American Beauty: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Scripts) [Hardcover]

Alan Ball (Author), Sam Mendes (Introduction)

Book Description

Series: Newmarket Shooting Script | Publication Date: April 2000

The shooting script of the acclaimed DreamWorks film starring Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening, directed by Sam Mendes, winner of the 1999 Golden Globe Award for Best Picture. In the widely praised Newmarket Shooting Script(tm) series format, here is the complete shooting script of one of the best films of 1999. Also included in this volume are a fascinating essay about the screenplay and the making of the film by director Sam Mendes, an afterword by screenwriter Alan Ball recalling the genesis of the script, a twelve-page photo section, and the complete cast and crew credits.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"I read the screenplay and nearly fell out of bed. I thought I better meet him quick before someone else read it."--Kevin Spacey

Actors and critics alike have praised Alan Ball's first feature film screenplay, which tells the off-kilter story of a midlife crisis suffered by Lester Burnham (played by Spacey). For fans of the film's dialogue--and there will be many--the screenplay allows Ball's words as well as the film's inventive imagery, from flying rose petals to a dancing plastic bag, to be savored.

Unfortunately for those wanting the inside scoop, this text is not the original shooting script but rather the screenplay of the final cut. But the script is so impressive, that's a minor quibble. The accompanying notes from Ball and director Sam Mendes are quite insightful, hinting at a different original ending and revealing Ball's odd inspiration for his idea: the tale of Joey Buttafuoco. Ball's TV background has made him an expert technical writer, and this book would serve as a great template for the fledgling screenwriter. It includes 20 black and white photos and a cast list. --Doug Thomas --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

Although only a few people have seen the movie, the buzz about it has startled even DreamWorks . . . Mr. Spielberg has told colleagues it's one of the best films he's seen in years. After Ms. Bening saw the film, the actress was so overcome that she is reported to have burst into tears. -- Bernard Weinraub, The New York Times, 2 July 1999 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Newmarket Press; 1 edition (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557044236
• ISBN-13: 978-1557044235
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #616,658 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "American Beauty Proves to Be Beautiful Once Again", March 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: American Beauty: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Scripts) (Hardcover)

After seeing this brilliant film, I picked up a copy of the shooting script. I had hoped it would contain the original ending but it is instead a word for word copy of the lines from the film. Which is not a bad thing. After seeing this movie which won five Academy Awards including Best Screenplay, I could pick up the script and "watch" the movie over and over again in my mind and invision the talented actors appear on screen while I read. Even if you haven't seen the film, the script is an excellent tale of suburbian lifestyle that is delivered with a darkness and humor that is hard to dislike. It is a perfect literary work for anybody because there is at least one character that the reader can totally relate with. Discover the beauty of "American Beauty" which challenges us to "Look Closer."

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A guaranteed Academy Award winner for Best Screenplay, November 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: American Beauty: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Scripts) (Paperback)

A truly remarkable script for a movie that, to my mind, is one of the two or three best movies of the '90s and by far the most life-affirming. The best way to describe "American Beauty" is simply to say that it shows how life is too short to not go after what you want -- but how life is also too short to not appreciate what you already have. And as Kevin Spacey/Lester Burnham says at the end, if you don't understand what I mean by that, you will someday.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular, January 26, 2000

By 

Laura Keeton - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Beauty: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Scripts) (Paperback)

"American Beauty" touched me like no movie has done before. When I first saw it, I was so wanting to break out of my mundane little life. I was so bored. And like Jane and Ricky, I was craving love and affection. The message of the movie is something I have always believed but sometimes forget. Life is beautiful. Be greatful for every moment of it. Open your eyes and look aroung you. There is probably more beauty around than you realized. And if this incredible, spiritual message weren't enough, the movie is hilarious. I mean, who hasn't wanted to quit their job and blackmail their boss? The shooting script is great. It can satisfy me until the movie is available to purchase. Everyone needs to go see this movie. I hope they get it. The scene where Jane and Ricky watch the bag is one of the most sad and beautiful things I have ever seen. I love this movie. I also highly recommend the score.