5. 1917, Krysty Wilson-Cairns & Sam Mendes
Not to be THAT guy, but – what screenplay? There are surely things worthy of praise when it comes to 1917 (and most of them concern the technical, visual side of things) but there is absolutely nothing remarkable about the dialogues or the story itself.
4. Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino
This is the only screenplay I did not get to read (was it even released for the public?) so I can only judge it by the film itself. There are some wonderful moments here (I think I already talked about this being the case with Hollywood – there are amazing things but also quite a few scenes that should simply not be there) but it is just not a strong screenplay as a whole.
3. Knives Out, Rian Johnson
Now, I am happy to say that I love the three remaining nominated screenplays. Knives Out was a public favourite in 2019 and the clever and funny murder mystery is almost as enjoyable on the page as it is on the screen. I just wish this was not the only category the film was nominated for.
2. Parasite, Bong Joon-ho & Jin Won Han
I am torn between my choices for number one spot. Parasite’s screenplay is incredible and I was on the edge of my seat as I was reading it just as I was while watching the film. And the images of the scenes are presented so well I think you could imagine it all even if you have not seen the film yet. Basically, I want Parasite to win everything.
1. Marriage Story, Noah Baumbach
Having said that, I am putting Marriage Story as number one simply because it was my favourite film of last year and it would be hard to not award it everything I can. And Baumbach’s skills in dialogue-writing seem unparalleled. And I can confirm that the lawyer dramas were just as stressful to read as they were to watch.
Swingin' at the Seance 