Little Miss Sunshine

Little Miss Sunshine is one of very few movies that literally left me with my mouth hanging open as I left the theater, exclaiming about how well written and produced it was. Then I attended a screenwritnig lecture by Michael Arndt, and later had the opportunity to attend a screening of the movie where he answered questions. Fascinating guy who really understands his craft. The Shooting Script is a great read, and Michael lets us peak behind the script at sections that were changed in the actual shooting, and several times comments on how wise the directors were when they cut out scenes that are in the script. He also reveals places where ad libs added to the spontaneity of the finished product. The book is fun to read, not just because it's a great script, but because you'll learn about the craft of screenwriting.

I love the movie Little Miss Sunshine, and am an aspiring screenwriter and director, so I decided to buy the screenplay. I watched the movie, read the screenplay, and did both at the same time. The screenplay is slightly different than the movie because scenes got cut and actors changed the lines which is common, so it was a little difficult to follow which did not take away from the experience at all. He wrote notes on the scenes about the changes like why a scene was cut or a line added. The only reason I did not give it four stars is at the end of the screenplay is a list of nine steps on how to write a sundance hit. I took the Robert McKee Story seminar, and some of his suggestions contradicts Michael Arndt's which simply proves that different techniques work for different people. However, being the McKee purist that I am, I'm going to follow his suggestions as opposed to Michael's. Even though I don't necessarily recommend that you follow his steps, it is an interesting look into the process of the success of LMS and how it got from an idea to a screenplay to a film. Which is definitely a plus. All in all, I definitely recommend the screenplay to any fan of the movie even if just to read it. Oh! and the pictures are really cool too.

This is a marvelous script by Michael Arndt. The story is small and it reaches so many. The characters are very well developed. It's just a joy to read such a great script!

This is a delightful script. The shared goal of all the characters provides the reader with a warmth and investment in the characters individual journeys. It's so funny and touching. I also appreciated the scripts editing process that Arndt provides for us at the end of the screenplay. It is a valuable learning tool for those who are interested in writing screenplays.

Entertaining and heartwarming. A nice, sweet movie with many important insights into human values of self-worth, self-esteem, and family solidarity.