PDF Summary:Adventures in the Screen Trade, by William Goldman
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Behind every great film lies a complex web of artistic vision, financial pressures, and egos vying for control. In Adventures in the Screen Trade, William Goldman pulls back the curtain on Hollywood's intricate movie-making machine. With keen insight and wit, he dissects the major players—celebrities, executives, producers, and writers—examining their motivations, vulnerabilities, and endless battles for power.
Through fascinating tales drawn from his own storied career, Goldman explores the alchemy that transforms scripts into iconic films. What emerges is a candid portrait of an industry fueled by ambition and commerce, where compromises shape the stories that captivate millions.
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The significance of pace and careful consideration during the scriptwriting phase.
Goldman suggests that writers should strike a balance between swift advancement and careful reflection when composing a script. He advises authors to maintain a swift pace within their compositions after establishing the foundation of their story. This momentum, he believes, translates into a more energized and engaging screenplay. However, he also cautions against rushing prematurely, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation, meticulous research, and a clear understanding of the story's details before starting the actual writing process.
He illustrates this idea using stories from his personal experiences while working on the movie centered around the infamous bandit. He maintains that the true progression of the script spanned eight years, even though the initial draft was completed within a month, a timeframe that encompassed thorough investigation, the story's advancement, and the resolution of the unique storytelling obstacles presented by the subject matter. This meticulous attention to detail provided him with the confidence and understanding necessary to tackle the screenwriting process, ensuring that the final product reflected not only his passion for the story but also his deep understanding of its intricate structure.
The impact of compelling narratives is heavily dependent on their inherent significance.
William Goldman underscores the importance of incorporating subtle messages to craft captivating narratives. The dialogue and actions of the characters imply a deeper significance that goes beyond the overt narrative, often referred to as the implicit or unspoken content. It deepens complexity and enriches the emotional resonance, revealing the true intentions and desires that drive the character's choices.
He demonstrates the way a story's impact can be shaped by the depth of meaning that is suggested rather than explicitly expressed, using illustrations from well-known films. In Raymond Chandler's The Barefoot Contessa, a gentleman's gesture of removing his hat in the presence of a lady subtly indicates trouble in his marriage, hinting at a dissatisfaction that goes deeper than mere politeness. In "The World According to Garp," Robin Williams's character engages in backward running and climbs the stadium stairs, engaging in seemingly innocuous conversation that gradually reveals the growing romantic interest and underlying sexual tension between the characters. These examples demonstrate how subtext allows writers to convey complex emotions and intricate relationships without relying solely on explicit dialogue, adding a layer of nuance and depth to their narratives.
The delicate balance between believable reality and satisfying audience expectations
Goldman acknowledges that the depiction of life in films frequently diverges from real-life experiences. Movies operate within a heightened sense of reality, utilizing coincidences, dramatic twists, heightened emotions, and streamlined narratives to craft experiences that captivate viewers. Viewers readily accept elements of fantasy that go beyond the real world, but screenwriters must carefully navigate this delicate balance to preserve believability within the story's unique setting, while also fulfilling the expectations tied to specific genres and storytelling conventions.
He explores this concept by depicting a bold heist within a film brimming with tension and thrills. While a nuanced and sophisticated plan may appear believable within the conventions of the genre, the story's believability would be undermined if a character serendipitously stumbled upon their goal after a succession of unlikely occurrences, even if it reflected true events like an individual's unexpected encroachment into the private residence of the British monarch. He also recounts the difficulties he encountered while depicting a fresh contingent of soldiers undertaking a hazardous journey across the waterway. The film titled "A Bridge Too Far." He endeavored to depict their deeds, which unquestionably stemmed from courage and historical fact, in a manner that would be credible in a cinematic context. This highlights the ongoing challenge faced by scriptwriters to strike an ideal equilibrium between genuine representation and believability, ensuring that the emotional impact remains strong without being undermined by unrealistic elements or by resorting to narrative expedience.
