Screenplay Analysis: American Beauty
In order to expand our knowledge of screenplays and understand how to write them for our own film, we read and analysed the start of the screenplay of ‘American Beauty’, which won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay, among other categories, in 2000.
By studying the ‘American Beauty’ screenplay, I have learned about the structure of a typical screenplay. For example, the setting is written as either INT or EXT to show whether the scene is taking place in the interior or exterior. Then there is the name of the place (e.g. BURNHAM HOUSE – JANE’S BEDROOM), followed by the time of the scene. Also, the screenplay includes short character descriptions and directions such as body language and tone, as well props and other mise-en-scene.
This understanding of screenplays will help me to write our own, which will support and structure the film.
Our Screenplay
By writing a screenplay, it means we can plan the settings, characters and dialogue. However, we only used our screenplay as a rough guide and the actors improvised their lines to give a more realistic feeling.
Open with two shot of Scott kissing Jennifer, diegetic sound is muted.
Jennifer walks through the school, unaware of her surroundings. Scott walks in from the opposite direction and they bump into each other, making her drop her books on the floor.
Rosie gestures to a male pupil who walks into the frame. He is carrying a handbag and acting very feminine.
Open with two shot of Scott kissing Jennifer, diegetic sound is muted.
INT. SCHOOL – ENTRANCE - MORNING
'Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll' by The Killers plays as background music. Over the shoulder shot of Jennifer walking into school building, doors open in front of her. Jennifer approaches reception desk.
JENNIFER (V.O.) This is how is starts; on the first day at my new school. I've done it so many times before, so you'd think I wouldn't be nervous. But I am.
Mr Adams walks up to Jennifer and dumps a pile of books and a locker key in her arms.
MR ADAMS Welcome to Landau. Your locker number is 187A. Here’s everything you’ll need. Have fun!
Mr Adams exits abruptly, leaving a confused Jennifer standing in the entrance of the school.
JENNIFER (to herself, sarcastically) Great.
Jennifer looks around and the other pupils, all dressed in preppy uniform, stare at her.
JENNIFER (awkwardly) Oh urm aha
Scott bends down and picks up Jennifer's things, handing them back to her.
SCOTT You're new, right? I'm Scott.
JENNIFER Yeah, I'm Jennifer, but my friends call me Jenny.
SCOTT I'll see you around then, Jenny.
He walks away, remaining cool and relaxed. Jennifer watches him leave, blushing.
INT. SCHOOL – BY LOCKERS – MOMENTS LATER
Jennifer finds her locker after some confusion. She opens it and puts some of her books in, then closes it to see a girl (Rosie) leaning against the lockers.
ROSIE (loudly) Oh my God, are you the new girl?!
JENNIFER (nervous) Yes...
ROSIE What's your name?
JENNIFER Jennifer, but my friends call me Jenny
ROSIE Nice to meet you, Jenny. I'm Rosie, and this is Tyrone.
TYRONE Hey girl! I like your shoes! Where are they from - JD? Nike? Adidas? I get all mine shipped from online!
INT. SCHOOL – IN STAIRWELL – A FEW DAYS LATER
Jennifer and Rosie are walking down the stairs, while Scott walks up. Jennifer and Scott meet in the middle.
JENNIFER Oh, hi.
SCOTT Hey. how are you doing?
JENNIFER I'm good, thanks.
SCOTT So, I was wondering, what are you doing this weekend?
SCOTT Hey. how are you doing?
JENNIFER I'm good, thanks.
SCOTT So, I was wondering, what are you doing this weekend?
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