Author: Writer guy

If six was seven

Writer guy

Number seven of the Eight returned the manuscript late, last night. They did not finish. On the surface, this might appear a bad thing; it’s not, because they redeemed themselves. You see, number seven lent the manuscript to a police officer who read the manuscript in twenty-four hours, liked it, and wants to read the next draft. Also, he is offering help as a technical advisor. Can’t complain about that.

This unexpected development boosts the completion rate to seven out of eight readers, although the group is not quite as I planned.

Very close to the finish line with the Eight’s comments. Just three points out of a list of eighty-two are open, and I’m not one hundred percent sold on the few remainders, as they came from lone voices. No other reader seconded the observation, which suggests its a matter of personal taste.

The goal: March 17th – complete the line edits, grammar concerns. On March 20th – hand off to Team Eagle Eye.

Question

Writer guy

If an author wrote a story, polished it to the best of their abilities, and then burned the manuscript, never showing anyone the finished product is that insanity or Zen?

In my thinking the act mixes both. I can see the Zen of it; writing done solely for the sake of writing. No expectations, and no compromises. The process is truly its own reward.

On the other hand, destroying something one slaved over without sharing seems a bit controlling to me, but I could be wrong.

Twofer

Writer guy

Oscar madness is in the air. Luckily, I never watch awards shows, unless I feel like yakking in the litter box. But I did see two movies nominated in the best film category: Brokeback Mountain and Capote. In the spirit of the Academy Awards, here’s a movie review doubleshot.

Brokeback Mountain
Based on Annie Proulx’s story, this drama captures twenty years of two men’s sad and very confused lives. First thought: their sexuality made them neither confused nor sad; it was the fact they lived near Riverton, Texas in the 60’s and drank so damn much Wild Turkey. Honestly, pairing a sex addicted alcoholic, who craves committment but can’t possibly with a tight-lipped good old boy, who fears committment but is relatively monogamous, could only lead to disaster. Thank you. Come again.

NOTE: To the ninety-year-old couple who left during the pup-tent love scene, that was as rough as the love got. Next time, give it a few more minutes before running for the hills.

Pluses:
1) Good performances. Good casting.
2) Excellent dialog. Probably the largest concentration of great one-liners of any theatrical release this year.
3) Magnificient cinematography. How tight were the visuals? I wanted to hop the next train to Wyoming.

Verdict: DVD rental is fine. Matinee if you must see it now.

Capote
Truman Capote is the sort of guy I would have ejected from a dinner party after he drank all my gin. A brilliant, possibly genius writer? Absolutely. Insipid pain in the ass to be around? I say, “Yes, sir!”

Phillip Hoffman gave a great performance. He was Capote. As such, if I ever meet Mr. Hoffman, I’m kicking him to the curb for drinking all my gin. True words, his performance was so good, it compensated for the lack of a plot, story, or theme.

A sample page from the screenplay.

Scene 1: INT – APARTMENT – DAY
Capote sits at typewriter, bottle in hand. Empty gin bottles surround the desk. Pages litter the floor. He rips a page from the typewriter, tearing it to shreds.

Capote: This is ruining me.

Scene 2: INT – APARTMENT – NIGHT
More pages, more empty bottles. Same Capote at the desk with the typewriter.

Capote: Oh, oh, oh. I’m ruined.

Inspiration strikes. He types a few sentences, and reads his words in a low voice.

Capote: I’m a genius. Time for a drink.

Verdict: DVD purchase for the performance. Punch Mr. Hoffman only if you must.

Nice

Writer guy

The executive producer of my favorite TV show spoke on campus last night, as part of the curriculum. Besides screening dailies, he left the actual shooting script for a yet to air episode – and two earlier drafts. I’m studying the shooting script closely.

What he said about the movie and television was interesting. In movies, writers are a notch above the janitor; directors wield the control. No surprise there, based on the movies Hollywood belches out each season. Television writers on the other hand, have a huge influence on the show, and not just the story. They can be executive producers and guide the entire operation. In his case, he is also the show’s creative consultant ( plus creator ). During the season, he works until 2AM fine-tuning scripts a team of writers draft. From raw idea, to shooting script can take the team of 5 writers upwards of a month.

He was very gracious and answered tons of questions. And because the Wife and I arrived early, we both had a chance to thank him for the show and shake his hand.

I’m sending him an email later today thanking him for his time.

These are the days I love my job.

UPDATED on Saturday: Then again, there’s always the chance of a gremlin.