FrankenScript :: Lee Gabel's Screenwriting Journal/Blog

Why do most Canadian films suck? It’s sad, because the subject matter could have created such a compelling film. Compare this to “Zodiac”, a similar and intense film. As it stands, this is a mediocre film, with poor performances and incessant music throughout. Music is supposed to accentuate. It only gets interesting at the end [...]

Uniformly good performances throughout, however the film is largely chaotic with lengthy battle scenes Ridley Scott has become known for. The high shutter speed “staccato” effect can be distracting. It is true that if you have seen Scott’s Gladiator, you will recognize a lot of similarities in terms of story, style and musical score. However, [...]

While this is an extremely fun and funny movie, it’s all the more hilarious if you’re married with children. Although the story is a little unoriginal, I laughed consistently throughout, and it’s the smart dialogue and chemistry between Tina Fey and Steve Carell that really make this film shine. There’s good supporting performances from Mark [...]

This unique documentary will grab you from the very first scene. It’s unique in that the entire documentary is animated. Honestly, that is the only way this documentary could be made. The arresting and often hauntingly sad visuals contrast with the fluid and beautifully captured animation. You can’t help but watch and learn about the [...]

Specifically the “Bechdel Test for Women in Movies”. It boils down to three simple questions: Does your script have at least 2 women in it? Do they talk to each other? Do they talk to each other about things other than men? My script “Vermin” passes this test with flying colours. And it’s a damn [...]

From Go Into The Story: Here is a set of questions I think are important for a writer to grapple with and eventually answer during the prep-writing phase: Characters Who is the Protagonist? What do they want (conscious goal / external world)? What do they need (unconscious goal / internal world)? Who is keeping them [...]