Topic: So I got my Story to Screenplay book today...

[jamie]

Read the whole thing in one sitting and cried my eyes out at the same parts I did in my two viewings of the movie: the classic "embrace from behind" scene and the shirts. God, the shirts.

I'm probably going again tomorrow with my mother. It was easier, a lot easier, to read the screenplay now, because the last time I saw the movie was not this last Sunday but the Sunday before that, and I'm relatively detached, I believe, for now. Still sobbed like a baby toward the end... but not the same lasting, grieving, hopeless feeling I felt after the first and second viewings. I'm wondering if I'm even going to go through it again tomorrow when I see it again, and I'm pretty sure I will, but I'm scared that it won't be as heavy as it first was. I don't know why I want it to be so bad because it kills me, it makes it difficult to focus on anything and just tears my heart out, but at the same time I want to be able to relive that feeling, I need it.

And who am I kidding, I'm sure I will. I've been purposely blocking the thoughts for the past week and a half because it was the only way I'd make it through normal life.

Also, Annie's essay "Getting Movied" was extraordinarily informative and entertaining. I felt especially connected to this quote:

It is an eerie sensation to see events you have imagined in the privacy of your mind, and tried hopelessly to transmit to others through little black marks on a page, loom up before you in an overwhelming visual experience.

Being an aspiring writer myself, I understand -exactly- what she means by "trying hopelessly to transmit to others through little black marks on a page," and to write a story like this and see my words spoken by actors and changing hearts and lives out there in the world, if my story touched -one person- as this story has touched all of us here at this forum, my life would be absolutely complete.

Much love.

[ethan]

Beautiful post. jamie, thank you so much for sharing it with us. This story as well as the movie has touched me in a profound way. Love indeed.

[tpe]

jamie, I agree with ethan.  As a writer, I am sure you understand and fully appreciate the literary aspects preserved in the movie.  And the screenplay certainly helps in the appreciation of this aspect, no?

Thanks! 

[cybernaut]

Oh god!

I can understand how gruelling and tortuous to shrink a long story to a condensed but complex one in 6 months. 

I tried that on my resume, originally a two page "wordy" attributes full of verbs and adjectives, and took for a few months and a few testings and feedbacks, reduced it to a simplified one-page easy enough to read. It was a hell-binding experience, believe it or not because I had to visualise what the other person reading the resume would think of me, and how I want to present to them, without intimidation, while still keeping to the rules of the game and trying to be "honest". Despite that, I still get the review: "overqualified", I guess that's something I would never understand. 

Imagine how Annie Proulx has to do that, with only one chance, to point her point across as convincingly, succinctly and articulately as possible to the director and the screenplay writers... If I were her, I would get writer's block. It is so easy to write bullshit but to shrink it down to actual content.

That's hard!

[tweric]

I got this book yesterday and read a bit just now... Not trying to sound stupid, but I found out not all of them/details were realized on big screen. I'm glad I didn't waste my money on this book 

(I'll try to read it through some other time....)

[*Froggy*]

I cannot wait to read it!!! But it is so expensive here in the UK, I have to wait a bit I guess!!!

[jakeofrome]

ordered my copy a couple of weeks ago, it should be on its way now.
frog123, it may be cheaper on amazon.com even if it comes from overeas

[*Froggy*]

ordered my copy a couple of weeks ago, it should be on its way now.
frog123, it may be cheaper on amazon.com even if it comes from overeas

maybe yes..I'll look into it 

[frenchcda]

Finally received mine today,, Yieppie

[pjf]

I cannot wait to read it!!! But it is so expensive here in the UK, I have to wait a bit I guess!!!

I'm in the UK too but I got a copy from the US Amazon site. $23 including P&P (about £13-50). It was delivered within a week

[ethan]

I cannot wait to read it!!! But it is so expensive here in the UK, I have to wait a bit I guess!!!

I'm in the UK too but I got a copy from the US Amazon site. $23 including P&P (about £13-50). It was delivered within a week

Wonderful. Thanks for posting, pjf.

HERE is the topic for the book.

[frenchcda]

DID anyone notice that in the scene where Jack holds on to Ennis on the ground , the words spoken by  ENNIS are not writen,  in the script see page 83 section 3  ? :'( :'( :'(



in the movie he says, I can't take this anymore

[ethan]

in the movie he says, I can't take this anymore

I believe that Heath added this line while they were shooting the movie.

