Awards Season Screenplay Excerpts

For the movies Jackie, Manchester by the Sea, Sully, and Arrival.

The New York Times gets bonus points for putting the spotlight on screenwriters in this post. Here is an excerpt:

Jackie

Written by Noah Oppenheim

President John F. Kennedy has been assassinated, and his widow, Jackie (played by Natalie Portman), is negotiating funeral details at the office of Jack Valenti (Max Casella), a top aide in the new Johnson administration. She wants the coffin and visiting heads of state to be part of a procession through the streets of Washington. Mr. Valenti does not.

VALENTI We’ve intercepted a threat against General de Gaulle. From our assets in Geneva. (Beat.) I’m afraid if he refuses to march, others may follow.

Jackie considers this. Seeming to waver —

JACKIE (sympathetic) I understand.

Valenti thinks he’s won.

VALENTI As I said, Mrs. Kennedy, I wish there were more we could do to accommodate your wishes. (Beat.) I’m terribly sorry.

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Jackie seems to accept this.

JACKIE Don’t be. You and the Johnsons have already done so much.

VALENTI Good day, Mrs. Kennedy.

Jackie turns to go, then stops in the doorway.

JACKIE Mr. Valenti. Would you mind getting a message to all the funeral guests when they land?

Not sure where this is going —

VALENTI Of course.

JACKIE Inform them that I will walk with Jack tomorrow. (Beat.) Alone if necessary. (Beat.) And tell General de Gaulle — if he wishes to ride in an armored car — or in a tank, for that matter — I won’t blame him. (Beat.) And I’m sure the tens of millions of people watching won’t either.

She turns to leave.

VALENTI Why are you doing this, Mrs. Kennedy?

JACKIE Oh, I’m just doing my job.

With that, Jackie exits.

For the rest of the script excerpts, go here.