- Joined
- May 25, 2010
- Messages
- 122
- Reaction score
- 4
- Location
- Torn Between Two Shores
- Website
- dkmiddle.wordpress.com
I'm deep into a screenplay rewrite. A screenwriting acquaintance has told me repeatedly that I'm putting too much direction, & not enough dialogue into my script. He's right if one looks at Robert Towne's China Town, or Koch and Epstein Brother's Casablanca. I'm all in favor of witty, good dialogue, convinced it can make or break a screenplay. I would even go as far to say that in any rewrite, the majority of the time should be spent in examining, bringing out crisp character lines.
Still, if we are to look at Waldo Salt's work: Serpico, Day of the Locus, Midnight Cowboy—all which go in the opposite direction. Salt delves into considerably more direction. I consider it his forte. My question is this: who are the other noted screenwriters today who write like Salt?
Second Part: I've read a few screenwriting books, glanced at the indexes of others—found that Salt seems either to be loved or hated by those in this industry. Some revere him, but others won't even mention him. What is it? Are these other screenwriting 'pros' jealous or envy what Salt has achieved? These 'pros' will discuss other screenwriter greats, but not Salt. Last time I checked there's an annual Waldo Salt screenwriter award, so I know I'm not alone in my admiration.
I read Midnight Cowboy years ago, picked it for a reread. I now see the depth w/ what he writes. He pushes screenplay conventions, amazed by what he accomplishes. To me he's way above other well recognized screenwriters. The American Masters video on him is excellent, honors him, but are there any detailed articles, good books out there that explore Salt's talents?
Still, if we are to look at Waldo Salt's work: Serpico, Day of the Locus, Midnight Cowboy—all which go in the opposite direction. Salt delves into considerably more direction. I consider it his forte. My question is this: who are the other noted screenwriters today who write like Salt?
Second Part: I've read a few screenwriting books, glanced at the indexes of others—found that Salt seems either to be loved or hated by those in this industry. Some revere him, but others won't even mention him. What is it? Are these other screenwriting 'pros' jealous or envy what Salt has achieved? These 'pros' will discuss other screenwriter greats, but not Salt. Last time I checked there's an annual Waldo Salt screenwriter award, so I know I'm not alone in my admiration.
I read Midnight Cowboy years ago, picked it for a reread. I now see the depth w/ what he writes. He pushes screenplay conventions, amazed by what he accomplishes. To me he's way above other well recognized screenwriters. The American Masters video on him is excellent, honors him, but are there any detailed articles, good books out there that explore Salt's talents?