The Bark Bites Back at 2012-03-12 18:52:12:

I threw Tootsie out there on the other thread for dialogue and theme stated. I think it would be a great script to analyze - especially the the concept of reflections of Michael in each of the other male characters. There's a copy of it available at http://www.mypdfscripts.com/tootsie/

Trevor Hogg at 2012-03-12 21:33:56:

Personally, I would suggest L.A. Confidential which is many ways should be consider an original screenplay considering it turned a sprawling novel into a tightly and intricately woven crime noir tale.

Def Earz at 2012-03-12 23:48:40:

Thirding TOOTSIE, a great movie/screenplay that I've never taken the time to read or study.

Scott at 2012-03-12 23:58:36:

All three great suggestions. Tootsie is a good call, one of those miracle scripts where everybody and their cousin was involved in the writing, and yet it turned out splendidly. Plus it's a comedy which would be a nice change of pace. L.A. Confidential is an interesting idea. Period piece. Cop drama. Tony Gilroy? There are the Bourne movies. Michael Clayton. Any others?

Teddy Pasternak at 2012-03-13 00:27:54:

I dig Tony Gilroy's writing style. This is from Duplicity: RAY -- suddenly -- shit, A PEN -- his pen -- he's dropped it -- there it is clattering across the pavement -- PASSERSBY swarming past as he stops -- kneels -- scrambling to pick the damn thing up and -- TURTLENECK -- caught tailgating -- off guard -- forced to pass - - fumbling to stay incognito and -- Really active action writing. The movie was okay, and the script was lots of fun.

Nate Winslow at 2012-03-13 01:37:48:

@Scott: Devil's Advocate, State of Play, Armageddon. I'd vote for Michael Clayton out of his scripts. In my top 10 or 15. Face-melting talent in every page. http://www.mypdfscripts.com/michael-clayton/ Could be interesting to do one of the nominees from the most recent Oscars, too. Dragon Tattoo? Moneyball?

Sean Z P Harris at 2012-03-13 03:00:50:

In the recent roundtable, Scott Frazier suggested reading Michael Clayton as studying that alone was worth worth more than reading 10 screenwriting books. So, my vote goes with Michael Clayton.

Animationy at 2012-03-13 04:48:00:

Michael Clayton sounds good to me. Loved the movie and I've not read any of Tony Gilroy's work. Yes terrible, I know...

Debbie Moon at 2012-03-13 05:25:05:

Tootsie would be interesting, but I'm going for Gilroy, which probably means Michael Clayton... Here's a thought for some future session. We read a script adapted from a novel - and we also read the novel, and look at exactly what decisions were made and why. A bigger time commitment, I know, but maybe worth doing once?

Gabe at 2012-03-13 14:03:08:

I'm with Debbie on this - would love to study the adaptation process. Zaillian's Girl with Dragon Tattoo could be an interesting case. If we choose not to read the novel we could always compare the Zaillian/Fincher version to the Swedish original. Clayton also gets my vote - what a script!

Annika Wood at 2012-03-13 16:11:00:

Michael Clayton came to mind, as a shout-out to Frazier's shout-out. Also one of the best scripts I've ever read. I do have another suggestion... for the month of Sept. or Oct.. Reservoir Dogs. (Oct 13 will be the 20th anniversary of the release of the movie.)