Adapted Screenplays?- Page 2

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/24/06 at 2:40pm

But then you are assuming that the voters are familiar with the source, Best.

[DBillyP]

Posted: 1/24/06 at 3:15pm

I was going to make the same point Sueleen.

I think knowing the source material is important if you are going to judge something as an ADAPTED screenplay, but a screenplay can be judged on its merits as a screenplay alone.

Using Brokeback as an example: On its own, it is an excellent screenplay, with a wonderful story, naturalistic dialogue, etc. For me, knowing the source material sends it to an even higher level as a screenplay because the adaptation is so good. The screenplay quite nearly perfectly captures the short story in vivid detail.

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 1/24/06 at 3:20pm

see i disagree with the need to know the source material. i think the distinction is merely that there is source material from which the screenplay was adapted as opposed to one that was developed from an original idea.

[Plum]

Posted: 1/24/06 at 3:22pm

I guess I don't see the point of separating adapted from non-adapted if you're not going to judge on adaptation quality as well as overall quality (whatever that means.)

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 1/24/06 at 3:36pm

i see it as separating those who are creating something entirely new from those who are using someone else's work as a jumping off point from which to build their own piece. both should be judged on their merits as screenplays, but by separating them, it allows some recognition for the person who created the characters and ideas which a screenwriter has then molded into his or her own piece in an adaptation.

[Plum]

Posted: 1/24/06 at 3:41pm

I guess. But that sounds more like a Golden Globes philosophy (separating comedies and dramas) than an Oscars one. And I have a hard time loving a screenwriter with no respect for the source material. Like I said, at that point you're just taking names and places and using them as your own. Where's the art in that?
Updated On: 1/24/06 at 03:41 PM

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/24/06 at 3:48pm

I'm NOT assuming most voters are familiar with the source. I think you need to re-read my post, actually... They usually don't care, as I already said.

I personally think degree of difficulty plays into MY choices somewhat, but never takes a front seat to the impact of the final script.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/24/06 at 4:18pm

Oh, sorry. I did misread your post. I agree though that if I were voting I would want to be familiar with the source...but I don't think it should be required.