I love the big franchises, comic book adaptations, sequels and remakes. Sometimes, going back to a world you adore is a great way to spend a couple hours in a theater.
However, I still love the beauty of discovering something entirely new. Original movies always have a way of reminding us why we love movies in the first place. It's a different experience when you are getting to know new characters and worlds. So, even though I'm addicted to my beloved franchises, I think my allegiance lies in the unknown. In what I've never seen before.
This is why I love the Best Original Screenplay Oscar. It's probably every screenwriters favorite category. This year's race is a tough one to predict as each of the 5 nominees successfully created something new, exciting and wonderful. It's down to 5 remarkable films that had a huge impact on the audiences they entertained in 2010.
5 amazing screenplays.
5 amazing films.
Originality at it's finest.
Written by Mike Leigh
This film is a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. It's incredibly difficult to create a film with so many wonderfully honest and endearing characters and that's why Another Year is a phenomenal achievement. The comedy/drama has been the talk of many critics as well as fans of Mike Leigh's work. It's a well deserved nomination but that's probably as far as it will go.
Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson. Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
Movies based on true events are just as difficult to capture on the page. You have a completely different set of challenges to overcome. What makes The Fighter so great is how well the screenwriters told the story of Mickey Ward's struggle to gain boxing glory. The Fighter is a fantastic film with incredible performances fueled by a truly amazing screenplay.
Written by Christopher Nolan
If you base this award purely on originality then Inception has to be the favorite. A film this complicated must have been difficult to craft into a workable script. Yet Christopher Nolan presents this mind blowing world with such a precise and seemingly effortless style of storytelling. Each scene building on the one before it until you are completely wrapped up in a story full of action and beautiful effects. Beyond that, Nolan created a film that makes you think and sticks with you long after the credits roll.
Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
The Kids Are All Right is another example of how to write incredibly complex and honest characters. The Kids Are All Right takes you deep into a family dealing with very real issues when the 2 children set out to find their donor father. The results of that search have a huge impact on their mothers who must deal with more than just the new man in their lives. They face a true test of their relationship, their family and their lives.
Screenplay by David Seidler
I think The King's Speech does something wonderfully unique in how it presents not only the fascinating King but of the world at a time of war. It's a powerful backdrop for a touching and funny story about courage, dedication and finding the strength to overcome difficult challenges in order to do the right thing and become a leader. The inspirational tale wasn't easy to relate to at first but it stuck with me in the end. That's what a good original script should do. It should show you a world you've never seen and allow you the chance to truly live it and feel it. The King's Speech definitely succeeds to accomplish those goals.
The Frontrunner: The King's Speech
The Dark Horse: The Kids Are All Right
The Long Shot: Another Year
The Nerd's Pick: Inception
When it comes to predicting who will win, it's difficult to take your own personal tastes out of the equation. I hope Christopher Nolan wins for his brilliant work on Inception but I don't think it will happen. That won't stop me from cheering for the film but I think it will come down to The King's Speech and The Kids Are All Right with the King coming out on top.
