What you don't see is how the script writer (Christopher Hampton) adopted the screenplay from the novel by Ian McEwan. I read the novel after seeing the movie in 2008, and I think Mr. Hampton did a great job. Of course, Robbie Turner is supposed to be big and tall, but I am so happy that description was ignored and James McAvoy was cast instead. I think the role was perfect for him.
At any rate, watching Atonement was part of this week's assignment for my screenwriting class. Part of the re-write for my own script includes updating my period from the 1860's to the early 1900's, so my instructor wanted me to see how a romance/mystery/period piece looks on the page, and get a feel for the language. I also saw how to make notes for stage instructions. I see I need a lot more description in my own writing. I'm sure I'll be referring back to it over and over as I proceed with my own writing...
Anybody else have an experience of seeing the words in print for the first time, and how it broadened your perspective?


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