Thursday, September 15, 2011

TODAY'S NUGGET: #63 WGA Script of All Time - Jaws (1975)

[Quick Summary: A police chief, scientist & grizzled fisherman battle to protect a summer resort town that is terrorized by a gigantic white shark.]

Should you ever need to write a blood spatter scene, take note of this excellent one:

"ANGLE - GROUP OF KIDS ON RUBBER RAFTS

They begin a water fight, slapping at the ocean with karate-type blows, sending little explosions of water at each other.... [Ah, a nice innocent set-up.]

MATHEW

He hits the water, which sprays all over another youngster.

CLOSE - MATHEW

His face dripping with red rivulets. [Hooray! Tension increases without announcing 'tension increases here.']

CLOSE - P.J.

Looks down at his hand. The water surrounding all the boys is slick with blood." [More tension. How will this resolve? Must read on.]

WHAT I'VE LEARNED: Blood in motion should stay in motion.

Jaws (1975)
by Peter Benchley

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