The Straight Story: A Screenplay

Perhaps it takes a story like this to remind us of the power of simplicity, or how complex simplicity can be. So much of this story illustrates that dichotomy: simple characters of depth, a simple story line that overs valuable insight, a simple style of writing that speaks volumes. There is much to admire about this screenplay. Here are three:1. It's rare to find a story told in a manner that every detail tells you something more about the character, that every detail advances the story. But in The Straight Story, that's exactly what a reader finds. Every action forms another layer of characterization, and by the time a reader completes the journey, he or she has connected to the people he or she met along the way.2. With the majority of Hollywood flicks centering on scene after scene of action and special effects, it's novel to find a screenplay that moves along at 5 miles per hour. It is a slow trip, but offers quite a view. 3. I'm not in the school of thought that demands a life lesson before I consider a story worthwhile. But when you have an engaging story that manages to teach something but not preach something, it's a valuable find. It's a simple lesson, but corresponding with the theme I mentioned earlier, it's a simple lesson with complexity. Quite simply, this is a beautiful story. I strongly recommend reading and watching.

A simple clear blueprint for a great movie. Anyone interested in writing a screenplay should buy this book. Anyone interested in seeing a solid, classic American movie should see "The Straight Story". Its pretty amazing, every word in this screenplay is up there on the screen. It is heartening that in this age that Sweeney and Roach have dared to approach such a simple true story. David Lynch is to be commended for his taste in selecting this work to film.