The Bucket List

Question

This screenplay finally bubbled to the top of my reading todo list. Seems like it blatantly violates two rules that I'm told I dare not. First, there is a lot of talking heads exposition in the hospital room, and second, the thing is big budget, moving all over the world, sometimes for only a single scene. Even includes an appearance on Jeopardy which means paying Alex Trebek whatever he charges.

I'm told that if a reader sees "Hong Kong" on one page and "Taj Mahal" on the other that's called auto-reject.
Maybe this is all subjective and I don't know what I'm talking about and maybe the story transcends the nonos, but to me it was not a spectacular "high concept" story.
But if this was my script and I was also hired to do the rewrites, would I be asked to do something about the talking heads, or would the actors wing it?
Would the exotic lotation thing change? Or would they actually go to Hong Kong and The Great Wall Of China and the Taj Mahal for an all expense paid vacation? (I'm assuming they'd Californiaize the Everest Peak scenes, or CGI them.)

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]I'm told that if a reader sees "Hong Kong" on one page and "Taj Mahal" on the other that's called ... the Taj Mahal for an all expense paid vacation? (I'm assuming they'd Californiaize the Everest Peak scenes, or CGI them.)[/nq]
None of that matters as long as Nicholsan gets lobotomized at the end. Not his character, Nicholson himself.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]This screenplay finally bubbled to the top of my reading todo list. Seems like it blatantly violates two rules that ... the Taj Mahal for an all expense paid vacation? (I'm assuming they'd Californiaize the Everest Peak scenes, or CGI them.)[/nq]
All "rules" are relative and apply differently to everyone. Justin Zackham abides by the "rules" that apply to him. You should abide by the "rules" that apply to you.
As far as scenery-chewing dialogue, actors love it when it's good. "Good" is almost always accepted in all cases and forms. "Great" is always accepted. "Good" or "great" trumps everything. That is the only real rule.
The only question is whether you have enough objectivity to accurately gauge your story. Why should someone go see your story as opposed to just renting the best movie that you can remember that is the same type as your story?
The Bucket List isn't "high concept?"
The Bucket List - Two dying guys embark on a journey to complete a list of things to do before they die.
I don't know what you mean by "spectacular." I usually equate that with "spectacle." It's the last thing that Aristotle thought attention should be paid when considering tragedies. I think even those who disagree with what Aristotle thought should be first would agree "spectacle" is last.

Usenet · Answer

It's the bus ride. A movie about reflection, which is what people do some times on bus rides.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]This screenplay finally bubbled to the top of my reading todo list. Seems like it blatantly violates two rules that ... the Taj Mahal for an all expense paid vacation? (I'm assuming they'd Californiaize the Everest Peak scenes, or CGI them.)[/nq]
With ALL of its problems it attached Rob Reiner, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson and sold for around $700,000.00.
Think of what it could have done if it was any good.

Paulo Joe Jingy

Usenet · Answer

@reader2.panix.com:
[nq:1]This screenplay finally bubbled to the top of my reading todo list. Seems like it blatantly violates two rules that ... sometimes for only a single scene. Even includes an appearance on Jeopardy which means paying Alex Trebek whatever he charges.[/nq]
I agree, that there was a bit of "talking head exposition" at the hospital, but by then I was drawn into the story and figured that could be fixed. As for the "big budget" aspect, it seems that most of that was taking place in sets *by* near the exotic locations. I doubt that the cast would have to go to most of the sites. Just an establishing shot and then to the hotel lobby (or wherever). Besides all that can be changed also. The point was they were filling out their "bucket list" and discovering what was important in life.
[nq:1]I'm told that if a reader sees "Hong Kong" on one page and "Taj Mahal" on the other that's called auto-reject.[/nq]
I think that depends. I'm guessing if you have established stars attached to the script the rules change a bit.
[nq:1]Maybe this is all subjective and I don't know what I'm talking about and maybe the story transcends the nonos, but to me it was not a spectacular "high concept" story.[/nq]
I may not know what "high concept" means, but I think that if a single idea can "show" you the movie, it's high concept. This script definitely fits that description.
[nq:1]But if this was my script and I was also hired to do the rewrites, would I be asked to do something about the talking heads, or would the actors wing it?[/nq]
I'm guessing there will be rewrites, there probably already have been rewrites (since this movie is scheduled to start shooting in October).
[nq:1]Would the exotic lotation thing change? Or would they actually go to Hong Kong and The Great Wall Of China and the Taj Mahal for an all expense paid vacation? (I'm assuming they'd Californiaize the Everest Peak scenes, or CGI them.)[/nq]
It would be my guess that most of the exotic scenes will be sets, or filmed on locations other than the ones listed.
And, BTW, I doubt the Trabek's charge for a cameo would be that prohibitive.

RonB
"There's a story there...somewhere"

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Would the exotic lotation thing change? Or would they actually go to Hong Kong and The Great Wall Of China and the Taj Mahal for an all expense paid vacation? (I'm assuming they'd Californiaize the Everest Peak scenes, or CGI them.)[/nq]
My advise is to re-write the whole thing so that the entire story takes place on a submarine. That worked for Joe Gillis.

~~
"These are the times that try men's souls." Tom Paine

Marc

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I read this script felt like I was reading a really bad version of ABOUT SCHMIDT meets SHARKTANK REDEMPTION ... anyone? Skipper you seem in the inner circle. Could I get a copy of the studio memo they sent out?[/nq]
Proof? In Hollywood?
Why the *** would anyone give a **** about PROVING anything to some anyonmous person on a newsgroup?
The self-centered arrogance of newsgroup posters never ceases to amaze me.
It was mentioned in the trades a week or two after it was shared with people here. Maybe you should read them, if you have any idea what they are.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]Why the *** would anyone give a **** about PROVING ... self-centered arrogance of newsgroup posters never ceases to amaze me.[/nq]
[nq:1]OMG. I don't believe it. I agree with you, Skip.[/nq]
Welcome to the dark side, baby! I owe you a beer.

The Bucket List

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