[Quick Summary: After ten y.o. Brian saves the Monster Under the Bed, it allows Brian to follow him around as it causes havoc on other kids.]
TWO THOUGHTS:
1) STILL POPULAR. I was surprised at the staying power of this film. Of the 10 copies available through the library, only ONE was available.
2) VOICE. Before they wrote Aladdin (and then Shrek, and Pirates of the Carribean), Rossio and Elliot wrote Little Monsters.
I'm sure the script sold because it's a fun kids' adventure.
However, it also is an example of why they get hired again and again: for their distinctive voice (fun, scary, adventure, action).
To me, voice is the WAY the writer writes.
When I say, "I like his/her voice," I mean that I like the way that writer tells the story. Clear as mud, right?
Let's look at an example below. Notice how the way they build to the scream:
ex. "INT. STEVENSON HOME - ATTIC ROOM - NIGHT
...
In the kitchen, Brian whips up a baloney-mustard-onion sandwich. He glances at the clock, working under a deadline. [fun sneaking around!]
In the family room Brian -- silently -- pushes an armchair up very close to the television screen. He is careful to turn the volume knob all the way down, then pull on the power switch -- cautiously, lest the 'click' of the switch alert someone. The screen comes to life slowly. Brian turns up the sound so it is barely audible -- just in time for the opening of 'Late Night With David Letterman.' [more shenanigans]
He settles back. Unseen by Brian a quick, subtle movement -- just a shadow, really -- heads for the stairs. [scary, action]
Brian takes a bite of the sandwich -- [payoff for building sandwich]
-- and then there is a SCREAM that could wake the dead." [scary, adventure begins]
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: Another way to look at voice: It's the way you write from point A to point B.
No, you're probably not conscious of it. You are likely conscious of getting from A to B. Work on that.
Little Monsters (1989)(1st draft, 12/9/86)
by Terry Rossio and Ted Elliott
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