I would recommend the script for WARRIOR. Terrific character development, compelling drama throughout, well-written action scenes. It's just a wonderful read, and, by most accounts, turned into a great movie. Link to download: http://www.lionsgateawards.com/script_warrior.pdf

A quick reminder: if you are wondering if a PDF is available of a script you want to suggest, or you're trying to think of a script worth studying, you can always consult the must-read script lists we've complied so far through the genre essentials series: Action Scripts - http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2012/07/genre-essentials-action.html (scroll down) Comedy Scripts - http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2012/07/28095.html (scroll down) Drama Scripts - http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2012/08/genre-essentials-drama.html (scroll down) Family Scripts - http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2012/08/genre-essentials-family-10-family-scripts-you-must-analyze.html Fantasy Scripts - http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2012/08/genre-essentials-fantasy-10-fantasy-scripts-you-must-analyze.html Horror Scripts - http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2012/08/genre-essentials-horror-10-horror-scripts-you-must-analyze.html Sci Fi Scripts - http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2012/08/genre-essentials-science-fiction-10-science-fiction-movies-you-must-analyze.html Thriller Scripts - http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2012/09/genre-essentials-thriller-10-thriller-scripts-you-must-analyze.html

I suggest "HANNA" by Seth Lochhead. John A

What about a Black List script like BUTTER?

Shaula, Staying with strong female Protagonists, how about either: * Annie Hall, or * Ruby Sparks? Both would be a genre switch from "Raider's" Action-Adventure story w/ hero-guys. * Black Swan would also work. * Or, to honor the memory of screenwriter Nora Ephron, we could study When Harry Met Sally. * Maybe Sandra Bullock's The Blind Side? A lot of people liked that one. * How about an excellent "road movie" classic (w/ a twist): Thelma & Louise? Let's go with a strong female Protag! John A

"Black Swan" gets my vote! *** Academy Award winner. *** #162 on IMDB.com's Top 250. *** $329 million on $13 million budget. *** AWESOME movie.

Michael Clayton

I've been studying the first toy story script today and would suggest this one for the series. It's defiantly a brilliantly written script, and by all accounts it contains so many techniques that aspiring screenwriters can learn a lot from. Therefore I think it could lead to loads of great discussions!

Some interesting suggestions. We've already done Michael Clayton. Warrior, Hanna, Butter, Ruby Sparks, all worthy suggestions, but truth be told I have struggled getting people to commit to participating, so we have to target really popular movies or super notable scripts. With that in mind, both Black Swan and Toy Story are strong suggestions. So at this point, I'm inclined to do Black Swan for October [also appropriate per Halloween because it is a sort of horror movie], then Toy Story for November as we HAVE to do a Pixar script at some point.

If Raiders of the Lost Ark doesn't get people participating (and it didn't), you've got to wonder if there's any point. Personally I think there is, and hope to see an upswing of comments and analysis.

Vic, I receive enough backchannel feedback [via email] to know that there are a substantial amount of people who read the scripts, but don't post about them. Variety of reasons, mostly because of time issues and preferring to stay on the sidelines. I am predisposed to keep doing the series simply as a reminder to people how IMPORTANT it is to read scripts. I am considering an additional form of motivation: For every reader who posts something every day of the week, actual considered comments, not just tripe, they will become eligible for a free story treatment consultation with me. I found this site which creates a random selection system online, so it takes the onus off me about who gets picked. I am willing to do this in order to motivate people to read scripts. Thoughts?

here's the black swan script: http://www.raindance.org/site/picture/upload/Black%20Swan%20%282010%29.pdf On way you could possibly increase participation (which you've probably considered) is also have the the movie available on netflix instant. Having 3 requirements (popular, available on PDF, and on Netflix) might be pretty limiting, but just glancing at Netflix I see there'd be some pretty decent options (Mean Girls, Good Will Hunting, Babel, Office Space, etc.)

Good thinking about Netflix, dw. You could also look at what's available on Mubi.com, which has as a smaller catalogue but a more global reach.

What about Scream by Kevin Williamson? Popular indeed, available on pdf, currently not on Netflix though :( but pretty sure it can be rented. A film that reinvigorated the horror genre and in perfect time for Halloween :-) Would be sweet if could get Kevin Williamson on board as he is an active Twitter user.

It will be near Halloween, so it's the perfect time for horror. I'm going to suggest The Exorcist, but am fine with soemthing more current. I see The Black Swan was nominated and would love to do that in November if you go horror this month.

Cool idea. Nothing wrong with adding a little incentive. Reading scripts is vital, analyzing them likewise, so I'm sure business will pick up. Throw in one extra vote for Toy Story as opposed to Black Swan. Or, better still, a horror script of some distinction. It would be a shame not to do a horror really given the time of year, assuming there are some options available freely online.