The Inconsistent Writer

 THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN (2005) This movie is raunchy, gross, and inappropriate on so many different levels... but also extremely funny. Lisa began to reference this movie when we first started dating, since there were similarities between Andy Stitzer and his group of friends at work and myself. I worked in an electronics store at the time, supervised the warehouse, had a group of work buddies that I hung out with after work, etc. Obviously some of these similarities were a bit extreme, but they were similarities nonetheless. At some point in our relationship we ended up adopting the movie as our own and still, to this day, it's "our movie." And to be completely honest, I wouldn't want it any other way.

Over the past week or so I've been pondering more and more about what I consider some of the greatest film dialog ever written. Being a novice filmmaker and screenwriter myself, it can be extremely difficult to get the right words, out of the right character, at the right time. When it does happens, however, it just instantly clicks and you know it's right. What people have to understand with delivering the perfect line is that it's a group effort. It may be brilliant on page, but if the director and the actor(s) don't understand the importance of those words--and don't execute it thusly--then it could very well end up on the cutting room floor. I learned this lesson from personal experience when shooting my first film. Here are just a few of my favorite pieces of dialog ever filmed, whether they're one-liners, monologues, or a conversation. THE USS INDIANAPOLIS MONOLOGUE Film: JAWS Year: 1975 Sometimes brilliant dialog will come from one writer, one

AMELIE (2001) I know what you're thinking and it's not true. I wouldn't necessarily want to subject my family and friends to a 2 hour movie that's in French after mourning my death, but the film is so amazing and uplifting. In some ways, this should have been DAY 3, but the power of this movie works so much better as DAY 5. This movie makes you feel so good at the end. There's a reason why it's in my top 25 films of all time and why it will never leave that list. If you haven't seen it yet, get to the rental store (or join Netflix) and rent this film. You will not be disappointed! "Life's funny. To a kid, time always drags. Suddenly you're fifty. All that's left of your childhood... fits in a rusty little box."

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (1998) Roberto Benigni's masterpiece about protecting his son's innocence in a Nazi death camp was one of the most touching films I had seen back in 1998. It still rings true today, and as fantastic as the film is, it is still remarkably sad--yet poignant--when the father sacrifices his own life to save his son's. If you haven't see it, please watched the subtitled version. The dubbed version loses almost all of its credibility when put in English.

FLETCH (1985) The comedic brilliance of Chevy Chase shined profusely in 'Fletch.' Brilliant one-liners delivered by one of the most cherished comedy geniuses of our generation. This is just a great detective movie with witty dialog and a fantastic narration. "Don't talk to me like that, assface. I don't work for you yet."

HOWARD THE DUCK (1986) Another cinematic turd squeezed out by George Lucas, who wouldn't produce another one this big again until 1999 with Episode I . This movie was so *fowl* that it almost ruined Lea Thompson's mostly lackluster career. It's truly sad to come to the realization that Lucas helped develop some of the best AND worst films of my generation.

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) To say that this is one of the greatest movies ever made is very much an understatement. Anyone who thinks that Temple of Doom is better, should check their pulse, 'cause I think they might be dead. Some may say that 'Last Crusade' is better, and it is a worthy sequel, but it still doesn't top the original. 'Raiders' is a masterpiece. "Oh, Marcus. What are you trying to do, scare me? You sound like my mother. We've known each other for a long time. I don't believe in magic, a lot of superstitious hocus pocus. I'm going after a find of incredible historical significance, you're talking about the boogie man. Besides, you know what a cautious fellow I am." [throws his gun into his suitcase]

If there's one thing that my wife is good at, it's figuring out how to get under my skin (in a fun and teasing way). A few years ago, soon after we were married, she started to ask me one specific question whenever I came into our bedroom at night, movie in hand, attempting to watch something before we fell asleep. I would say that the probability of her asking this question is at least a 75% chance. The odds are almost always in my favor. I'm not exactly sure what spurred the question in the first place--that's something you'll have to ask her yourself--but the question almost always comes immediately after the appearance of the studio's logo, just before the opening credits. "Is it Silverado?" In fact, the image you see above is the exact image that is displayed before the opening credits of Silverado . She knows this ( I think ). I know this ( absolutely ). She knows that I know this. She also knows what a freak I can be at times reg

In between my search for new or temporary employment ( yes, again, I know ), I've decided to spend 1-2 hours each day writing.  I've always had an interest in writing, especially in the past few years as I've learned to write scripts with a partner (James Falcon) as well as branch out on my own and attempt some short fiction. Writing is not a simple task--at least for me--and sometimes I have to help myself set the mood.  Or I have to motivate myself in some way shape or form. Sometimes, for example, if I finish this one page, then I reward myself with being able to read my book for 30 minutes or I can watch some television.  Rewarding myself doesn't come very often, since most of the time I find that when I finish a segment, page or chapter, I already feel a sense of accomplishment and that's a reward all by itself. What I've discovered recently, however, is that sometimes it's hard to start. I may have a deep down desire to write today, but that doesn&