Wouldn't
it be great if we could find the magic formula for screenwriting
and comedy structure? Two effective movies, both starring
Jack Nicholson, are Something's Got To Give and About
Schmidt. The latter movie has enough comedy in it that I
would put it in this category also.
These
kinds of movies can show you the structure of comedies.
Still, writing is a personal creative outlet and so how you
structure your own comedy can be "copied (or made
fresh)" from earlier movies that succeeded in making you
laugh by adding your own, original and unique voice. In
technical terms, there must be an Act One, Act Two, and Act
Three--beginning (to about 30 pages), middle--layering of conflict
(for comedic purposes), and resolution of conflict(s) toward the
end. More
comedy movies where you can pick and choose what worked for you: Sleepless
in Seattle. You've
Got Mail. When
Harry Met Sally. Only
The Lonely. Laws
of Attraction. Two
Weeks Notice. Write
your comedy script now! More
at screenwriting
software site map.
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