FrankenScript :: Lee Gabel's Screenwriting Journal/Blog

After a seven year hiatus from directing, Peter Weir is back in fine form directing this harrowing journey to freedom. Although inspired by true events, it’s never quite clear how much is historically accurate. That doesn’t matter too much however. The film is still a brutal experience. The villain here is not the German or [...]

Okay, I’m going to start with something good. The film looks great and though I still don’t like stereoscopic 3D movies, this would have been a good use of it. Now to the bad. Young Jeff Bridges. I didn’t buy the visual effects. It was a good attempt, but the CG face looked strange and [...]

Never thought I’d see the day when film cameras would no longer be made. This move solidifies the move toward a totally digital medium, and one that allows unprecedented access to all filmmakers. Now we have no reason not to go out and make that film. There are many options to choose from, including DSLRs, [...]

Other than with Starblazers when I was a child, I have never been a fan of Japanese animation (anime). I don’t think it was because the visual style, but lack of exposure. I never sought it out. After watching this, my whole view has changed. Spirited Away is one of the most magical and unique [...]

Not 10 minutes into this film, my six year old son identifies Inigo Montoya, played brilliantly by Mandy Patinkin, as a good guy even though what he is doing is bad. “I like that guy,” he said. That is the sign of a great story and well defined characters. Good guys and bad guys and [...]

This sweet and touching film shows us one more time why Johnny Depp is such a good actor. In fact, Johhny Depp just could be the actor who never grows up, and that’s why he’s a perfect fit for this role. The story is based on the life of Sir J. M. Barrie, the author [...]