary without losing sight of the complex personalities behind the social media giant.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Quentin Tarantino has a knack for writing unconventional yet brilliant screenplays that compel his eclectic mix of pop culture in his trademark films. Having burst onto the scene with Reservoir Dogs, he’s continued to wow audiences with his fresh takes.
One of the best is Pulp Fiction, a non-linear masterpiece that wields terrific characters, memorable moments and inspired writing with many quotable quotes. Pulling together several stories, Tarantino keeps audiences guessing and locked into its twists and turns.
Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho set awards season on fire with his barnstorming and darkly comic thriller, Parasite. A blast of slow-burning tension and suspense, the masterful screenwriter managed to expertly balance comedy and drama as Parasite graduates from being a sharp-witted comedy about a family trying to get by into something much more political and sinister.
Laying the foundation for a whirlwind of a climax, Joon-ho’s Hitchcockian influences shine through as audiences are left both entertained and unsettled. A big winner in its year, Parasite sets the gold standard for this tightrope walking act that’s elegant, smart and provocative.
Spirited Away (2001)
Hayao Miyazaki has created some of the most fantastical animated adventures out there. Recently adding The Boy and the Crane to this list, the film underscores a career dedicated to magical stories that capture a sense of wonder and childhood innocence whilst exploring deeper themes such as loss, courage and a journey into the self.
Spirited Away is a prime example of Studio Ghibli in all its surreal glory. While Alice in Wonderland seems to have a strong undertone to much of Miyazaki’s work, it’s really just the platform for his dreamscapes where imagination is unleashed. An artwork that captures some dark aspects to human nature, it elegantly relays the emotion of joy and sorrow through its wildly entertaining and iconic characters.
Schindler’s List (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s most important film is Schindler’s List, a powerful Holocaust drama that tells the powerful story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman whose actions helped save many Jewish people during the course of one of history’s darkest periods.
Spielberg manages to tell Schindler’s story with historical accuracy and devastating honesty, keeping the overarching story of World War II without losing the true impact of his emotionally resonant script. Knowing when to lean in or pull back, its this masterful understanding that demonstrates why he’s one of the best storytellers out there.
These exceptional examples are some of the most popular among a sea of countless other scripts. A showcase of great writing, they exhibit depth and artistry that requires hours and hours of meticulous planning and groundwork to execute successfully. It’s not enough to have a great concept for a film, you’ve got to follow it up with the nuance, restraint and skill necessary to create something truly memorable.