The Blinking Cursor

I love a good meltdown in a movie. When a character is either angry, going mad, or begging for his life and lets it all hang out. These are ten of my favorites. No particular order, just some great meltdowns. Please share some of your classic movie meltdowns.

1. Justice For All (Al Pacino) Really this guy has had a lot of meltdowns in movies and he’s damn good at it. This one stuck out to me because he started calm in the courtroom and then gradually, he begins to lose it until he explodes.
2. The Godfather 2 (Fredo) This time Al is calm and his brother Fredo loses it. Again, I like it when the character is nice and calm and then explodes. “I’m smart!”
3. Terminator (Reese) When Reese is being interrogated you can clearly see he’s annoyed by the questions. It’s just a matter of time before he loses his cool, great stuff.
4. Scarface (Frank Lopez) I know you think I’m going with Al here but you’re wrong. When Frank realizes the jig is up and begins to gradually beg for his life, culminating it by praying on his knees, classic.
5. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (Steve Martin) Great movie, but the scene with Steve trying to get another rental car is a classic meltdown. He would make Tony Montana proud with his use of the F-word.
6. The Shining (Jack Nicholson) C’mon, this guy is the meltdown King. No one does it better than Jack. Man, was he in rare form in the Shining.
7. Network(Newscaster) Classic meltdown scene on national TV to boot. When you can get people watching on the tube to join in on the craziness, you basically put the melt, in meltdown.
8. Back To School (Sam Kinison) I love it when he talks throw his teeth in a low voice right before he explodes. So would you like to chime in Mr. Helper?
9. White Heat (James Cagney) This guy really cared about his Ma. I’ve seen some meltdowns at funeral before but Cagney has them all beat.
10. Aliens (Bill Paxton) This meltdown is a short one but it’s a classic. Nothing like losin’ it when you know you’re going to be an Alien surrogate mommy, then killed. That’s the end of my list. Game over!

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Do screenwriting groups really help improve a screenwriter’s script? I’ve joined two screenwriting groups since I’ve been in Las Vegas. Each group has been a challenge for me. I found that in both groups most of the people only showed up to talk about movies or socialize. When they actually did something that pertained to writing it was incompetent and unorganized. Maybe you’ve heard that old saying about too many cooks in the kitchen. Well, this applies to these types of groups.

There are too many different opinions and way more bad advice than you need. I prefer smaller groups but they also can be a challenge. You need people who understand your genre, are intelligent, passionate, and professional in their critique of you script.  For those of you lucky enough to find these people, I applaud you.  I haven’t had the same luck, it’s like trying to find a group of new friends who want to do homework with you once a week.

The jury is still out to me on whether I can get something out of these screenwriting groups. I still feel its better to find just one competent writing partner. But if any of you have had wondrous and exciting times with this process, please by all means share.

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These are my top ten interracial duo’s in film. I’ve arranged them in no particular order and I chose each pairing based on the strength of the characters as a team.  Each character had to bring something to the table and not be regulated to sidekick status, like a wookie with an annoying roar.