[frenchcda]

they are very powerfull words, mostly when considering that they are is last words to Jack! ever

[ethan]

they are very powerfull words, mostly when considering that they are is last words to Jack! ever

Oh no....now you are making me sad  :'( :'( they are really the last words to Jack. <sob>

[frenchcda]

is it very unfortunate that people looked at the movie and yet seemed to have forgotten what were Ennis's last words to Jack,

 it is after all one of the most powerfull gut wrenching moment,
 when you look at the entire history of their lives,
 that was truly words Heath Ledger added,
 so it makes it even more special as it is not to be found anywhere else in the book nor the script,
 imagine how special now this has become,
 nowhere but in the film and improvised at the last moment,
 it doesn't get purer than that :'(

[Stephen]

I just read your post today and want you to know how much I've cherished the BBM: Story to Screenplay.  Everyone taken by the film would love this treasure of a book. The essays by Annie Proulx and Diana Ossana are wonderful insights into the writing and film producing world.....and the screen play which "opens up" the original story by Ms. Proulx is a fascinating extension of the original story line......Ms.Proulx says in one of her interviews that  she is probably the ONLY American writer who can say that her written work was brilliantly translated onto the screen, even more powerful than the written story! For me, both are equally heart wrenching. Stephen.

[frenchcda]

Couldn't agree more

[Silk]

I am so glad Annie wrote the short story and she deserves all the awards and praise.  I admire her.  I am in love with the film and the story.

I wanted to preface this so that my comments would not be taken wrong.

I received the short story this morning through the mail.  I was so excited.  I fixed myself a strawberry smoothie-- put on my comfy sweats and got into my favorite chair with a warm quilt (it is cold here).  I was so ready to read it. 

I think the film has spoiled me and spoiled the short story for me.  I was verydisappointed in it.  It seemed so rushed and plain.  I read it completely as I wanted it to be a part of the whole BBM experience.  I am glad I did and would again but sadly very disappointed in it.

I think this story could have become a book and I think the screenplay fleshed it out into something beyond a good story.

I think the screenplay actually gave the story the life it needed.  I think Ang Lee gave the short story the deepening of heart it needed.  I did not find the soul of Ennis and Jack in the short story.  It did not move me like the film screenplay come to life did.  Sadly I wish Louie L'Mour had written it and had the vision of it lilke AnnieP did.

I don't want anyone to think I am poo pooing the author.  I praise her and thank her.  Only another open BBM experience I dared to share with you.  I will probably share them all and some others might not like but this journey is not over for me and I bear my heart and soul completly open here with out regard to judgement just as Ennis and Jack did at times and Ennis should have felt he could.  If he had felt he could bear his soul completely open he would have gone with Jack to that ranch Jack dreamed of having.

[boo_boo]

Mine is in the mail!  I can't wait to get it!

[KatKat]

I got it yesterday and I read it this morning! (couldn't wait)

[Alliecat]

I, too, enjoyed Story to Screenplay.  I wonder if others were struck with the same impression I got, however.  When Diana Ossana or Ang Lee or whatshisname, the other screenwriter, talk or write about BBM...how seldom, if ever, they mention the movie's actors.  Let alone praise them. 

As beautifully written, directed and filmed as BBM was, it would not have had the impact it did were it not for four very talented actors.  And yet, I have read some interviews with Lee et al and heard acceptance speeches from them that never mention Heath or Jake, Michelle or Anne.  Perfect casting, perfect performances and surely the writers and directors know this.  But they blab on and on about their wonderfulness as writers and directors, and hardly ever lay down praise for the actors.

Hmmm...my first post seems to be a negative one.  Really, I'm usually   

[KatKat]

I, too, enjoyed Story to Screenplay.  I wonder if others were struck with the same impression I got, however.  When Diana Ossana or Ang Lee or whatshisname, the other screenwriter, talk or write about BBM...how seldom, if ever, they mention the movie's actors.  Let alone praise them. 

As beautifully written, directed and filmed as BBM was, it would not have had the impact it did were it not for four very talented actors.  And yet, I have read some interviews with Lee et al and heard acceptance speeches from them that never mention Heath or Jake, Michelle or Anne.  Perfect casting, perfect performances and surely the writers and directors know this.  But they blab on and on about their wonderfulness as writers and directors, and hardly ever lay down praise for the actors.

Hmmm...my first post seems to be a negative one.  Really, I'm usually   

I remember Diana talked about that when they were watching..may be the Kinght's Tale? They both thought "Heath Ledger os definately Eniis" (or something like that) and they really had the vest choice 

[tpe]

I, too, enjoyed Story to Screenplay.  I wonder if others were struck with the same impression I got, however.  When Diana Ossana or Ang Lee or whatshisname, the other screenwriter, talk or write about BBM...how seldom, if ever, they mention the movie's actors.  Let alone praise them. 

As beautifully written, directed and filmed as BBM was, it would not have had the impact it did were it not for four very talented actors.  And yet, I have read some interviews with Lee et al and heard acceptance speeches from them that never mention Heath or Jake, Michelle or Anne.  Perfect casting, perfect performances and surely the writers and directors know this.  But they blab on and on about their wonderfulness as writers and directors, and hardly ever lay down praise for the actors.

