Script Analysis: Deconstructing Screenplay Fundamentals

A comprehensive step-by-step guide to deconstructing screenplay fundamentals, this book will allow readers to understand the elements, functions, and anatomy of a screenplay. Not only will this book enable readers to accomplish a thorough analysis of a screenplay and understand the dramatic elements and their functions, but screenwriters will be able to apply these steps to their own writing.

The book explores theme and premise, provides an in-depth study of character development, and breaks down the dramatic elements needed to construct a solid screenplay. It provides examples of the three-act structure, the hero’s journey, and the sequence method. Furthermore, it explores how the main plot and subplots are used in a storyline and discusses the importance of setting. Finally, it reveals screenwriting techniques and tools used by professional screenwriters, such as dramatic irony, reversal, and setup/payoff. To connect with a broad range of readers, the case studies used in this book are mainly from contemporary films, including Get Out (2017), Lady Bird (2017), The Dark Knight (2008), Toy Story (1995), Parasite (2019), and Whiplash (2014). Readers will understand how professional screenwriters use fundamental elements to construct, shape, develop, and tell a visual story. After reading this book, readers will comprehend the components critical to developing a screenplay.

This book is ideal for students of screenwriting and filmmaking who want to better understand how to comprehensively analyze a screenplay, as well as screenwriters who want to utilize this method to develop their own scripts.

James Bang teaches screenwriting and film production at The New School in New York City. He earned an M.F.A. in Film – Screenwriting and Directing from Columbia University, and he has worked on several film productions. His films have received several awards, including a nomination for the 35th Student Academy Awards®.