Lessons from the Screenplay: American Beauty - Part 2

Introduction

• Michael discusses the script of "American Beauty," highlighting its flaws despite being close to a perfect movie.
• Explains that 27 pages of the script were cut during editing, impacting the final movie.

Key Points of the Lecture

Describing Character's Headspace in Screenwriting

• Screenplays are designed to be watched and heard, not read like novels.
• Writers can't rely on action lines to communicate what's in a character's head; visible actions are necessary.

Example 1: Ricky's Freedom

• Screenplay Action Line: Ricky discovers freedom from his father.
• Issue: This internal struggle isn't communicated visually on screen.

Example 2: Jane's Smile

• Screenplay Action Line: Jane smiles, thrilled by a crush.
• Success: Motivation of the smile is clear from context, no internal description needed.

Example 3: Jane's Reaction

• Screenplay Action Line: Jane looks at the floor after Angela's comment.
• Success: The context makes her feelings obvious without internal description.

Deleted Scenes and Their Impact

Colonel Fitz’s Backstory

• Script Detail: A scene showing Fitz's repressed feelings through a photograph.
• Impact: In the film, his feelings are less obvious, allowing the audience to interpret his behavior.

Original Script Ending

• Prologue and Epilogue: Court scenes that framed the movie as a crime thriller.
• Impact of Deletion: Removing these scenes changed the film's tone to a drama, maintaining thematic hope.

Conclusion

• Editing choices and omitted scenes significantly altered "American Beauty."
• Sam Mendes' creative vision and willingness to adapt resulted in the movie known today.
• Highlights the role of luck and serendipity in filmmaking.
• Emphasizes theme: beauty in unexpected places and imperfection.

Final Remarks

• Michael invites viewers to support his channel through Patreon.
• Expresses enjoyment and eagerness to create more content.

"Ultimately, there's beauty in imperfection."

• Encourages liking, sharing, and subscribing to the channel.