Yes, this is a Marvel movie.
No, it's not a typical canned "superhero" movie, but actually more of a Western.
Yes, it is Oscar worthy for its level of difficulty and finesse.
No, you should not skip this script even if you don't like Westerns or superhero films.
Why? It does an excellent job of clearly showing what is at stake.
(Another way to look at "stakes":
In order to enjoy a movie [vs. a book], you need to be invested pretty quickly....What do I need to know to care enough to go on this ride? ("Logan & Scott Frank"))In the scene below, Logan has just illegally bought pills.
Notice:
1) how the writer shows rising tension by using hope-fear-hope-fear; and
2) how the writer reveals WHY Logan is afraid (it's not for himself).
ex. "INT. LOGAN'S LIMO -- OUTSIDE HOSPITAL -- MOMENTS LATER
Logan, now carrying the bag, hurries through the rain to his Limo. [Hope! He got the pills.] He climbs inside starts it up but is startled by the back door opening and closing. Logan spins to face -- [Fear]
A SMILING MAN in the back of his stretch. This is Donald Pierce, 35. A southern boy, smooth and playful.
PIERCE: As I live and breath. The Wolverine. And he's a junkie now. [Fear]
LOGAN: Who the fuck are you?
PIERCE: Y'know, you got some buckshot in your door....
LOGAN: Get out. Now.
PIERCE: Has she found you yet? ...Gabriela? (off Logan's blank look) See, I'm not looking for you, mutey. Not really. I'm looking for someone who's looking for you. She took something of mine. Something for which I am responsible. When I wasn't looking. Mexican lady. Long hair, long legs, Long gone. Has her sights on you. (off Logan's glare) No bells? [Hope. This is not about Logan or anyone he knows.]
LOGAN: I don't know any Gabriela. So get the fuck out.
Pierce just smiles, unfazed, then shifts his gaze to Logan's bag of pills. Peering in, quasi-conspiratorial:
PIERCE: I know what you're hiding, amigo. Cue ball south of the border? [Fear. Pierce knows where Logan's hideout is and who is there. This is why Logan has been working so hard.]
Logan tenses, says nothing.
LOGAN: What do you want?
PIERCE: A little...cooperation.
Flicks a business card.
PIERCE (cont'd): If she does find you."
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: When showing what is at stake, be sure to layer in some hope-fear-hope-fear, so that the audience will understand its importance to the character (especially when the audience may/may not agree).
Logan (2017)
by Scott Frank & James Mangold, and Michael Green
Story by James Mangold
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