1. Jackie Chan & Chris Tucker (Rush Hour) I loved the first one, didn’t care for the sequels as much but these guys have chemistry. They fight well together and make you laugh at the same time. Also, this was the first film where a Chinese and Black lead commanded big bucks at the box office.  “Can you hear the words comin’ out of my mouth!”
2. Nick Nolte & Eddie Murphy (48 Hours) I love this film because both characters share the screen equally. They pull no punches with race and break down a few stereotypes.  This was when Eddie didn’t need fat suits, kids, or animals to carry a film.
3. Tony Curtis & Sidney Poitier ( The Defiant Ones) Youngn’ s probably never heard of this film but it’s a good one. To great actors play criminals, black and white, who escape from prison chained to each other. The film doesn’t shy away from race and really shows how when placed in a desperate situation, hate can turn into something you wouldn’t expect.
4. Samuel Jackson & John Travolta (Pulp Fiction) The chemistry between these two was unbelievable. What’s so cool about these guys is the dialogue between these characters was more interesting than the violence in the film. If these guys just sat around and talked through the whole movie, it still would’ve been a great film.
5. Pat Morita & Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid) A Chinese guy and an Italian Kid what a pairing and boy did it work. There screen chemistry was infectious. They had the teacher slash mentor thing down pat, Obi Wan would be proud. I really liked the subtle moments between these two, it really captured the growth of a friendship.
6. Denzel Washington & Tom Hanks (Philadelphia) Watching these two guys act was like seeing Jordan and Bird team up to play some obvious losers in a two on two pick up game. Serious topics here, dealing with aids and homophobia, just to name a few. The respect that grew between these characters in the movie and from what I’ve heard, also on the set, was something to behold.
7. Tom Cruise & Ken Watanabe ( The Last Samurai) I had a little problem with this film. It was watchable for sure but I thought they tried to make Cruise a little to heroic at times. But I did like the way the actors played off of each other on screen. I think Watanabe is a underrated actor, they both did a fine job in this film.
8. Clint Eastwood & Bee Vang ( Gran Torino) I was set to hate this movie at first. I though the film would be a geriatric Dirty Harry. I was so wrong, they had it all working here, from the mentor to the gradual respect and friendship that was built between these characters. The film wasn’t afraid to deal with race relations in this country, which made it bold and refreshing. Was it a perfect film? No, but I got the point.
9. Morgan Freeman & Jim Carrey (Bruce Almighty) I know they didn’t share the screen for the whole movie but when they did it was magic. Freeman can make you think he’s Zeus if he wants too, with his charisma and smooth delivery. Carrey was at his best in this film and their combination of calm and frantic went together like peanut butter and jelly.
10. Clint Eastwood & Morgan Freeman (Unforgiven) I know, these guys again? I can’t keep them off the list. They work well together and its evident every time, Million Dollar Baby anyone. Their acting seems so effortless when these two share the screen. Even though Freeman’s character didn’t take part in action scenes. I still though he helped enhance the theme of this film.

I know you’re wondering about a glaring omission, so let me clear it up. I didn’t put Mel Gibson and Danny Glover of Lethal Weapon fame on here because Glover’s character was an unglamorous side kick. Most of the time he needed Riggs to save the day. Oh sure, they toss Murtaugh a bone every now then but he never had equal billing to me. Don’t agree with my list, have some better tandems, please chime in, I’d love to read your thoughts.

Honorable Mention: Jet Li & Aaliyah in Romeo Must Die,  Clint Eastwood & Chief Dan George in The Outlaw of Josey Wales, Martin Lawrence & Tim Robbins in Nothing to Lose, Eddie Murphy & Dan Aykroyd in Trading Places

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I usually get into a writing funk, as I call it, when I’m between scripts. I find that when I begin to concentrate on the business side of screenwriting, I become frustrated. The queries, contests, and networking, which I’m still not good at, begin to weigh on me. I know it comes with the territory but it’s still the part that I dread the most. When I’m writing and creating is when I feel energized and happy.

This funk is a dark time for me as an aspiring screenwriter because this is when thoughts of giving up become the strongest. Usually I come up with an idea for my next script and the demons go away. I have to say it’s getting harder to keep pursuing this crazy endeavor.

I enjoy writing stories and creating characters that exist only in my mind. This drives me more than the money or fame, if there is such a thing for a screenwriter. So as I bathe in self pity and doubt about my screenwriting career, an idea pops into my head for my next script, and I just keep writing.

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1. Predator vs Arnold – When the predator took his mask off it was classic and Arnold line after that, says it all.
2. Neo vs Agent Smith (First Time) – When Neo finally decided to stop running and as Morpheus would say, “He’s starting to believe” I was all in for this showdown. Check out the video here.
3. Bruce Lee vs Chuck Norris – What a showdown, Coliseum backdrop, yanked out chest hairs and to see arguably two of the most famous martial artists to grace the screen go at it. Enough said.
4. Ripley vs Alien Queen – My girl Rip was working that loader and the line, “Get away from her you Bitch!” Nothing like a showdown kicked off with a timely insult.
5. Johnny Ringo vs Doc Holiday – I’ll be your Huckleberry every time for this classic showdown.
6. Darth vs Luke – C’mon, light sabers, dark side smack talk, and a baby daddy reveal, what more do you want from a showdown.
7. Yoda vs Dooku- I know, two Star Wars show downs. I just couldn’t leave the little guy off the list. Really, did you think Yoda could get his can of wup ass open like that.
8. Indiana Jones vs Swordsman Just the fact that I learned the swordsman had practiced many months for this scene and then it was over in one hilariously quick moment. Classic stuff.
9. Jet Li vs Billy Chow – Man, one of the best showdowns I’ve ever seen. The fight scenes are amazing but when my man Jet works it out with a belt against a sword. I was in awe.
10. Shane vs Wilson – This is one of my favorite showdowns of all time. And if you don’t agree you just might be a lowdown Yankee liar.