The role of the screenwriter
Goldman explores the often precarious position of screenwriters in the Hollywood pecking order. The work of these experts often goes unnoticed while the focus and importance are typically placed on the actors, those who helm the production, and the quest for financial gain. He emphasizes the inherent constraints of scriptwriting and advises writers to pursue recognition and artistic satisfaction beyond the frequently dismissive environment of the movie business.
The constraints on artistic freedom in screenwriting are primarily driven by commercial interests.
Goldman contends that the craft of screenwriting frequently encounters limitations stemming from the need to cater to commercial interests. Screenwriters frequently find themselves assigned the job of developing projects that resonate with current trends, fit within recognized genres, and align with the images of well-known actors, which often restricts their ability to delve into unique themes or adopt novel methods. The quest for financial success typically eclipses the importance of true creativity, even though the industry does value well-crafted screenplays, despite the fact that the attraction of celebrity status and potential marketing victories are frequently given priority.
He reflects on the possibility that dedicating oneself solely to screenwriting might stifle an author's imaginative essence, implying that the constant chase for marketable work could impede their capacity to express genuine experiences or explore intricate topics. He laments the need to modify characters to accommodate the particular requirements of well-known actors and production houses, often resulting in the dilution of the work's genuineness and uniqueness. He urges screenwriters to seek creative fulfillment in other areas such as literature, theater, or different writing fields where market pressures are less influential and innovative work is more readily embraced.
The importance of a script's first 15 pages, as well as the impact of its beginning and end, cannot be overstated.
Goldman emphasizes the importance of immediately engaging the audience, noting that the success of a screenplay is often decided by its first fifteen pages. Many screenplays vie for attention, but if they fail to engage key actors and decision-makers at film studios, they are quickly disregarded. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a firm foundation that clearly defines the film's universe, presents intriguing characters, and constructs a captivating narrative, while steering clear of clichéd conventions and predictable narrative devices.
He also underscores the significance of a powerful conclusion, acknowledging that while the start may captivate the audience, it is the concluding scenes that leave a lasting impression and amplify the film's overall effect. He emphasizes the necessity of crafting endings that fulfill the expectations set up during the narrative and provide a satisfying and definitive conclusion.
Often, the craft of writing for the screen is seen as underappreciated, with a desire for recognition that extends beyond the realm of film.
Goldman describes the screenwriting process as undervalued labor, emphasizing that, despite its excellence, it often remains unrecognized or overshadowed by the more visible efforts of actors, directors, and producers. Drawing from his personal journey with William Goldman's efforts on "The Great Waldo Pepper" did not garner acclaim, and a particular negative critique singled him out. The writer argues that screenwriters, despite frequently being undervalued and neglected, ought to seek acknowledgment and fulfillment in their craft, even amidst the generally apathetic atmosphere of the film industry.
He contends that the film industry can be exhausting for individuals, particularly writers who often grapple with feelings of self-worth, the pressures from a market-driven atmosphere, and a gradual decline in acknowledgment for their creative contributions. He advises writers to pursue a range of artistic activities, including writing books, developing theatrical works, or initiating independent ventures, to preserve their creative essence and to discover satisfaction that surpasses the transient pleasure of witnessing their creations in cinemas.
Navigating the complexities of the Los Angeles film industry and its omnipresent commercial aspects presents its own set of challenges.
Goldman expresses discomfort with his work in a city like Los Angeles, where the constant sun and numerous distractions seem at odds with the fundamentally lone act of writing. He also conveys his disappointment that within the realm of cinema, the predominant focus on monetary gain often influences both artistic decisions and the dynamics between individuals.
He acknowledges the challenges and nonetheless recommends that individuals with ambitions of crafting screenplays should make a prompt move to Los Angeles. He argues that the unique environment of the film industry provides exceptional chances to gain understanding, forge relationships, and share a sense of fellowship with peers who are similarly striving to make their mark in Hollywood. He recognizes that the path to success is fraught with challenges, setbacks, and compromises, but the chance to see one's work come to life on the big screen and to work alongside talented individuals makes the journey worthwhile, particularly for those who are talented and tenacious.
The paradoxical situation involving agents.
