Reading Scripts

I am going to see M. Night Shamalan's The Village tonight. Since most movies come from books, they can be quite literary. From what I hear, reading scripts can be quite interesting. In fact, I have had some friends that prefer reading the scripts than going to the movies! Scripts can be found online or, to a more limited degree, in the bookstore. There are also some good books on writing screenplays.

Here's an interesting bit of information. Like stage plays, most screenplays, and therefore most movies, are divided into three acts. Between the first and second acts and the second and third acts is something called a plot point. The first plot point occurs about 30-45 minutes in and the second about 60-75 minutes in. These two plot points offer a change in the plot or a twist if you will--a new development that offers conflict to the characters. For example, in the Blues Brothers, Elwood gets Jake out of jail, they catch up on old times everything's just like it was then BAM! first plot point: the nun at their old orphanage needs money. So off they go to find the band members, make some cash, find a venue for the big payoff, start the show, then BAM! the cops discover their getaway, now they have to find a way to get the money in the proper hands. Hence, the best car chase in film history Of course there are always little conflicts along the way, but watch out for those two big plot points. At the second one, you'll know that you only have about a half hour left until you can stretch your legs and run to the restroom after drinking that 64 oz soda!