MartinHafer "Tales From the Script" is a documentary that probably won't excite the average viewer. However, if you have notions of one day becoming a screenwriter or you like to do film criticism, then it's a must-see picture. It is very simple in style and simply consists of a lot of screenwriters talking to the camera--telling their anecdotes, advice and experiences. Much of it is very interesting--again, at least to screenwriters and critics. The documentary also gave me a lot to think about as well since I spend an awful lot of my time critiquing movies...and often criticizing the quality of the screenplays (this is often the worst part of a film). What I learned is that so little of what you see on screen is what was in the original script. There are many re-writes (often dozens)--and LOTS of changes insisted upon by practically everyone but the gaffers and grips! First, the producers and directors want their say--and since screenwriters are about as low on the food chain as you can get, these folks get a lot of say. Next, when the actors read through the scripts, they also have tons of suggestions--and if they are very famous and have a lot of star power, these changes WILL be made. But that's not all-- you also have committees of studio execs, junior execs and junior junior execs who also want to make changes. One of the interviewees said that in some of her films, only about 20% of what you see in the final picture was her original script!! So, I certainly will be sure to be a bit kinder--perhaps being sure to criticize the final script not the screenwriter.In addition to learning about this process, the film also talks about how tough it is to make a living screen writing, how originality is often frowned upon and, surprisingly, how being famous for a blockbuster or receiving an Oscar does NOT make the writer necessarily that much more marketable. It's all very interesting...and very depressing for young filmmakers. But it's not all depressing--the DVD has tons of extras. Some of these are things that were edited out of the film due to time but some is great material--such as a special extra where they have specific advice for a budding screenwriter. Well worth seeing even if it is NOT especially cinematic or exciting (plus the music really is pretty cheap and awful). For the right audience, this is a brilliantly insightful and satisfying film. And, if you want to see it, it's available through Netflix or Amazon.

Mr-Fusion The real treat of watching "Tales from the Script" was getting to hear from the likes of William Goldman, Frank Darabont, John Carpenter, Shane Black and Guinevere Turner. The surprise came when the lesser-knowns (to me, at least) proved equally as compelling, as they espoused on their struggles, successes, and peculiarities with their chosen craft. The stories coming from these guys were informative, attention-grabbing and thoroughly entertaining. I'm not a screenwriter, don't live in Hollywood, and came to this with the basest casual-fan knowledge, and I have much more respect for what these guys go through in this business at the bottom of the totem pole. It's beyond surreal, and that anyone can make a living out of it is indeed impressive. And that many of them are humble enough to acknowledge the luck of their professional careers is endearing.Fascinating stuff. 8.5/10

Sergeant_Tibbs Tales From The Script is an essential documentary for aspiring screenwriters. It doesn't break down how to write a script or how to tell a story but it goes over what to expect in a career in screen writing and what they value. It's a very basic doc with interviews shot on DV, but it has access to so many top class writers that I didn't think much about the production of the doc itself. It's fascinating to pick up on the common behaviour of a writer based on their attitudes. It's a doc that both confirms my fears and validates what I want out of screen writing in my life. It finishes with a story from the writer of Ghost talking about a flop he made shortly afterwards where he felt it was finally worth it because it saved the relationship between a mother and son. That's what it's all about.8/10

nrfair Thought this was a great movie and by far the most comprehensive thing i've seen on the subject. For us struggling writers out here in LA, it gives us hope, but also shows us that its not that easy and reminds us that it takes a lot of work and a lot of rejection. A great film for any of those out there with an interest in Hollywood, screen writing, the industry, or just people chasing a dream.I really enjoyed the amount of personal accounts from so many of the screenwriters, just documenting how the process literally casts a shadow over the writer and gives them very little credit. I'm sure it will at least be self-distributed, but I am going to guess that this will be picked up soon. What a gem!