Goldman acknowledges the significant role that agents play in the movie business, emphasizing the conundrum faced by novice writers: securing an agent is essential for one's material to be reviewed, but it is often challenging to attract an agent without a track record or connections in the field. He explores the pivotal functions of agents, emphasizing their ability to facilitate connections with key players, provide understanding of the movie business, and guide the career paths of screenwriters.
Having an agent is essential as it highlights their significant function in the film industry of Hollywood.
William Goldman emphasizes the crucial role that seasoned agents play in the movie business, observing that studios generally only consider the projects that these agents submit. Agents act as discerning intermediaries, sifting through numerous unsolicited submissions and offering studios confidence that the screenplay merits their consideration and examination. Aspiring writers encounter the significant hurdle of securing an agent to showcase their work to the decision-makers at film production companies.
He also acknowledges the importance of representatives in protecting studios from unintentionally employing unrepresented work, which might lead to legal consequences. Intermediaries, such as agents, facilitate interactions between established authors and production companies, while also providing protection against potential legal issues.
Agents do more than just facilitate transactions; they also serve as gateways to professional networks, sources of valuable insights, and guides for career progression.
The contributions of agents extend beyond merely securing contracts for their clients, a point emphasized by the author William Goldman. Top agents establish exclusive connections that enable studio executives to give priority to their clients' projects and ensure that their communications receive immediate attention. They have access to a wealth of private knowledge encompassing current trends, upcoming projects, and the ever-shifting tastes of entities and prominent figures involved in film production. This knowledge allows them to guide their clients towards projects that align with their talents and maximize their potential for success.
He emphasizes the importance of writers having skilled agents who assist in refining their work, navigating the complexities of the film industry, and directing them toward decisions that enhance their career progression.
To obtain representation, one must engage in networking, conduct thorough research, demonstrate perseverance, and uphold a professional attitude.
Goldman acknowledges that securing representation requires a significant amount of "hustle," urging aspiring writers to be proactive, resourceful, and undeniably persistent. He advises fostering connections with people associated with the film business, thoroughly examining lists of agents to identify those who represent writers they admire, and crafting thoughtful, well-prepared letters that showcase their writing talent and passion for storytelling.
He shares tales of receiving correspondence that ranged from absurd profit-sharing offers for a script valued at $600,000 to compelling appeals, including one from an up-and-coming Australian scriptwriter who detailed his quest for acknowledgment in the craft and sought guidance. He acknowledges the importance of securing representation for individuals determined to carve out a career in screenwriting, despite the challenging probabilities.
The limitations of a representative's sway prevent them from elevating mediocre material to outstanding quality.
The author emphasizes the role of agents for aspiring writers, while also pointing out that their ability to impact success is limited if the screenplay itself lacks quality. Even the most influential and well-connected agents face challenges in securing studio support for their projects unless they present a compelling story, demonstrate market viability, or align with the current objectives of the production company.
Agents possess the skill to link authors with key individuals within the entertainment industry and provide essential insights into the business, but their effectiveness hinges on the quality of the creative output from their clientele. He emphasizes the necessity for budding screenwriters to secure representation, and he also highlights that their eventual triumph hinges on their capacity to craft captivating narratives and enhance their scriptwriting skills.
Other Perspectives
- While screenwriting can be complex, comparing it to a maze might overstate the confusion and difficulty, as many writers find clear processes and structures that guide their work.
- Some might argue that financial rewards can also serve as a legitimate and strong motivation for screenwriters, not necessarily at odds with creative integrity.
- The essentials of storytelling are important, but there's also value in innovation and breaking traditional rules to create fresh narratives.
- Skills like structure, pacing, and motifs are important, but the emphasis on these elements can sometimes overshadow the importance of character development and dialogue.
- The balance between believable reality and audience expectations might not always be necessary; some genres, like fantasy or science fiction, thrive on defying realistic expectations.
- Organizing a script is vital, but there can be multiple successful approaches to script organization, not all of which follow the same structural design principles.
