Screenplays are believed to be the basis of filmmaking. The way that it is written can either make or break a film’s chances of success. There isn’t an exact way to determine what will work and what isn’t but there are always ways to improve your screenwriting.
One of the most effective ways to boost your performance is to look at several of the best-acclaimed films ever made.
A good screenwriter must think about the work done by masters of this art throughout film history and take notes on the most impressive achievements in these works, highlighting the twists and turns, and everything else that makes these movies innovative.
Below are the top six films that every screenwriter needs to watch to sharpen their writing skills:
- The Godfather
This novel was composed by Mario Puzo who additionally co-composed the screenplay alongside Director Francis Ford Coppola. The Godfather is generally viewed as one of the most outstanding famous screenplays ever.
The characters in the film were so elegantly composed that both Puzo and Coppola had entertainers in their minds to take on the jobs.
Despite numerous disputes between them and Paramount Pictures over the selection of the actors, especially Marlin Brando as well as Al Pacino, the powerful script written by Puzo and Francs prevailed over all opposition.
The film was one of the highest grosser of all time and won three Oscar awards, including one for the best screenplay with seven other nominations, too. Also, aspiring writers can use Coverfly to get their scripts in front of professional scriptwriters.
- Groundhog Day
The genius of this comedy is due in large part to the clever screenplay. The character development makes them memorable, and its innovative structure opened the door to films that depict people who are reliving their lives.
It goes beyond this. The most intriguing aspect is its premise alone, which is the basis for an even more intriguing ending and moral.
The one-liners, the clever puns, visual gags, and even body humor come to life by a stellar cast, but they don’t create an all-comedy romp – they provide it with the charm and wit characteristic of Ramis films.
They also highlight the bigger problems. In the same way that Phil is forced to live February 2nd over and again, resuming each morning at 6:30 am, he must figure out how to end the cycle.
- Forrest Gump
The Tom Hank starrer was based on a novel by Winston Groom, but the film script included a lot of changes the writer made himself. Characters like Tom Hanks who is slow-witted but has a sweet heart have been praised because of his character.
In terms of the way, the scenes are imagined and depicted the script is an absolute masterpiece that every screenwriter can take inspiration from.
- Casablanca
This love story is sure, one of the most well-known films ever made. The screenplay was taken from an unproduced play titled “Everybody comes to Rick’s” The writers kept on with the original plot, not quite knowing where to finish it.
The characters were well-defined, which is why they built the story around their personalities. We witness their perspectives, their struggles, as well as how they decide to confront their memories and the characters in a brilliant way that requires the characters to face each other in the same place, Casablanca.
- Citizen Kane
The masterpiece of the legendary writer is the story of the rich magazine magnate Charles Foster Kane. The film is known for its ingenuity in editing, sound, photography, and narrative, the film’s narrative techniques are a major factor in this classic debut. Novice writers can learn a lot from this script. Also, there are various apps for writers that can help improve the writing process.
The teaming of Herman J. Mankiewicz and an uncredited John Houseman cause great controversy even before the film was released because it appeared to caricature individuals and real things that happened in the life of the newspaper businessman William Randolph Hearst.
- Silence of the Lambs
The intensity of each scene Clarice and Lector are in is built by every line of dialogue. Hannibal Lecter is one of the most terrifying and feared villains, but he barely ever speaks beyond a quiet volume.
If your story has someone who conceals their real, sinister persona behind charm, intelligence, and persuasion, this suspense thriller must be watched.
Make sure you go through these films and then watch them enhance your screenwriting abilities.