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I have to admit that I fell prey to the bottom feeders as I call them in the screenplay business. Who are the bottom feeders you might ask? Pitch Fests, contests, script consultants and other so called Hollywood gurus. This is big business and they’re all cashing in on wishful screenwriter’s dreams.

Like most new screenwriter’s, I wrote my first script and was so excited about my idea and the fact that I finished the damn thing. I didn’t take the time to research the profession. Three pitchfests, one contest, and one script consultant later, I was devoid of some hard earned cash. My senses finally returned to me. This isn’t the way to break into this business.

Sure, if you want to pay people to hear you practice pitching, a pitchfest is great. But you probably can do that at home with a friend or family member. I guess contests aren’t all bad but I learned that there are only a few you should really consider entering. As far script consultants go, this one is tricky. I say pay someone only if you’re close to a sell or you desperately can’t find a good critique group or individual to help you. In the end you’ll have to learn to fix your own scripts though.

I know we live in a capitalistic society but these people are making a killing off the hopes and dreams of aspiring screenwriters. I’m sorry but I think that stinks. I think the biggest problem is that everyone thinks they can write a screenplay. Which gives the bottom feeders plenty of customers. And by the time someone realizes they’re being ripped off, they’ve already paid a hefty sum into the system, and another batch of misinformed writer’s have replaced them.

Some people will argue they’ve been optioned at a pitchfest, so it’s cool to go. Some of these same people are the ones who return to these pitchmarts year after year because they’ve been tossed a bone. I couldn’t find one major movie that’s come out of a pitchfest or contest, besides a few that went straight to video. This is not where deals are made. And please don’t bring up the Nicholl Fellowship, yes it’s great but you might as well go buy a lottery ticket. You’re chances of winning will be about the same.

I know what you’re thinking, this is a negative article. Yes it is but it needs to be discussed, if you want to continue on this quest. What’s the solution? Network to get referrals, get your script noticed by shooting the movie yourself or making a trailer or a short. Query to a targeted group of individuals, someone who will be interested in your project. Volunteer to help with the production of an independent film and keep writing. These aren’t the only ways but they will move you in the right direction.

I was watching 60 minutes last night and they did a story on a con man cheating terminally ill people out of their money. These people knew there was no cure for their disease but they still gave this man a hundred thousand dollars. It made me think what people are willing to do when they’re desperate. I know screenwriting isn’t as serious as this but the analogy rings true. Money can be made off of desperate people, including me.

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“Yeah, he says he’s not ready yet. He says he’s still too much of a kid himself. He kinda prides himself on being infantile.”

Which movie did this quote come from? Which character in the film spoke this line?

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1. Spiderman (2002) Peter Parker “Whatever life holds in store for me, I will never forget these words: “With great power comes great responsibility.” This is my gift, my curse. Who am I? I’m Spiderman.


2. Traffic (2000) Robert Wakefield: If there is a war on drugs, then many of our family members are the enemy. And I don’t know how you wage war on your family.


3. The Kite Runner (2007) Baba:  “There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft… When you kill a man, you steal a life. You steal his wife’s right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness.”


4. City of God (2002) Berenice: “Sure, but hoods don’t fall in love, they just get horny.”


5. Munich (2005) Avner: Every man we’ve killed has been replaced by worse!”


6. Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-03)  Gollum: We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious. They stole it from us. Sneaky little hobbitses. Wicked, tricksy, false!


7. No Country for Old Men (2007) Anton Chigurh: “You need to call it. I can’t call it for you. It wouldn’t be fair.”


8.  Hotel Rwanda (2004) Paul Rusesabagina: “What are you going to do – shoot me? Shoot me. I would pay you to shoot my family! I would consider it a blessing!”


9. Sideways (2004) Miles Raymond: “Half my life is over and I have nothing to show for it. Nothing. I’am a thumbprint on the window of a skyscraper. I’m a smudge of excrement on a tissue surging out to sea with a million tons of raw sewage.”


10. Almost Famous (2000) Lester Bangs: Aw, man. You made friends with them. See, friendship is the booze they feed you. They want you to get drunk on feeling like you belong.


No particular order here, just some quotes that I liked from the decade. There are many more I didn’t mention, maybe you can tell me some of your favorites.

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