- Pace is important, but some stories benefit from a slower, more reflective pace that allows for deeper character exploration.
- Implicit content adds depth, but explicit dialogue and action can also be powerful and effective when used appropriately.
- The constraints of commercial interests are real, but they can also provide useful boundaries that help focus a writer's creativity.
- The first 15 pages are important, but a strong middle and end can sometimes compensate for a less engaging start.
- Seeking recognition beyond the film industry is valid, but the film industry itself can also offer substantial and satisfying recognition for a screenwriter's work.
- The challenges of the Los Angeles film industry are real, but other cities are also becoming film hubs, offering different opportunities and perhaps fewer commercial pressures.
- Agents are significant, but some screenwriters have successfully navigated the industry without them, using alternative methods like film festivals or direct networking.
- Networking and professionalism are key, but sometimes luck and timing play an equally important role in securing representation or getting a script noticed.
- While agents cannot make mediocre material outstanding, their guidance and industry knowledge can significantly improve a script's chances of success.
The author recounts his personal experiences and interactions as he navigates the world of screenwriting in Hollywood.
Goldman offers an open and frequently amusing narrative of his journey through the film industry's landscape, highlighting the pleasures, challenges, and persistent fascination associated with cinema. He maps out his transition from crafting novels to developing screenplays, emphasizing the expertise he gained, the obstacles he encountered, and his partnerships with extraordinary people throughout the process.
Early Career and Lessons Learned
Goldman attributes his transition from writing novels to crafting screenplays to the significant influence of Cliff Robertson. He shares his experiences with the films Charly and Masquerade, highlighting the valuable lessons he learned about the multifaceted nature of the film business, the detailed demands of crafting a screenplay, and the stark realities of navigating an environment that values not only artistic merit but also financial imperatives, essential compromises, and a constant pursuit of commercial success.
Cliff Robertson began writing for the screen after his experiences with the films "Charly" and "Masquerade."
Cliff Robertson enlisted William Goldman to adapt Daniel Keyes's short story "Flowers for Algernon" into a screenplay, marking the start of Goldman's screenwriting career with the film "Charly." He ventured into unknown realms, wrestling with the complexities involved in creating a screenplay and the challenge of transforming a deeply moving story into a cinematic script, despite his lack of experience in the field of screenwriting.
Goldman collaborated once more with Robertson on the movie Masquerade, tasked with tailoring the script's dialogue to suit the unique traits of the main performers. In his early ventures into the film industry, he honed his skills by improving existing dialogues rather than inventing original narratives, gaining essential insights into the collaborative nature of filmmaking, appreciating the impact of prominent actors, and navigating the challenges of tailoring stories to fit the constraints of a pre-defined production framework.
The book opens by introducing the concept of substitution and provides a glimpse into the inner mechanisms of Hollywood's movie-making business.
Goldman recounts the disheartening story of how he was abruptly dismissed from the film Charly, a project to which he had devoted many months of effort. He learned a harsh truth about the capricious nature of the movie industry and the precarious position of a screenwriter when he was suddenly dismissed without a clear rationale, suggesting that his screenplay fell short of expectations.
During his time in the industry, he acquired deep understanding of the often concealed power struggles, clandestine disputes, and the regular reshuffling of creative staff that largely determine the final form and success of film endeavors in the American movie capital.
Learning about budget constraints and the importance of visual storytelling
His experience with "Masquerade" was pivotal in grasping the importance of conveying a story visually and recognizing how budget constraints can influence this aspect. He recounts an incident involving what was intended to be a minor car collision that took place beyond the view of the onlookers. The visual design lead proposed incorporating the destruction of two Rolls-Royces to enhance the scene's complexity and effect. This incident highlighted the perpetual conflict between the pursuit of creative vision and the financial limitations intrinsic to the film industry.
He gained a more profound insight into how the screenplay is crucial not only in crafting the dialogue but also in influencing the visual storytelling components like camera work, set design, where characters are placed, and the overall aesthetic of the film.
The initial excitement of watching a film being made soon fades into the realization of the routine and ordinary tasks involved.
