American Beauty: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Scripts)
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
"I read the screenplay and nearly fell out of bed. I thought I better meet him quick before someone else read it."--Kevin Spacey
Actors and critics alike have praised Alan Ball's first feature film screenplay, which tells the off-kilter story of a midlife crisis suffered by Lester Burnham (played by Spacey). For fans of the film's dialogue--and there will be many--the screenplay allows Ball's words as well as the film's inventive imagery, from flying rose petals to a dancing plastic bag, to be savored.
Unfortunately for those wanting the inside scoop, this text is not the original shooting script but rather the screenplay of the final cut. But the script is so impressive, that's a minor quibble. The accompanying notes from Ball and director Sam Mendes are quite insightful, hinting at a different original ending and revealing Ball's odd inspiration for his idea: the tale of Joey Buttafuoco. Ball's TV background has made him an expert technical writer, and this book would serve as a great template for the fledgling screenwriter. It includes 20 black and white photos and a cast list. --Doug Thomas
Bernard Weinraub, The New York Times, 2 July 1999
Although only a few people have seen the movie, the buzz about it has startled even DreamWorks . . . Mr. Spielberg has told colleagues it's one of the best films he's seen in years. After Ms. Bening saw the film, the actress was so overcome that she is reported to have burst into tears.
American Beauty: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Scripts)
American Beauty: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Scripts),Alan Ball,Sam Mendes,Newmarket Press,155704404X,Film & Video - Screenwriting,Performing Arts,Plays,Pop Arts / Pop Culture
Fun Book:
Recommended Books