Hmmm...my first post seems to be a negative one.  Really, I'm usually   

I remember Diana talked about that when they were watching..may be the Kinght's Tale? They both thought "Heath Ledger os definately Eniis" (or something like that) and they really had the vest choice 

I think Larry McMurty said this to Diana upon seeing Heath in 'Monsters Ball'

[KatKat]

I, too, enjoyed Story to Screenplay.  I wonder if others were struck with the same impression I got, however.  When Diana Ossana or Ang Lee or whatshisname, the other screenwriter, talk or write about BBM...how seldom, if ever, they mention the movie's actors.  Let alone praise them. 

As beautifully written, directed and filmed as BBM was, it would not have had the impact it did were it not for four very talented actors.  And yet, I have read some interviews with Lee et al and heard acceptance speeches from them that never mention Heath or Jake, Michelle or Anne.  Perfect casting, perfect performances and surely the writers and directors know this.  But they blab on and on about their wonderfulness as writers and directors, and hardly ever lay down praise for the actors.

Hmmm...my first post seems to be a negative one.  Really, I'm usually   

I remember Diana talked about that when they were watching..may be the Kinght's Tale? They both thought "Heath Ledger os definately Eniis" (or something like that) and they really had the vest choice 

I think Larry McMurty said this to Diana upon seeing Heath in 'Monsters Ball'

oh sorry...haha
I didn't look it up and I think I ogt mixed up with another article/message I saw

[tpe]

I, too, enjoyed Story to Screenplay.  I wonder if others were struck with the same impression I got, however.  When Diana Ossana or Ang Lee or whatshisname, the other screenwriter, talk or write about BBM...how seldom, if ever, they mention the movie's actors.  Let alone praise them. 

As beautifully written, directed and filmed as BBM was, it would not have had the impact it did were it not for four very talented actors.  And yet, I have read some interviews with Lee et al and heard acceptance speeches from them that never mention Heath or Jake, Michelle or Anne.  Perfect casting, perfect performances and surely the writers and directors know this.  But they blab on and on about their wonderfulness as writers and directors, and hardly ever lay down praise for the actors.

Hmmm...my first post seems to be a negative one.  Really, I'm usually   

I remember Diana talked about that when they were watching..may be the Kinght's Tale? They both thought "Heath Ledger os definately Eniis" (or something like that) and they really had the vest choice 

I think Larry McMurty said this to Diana upon seeing Heath in 'Monsters Ball'

oh sorry...haha
I didn't look it up and I think I ogt mixed up with another article/message I saw

I think he was wonderful in Knight's Tale.  His character is so loveable...

[Alliecat]

Yes, I know they saw and loved Heath in Monster's Ball, Knight's Tale, etc.  My point was that when commenting on BBM...they seldom, if ever, gave credit or praise to the actors who made that movie the success is was.

[tpe]

Yes, I know they saw and loved Heath in Monster's Ball, Knight's Tale, etc.  My point was that when commenting on BBM...they seldom, if ever, gave credit or praise to the actors who made that movie the success is was.

I think among the critics, there was immediate and almost universal approval for Heath's acting.  In the case of Jake, it had to wait sometime before more astute critics pointed out his wonderful contribution.  As for the cast as a whole, I think the overall reception was very good, although many had to point out the relative inexperience of the 4 principals.

To the public, the success of the film is eloquent enough.
 
What brought them down during the Oscars were certainly not the critics not the directors.  I suspect it was their peers.  Peers should never be allowed to vote in such instances.  Too much jealousy and insider stupidity are at play.

[welshwitch]

Heath to me is acting Ennis in a way that's noticeable - Jake is being Jack - but I'm a Gyllenholic, so I'm as biased as the Academy!
What the screenplay makes clear is how much was left to them and how relatively little they had to go on.

[tpe]

Heath to me is acting Ennis in a way that's noticeable - Jake is being Jack - but I'm a Gyllenholic, so I'm as biased as the Academy!
What the screenplay makes clear is how much was left to them and how relatively little they had to go on.

As some of the New York and LA critics have noted, there is immediate sympathy for a strong silent type -- as in the case of Ennis.  They have also noted that this is not true for the case of Jack Twist, who is a more sensitive, emotive male protagonist.  There has been a traditional bias in Hollywood against characters drawn with such sensitivity.  Stupid critics have gone so far as to call Jake's characters androgynous and whimpy.

Such stupidity among these critics does not interest me.  It shows a total lack of knowledge and feeling for the precedents in Literature and Art.  It is an illiterate assessment, unworthy of an intelligent rebuttal.