Goldman shares the thrill of his first time on a movie set while working on Masquerade. He conveys his astonishment regarding the sheer number of technical personnel on set, the powerful brightness of the lighting gear, and the detailed, leisurely pace necessary to set up and capture the simplest of scenes. His initial interest soon turned to tedium when he witnessed the slow and repetitive nature of film production, a stark contrast to the captivating final product he had imagined.
This "boring crash of reality" served as a formative experience, providing him with a more realistic understanding of the hard work, technical challenges, and the often monotonous aspects of filmmaking.
"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" rose to a prominent place in cinematic history.
William Goldman recounts the development of the script that initiated his distinguished journey as a screenwriter in Hollywood. He details the considerable preparation and development required to refine the project, highlighting the importance of pinpointing the main narrative that drives the story, and the crucial decisions taken in collaboration with the director to preserve the genuineness of their characters and resist the pressure from producers to conform to common tropes.
The extended endeavor of identifying the story's central thread.
Goldman describes the challenging eight-year journey he undertook to craft the screenplay for "Butch Cassidy," which required him to delve deeply into historical documents, consider different storylines, and tackle the intricacies of the narrative. He aimed to encapsulate the spirit of these infamous bandits, intertwining their legendary adventures into an engaging narrative that echoed with their distinctive characters and their quest to regain their past prominence in an area that was new to them.
He emphasizes the importance of pinpointing the fundamental tale that drives the action and molds the narrative's complete trajectory. This method frequently necessitates the elimination of beloved sequences or concepts, for instance, the previously referenced meeting involving Wyoming's governor, acknowledging that these elements stray from the central narrative and lessen its overall effect.
The relationship shared by Butch and Sundance is notably distinctive.
Goldman pinpointed the core of "Butch Cassidy" to be the unique relationship between the two lead characters. Their bond, marked by camaraderie, mutual respect, shared candor, and a playful defiance of conventional standards, provided a compelling reason for viewers to engage with these unconventional heroes. He emphasizes that these characters transcended the typical archetype of a Western gunslinger, embodying intricate and contemplative personalities that combined their unlawful escapades with cleverness, charm, and an acceptance of their inevitable fates.
He recognizes the enduring appeal of the comedian, despite his atypical approach to delivering punchlines, likening him to a humorist of similar renown. The flaws of Butch and Sundance enhanced their allure, captivating the audience with qualities that extended beyond mere wit and skill.
The dispute revolved around protecting the interests of the main actor while also respecting the creative perspective of the director.
Goldman highlights the common conflicts that arise between writers, producers, and directors, particularly noting a major dispute that emerged during the production of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." Goldman, alongside director George Roy Hill, stood firmly against the proposed changes, convinced that such alterations would undermine the integrity of their characters.
This challenging expedition emphasized the significance of placing confidence in the director's vision, recognizing that the triumph of a movie depends on a partnership characterized by mutual respect and a shared understanding of the material. Hill's unwavering support for the script, despite resistance from powerful producers, guaranteed that the movie maintained its unique character and avoided common tropes that might have diluted its impact.
The early unfavorable responses to "Butch" were eventually contradicted by its subsequent popularity.
Goldman recounts his early disenchantment when his work on "Butch Cassidy" was met with tepid responses and his subsequent distress when he faced severe criticism, including a particularly scathing review from The New Yorker, an ordeal he refers to as "The Bottom of the Pit." The initial wave of unfavorable responses was soon counterbalanced by the audience's enthusiastic reception, which showcased the movie's lasting appeal. He recalls an individual departing from a screening who eagerly assured the awaiting audience that the movie was certainly deserving of their time, illustrating how word-of-mouth can significantly contribute to a film's success.
The struggle for supremacy within the domain of scriptwriting.
Goldman explores the intricate dynamics and power struggles between screenwriters and directors, highlighting how their creative conflicts and strategic maneuvers can jeopardize the filmmaking process as a whole. The author narrates his experiences during the development of the movie "The Thing of It Is," describing how it underwent numerous transformations, involved various actors and directors, and faced two significant failures, despite receiving interest from prominent individuals in the movie business. He delves into the complex relationships with filmmakers, whose behavior, whether deliberate or accidental, may erode the confidence of screenwriters, creating a tense environment for artistic endeavors.
