GITS Script Reading and Analysis Series: “(500) Days of Summer” — Structure

This week we are analyzing the screenplay for the 2009 movie (500) Days of Summer, written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. The script was nominated for the WGA Award for Best Original Screenplay.

You may download the script legally from the Fox Searchlight website here [draft dated April 16, 2008].

Thanks to The Bark Bites Back for sourcing the URL, here is a deleted scene from the movie — Tom’s Worst Morning Ever:

Today we discuss the script’s structure.

And oh boy, have we got a lot to dig into here. First off and obviously, this is a nonlinear narrative. What does that mean? The story is not told in a straight chronological fashion, but rather bouncing all around, back and forth in time.

Why? What do you think the screenwriters Neustadter & Weber were thinking? Were they just being cute? Playing around? Post modern? Or is this the only way to tell this story? If so, why?

Here is your chance to use your story structure analytical muscles in a big way.

In addition, we’re bringing back the Tweet-Cast. On Wednesday, May 30 at precisely 8PM Pacific [U.S.], you are invited to push play on whatever device you have to watch the movie (500) Days of Summer in real time with a host of others, all of us commenting on Twitter. We will record the Tweet-Cast to make it available as a transcript for later review.

As a special treat, professional screenwriters F. Scott Frazier and John Gary will be participating in the Tweet-Cast, along with myself, breaking down the movie as it plays. And of course, you are free to join in… or just follow along as you screen the film.

The Twitter hashtag for the Tweet-Cast on Wednesday: #500daze.

NOTE: This series is for educational purposes only!

For Part 1 of this week’s series, go here.

See you in comments!

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