The creation of "The Thing of It Is" encountered continuous difficulties, resulting in significant exasperation.
Goldman recounts the difficulties he faced when adapting his succinct work, "The Thing of It Is," for the big screen. He narrates two instances where film projects with great potential fell apart despite the involvement of respected filmmakers and a roster of well-known performers, due to clashing personalities, varying creative outlooks, and the unpredictable dynamics of the movie business. William Goldman discusses the difficulties he encountered when Robert Redford, after the success of "Butch Cassidy," withdrew from the project because he was hesitant to portray a character that did not have a significant impact. The author explains that when Elliott Gould was chosen as a replacement, it led to Ulu Grosbard, the initially interested director, leaving for another commitment.
After Mark Rydell withdrew from the project twice, he found it necessary to bring on board a different screenwriter. The capricious nature of film production illustrates how a project that initially seems full of potential can falter due to unforeseen external factors and shifting allegiances among key participants, exemplifying a common trajectory from initial optimism to eventual entanglement in difficulties.
The disheartening sensation of being substituted within a venture to which one has devoted effort.
Goldman explores the moral obligations directors might hold with various projects or collaborators, referencing Ulu Grosbard's sudden departure from the project known as "The Thing of It Is." While he acknowledges the discretion directors have in choosing projects that resonate with them, he also communicates the profound disappointment experienced when one is excluded from a project, particularly when the screenplay originates from the writer's own creation.
This event highlights the capacity of directors to modify a project, potentially overshadowing the original intent of the screenwriter.
Strategies employed to undermine the self-assurance of screenwriters.
Goldman explores how directors manipulate the vulnerabilities of screenwriters, initiating a perpetual cycle of rewrites and creative dissatisfaction that progressively erodes the confidence of these writers. He recounts interactions with several directors, such as Sydney Pollack, who frequently demanded alterations to the screenplay, including sections that had already been settled on, which eroded his sense of accomplishment and resulted in a tense working relationship.
He suggests that the tendency to undervalue writers might not stem from intentional harm, but from a deep-seated underappreciation of scriptwriting as an art form, which consequently undermines their contributions and often treats them as mere tools, thereby sacrificing the writer's artistic integrity.
Navigating a workspace that necessitates handling the complexities of teaming up with directors who may be reluctant, while also adhering to the requirements imposed by the production firms.
Goldman shares insights on the challenges of joint efforts with indecisive directors, using his experiences with Alan Pakula during the production of "All the President's Men" as an example. Despite acknowledging the director's adeptness at guiding the film, he voices his irritation with the endless requests for screenplay alterations, stemming from the director's reluctance to make definitive decisions, often leading to multiple versions of the same scenes without clear guidance or decisive direction.
He also underscores the significant pressure from the requirements of film-making entities while sharing his challenging experiences trying to navigate the complexities of the industry.
Practical Tips
- You can learn about the dynamics of creative industries by volunteering at local film festivals or theater productions. By observing and assisting in various roles, you'll witness firsthand the power struggles, budget constraints, and the importance of maintaining creative integrity that are part of these industries. For example, help out in the production department to see how budget decisions are made or shadow a director to understand the complexities of creative leadership.
- Start a casual film discussion group to explore the significance of character relationships in movies. By analyzing films with strong character bonds, like buddy cop movies or dynamic duos in action films, you and your group can discuss why these relationships resonate with audiences and how they drive the story forward. This can deepen your appreciation for character development and narrative structure without needing any formal training in film studies.
- Create a personal project, such as writing a short story or script, to experience the routine and discipline involved in creative work. Set daily or weekly goals for writing and revising your work to understand the persistence required to refine a central idea, much like the eight-year journey of developing a screenplay. Sharing your drafts with friends or a writing group can simulate the feedback and revision process, giving you a taste of the collaborative nature of creative endeavors.
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