Screenwriters MUST READ This Screenplay
This screenplay won an Oscar for Original Screenplay in 1974. It's written by Robert Towne. Not only is it considered one of the best screenplays of all time, the movie is also considered one of the best films of all time... My question to you is: Why haven't you read it?

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CHINATOWN SCRIPT:
https://assets.scriptslug.com/live/pd...

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TRANSCRIPT:
Screenwriters MUST READ This Screenplay

Why should screenwriters read Robert Towne’s screenplay for Chinatown?

This is How Stories Work with Jay Sherer… and I’ve got 3 reasons why screenwriters need to read Chinatown.

Reason #1: The Chinatown script is a near-perfect example of the 3-Act Structure and serves as a great example of how to use Syd Field’s Paradigm.

Act 1 introduces the central conflict and the core characters.
Plot Point 1, at the end of Act 1, offers a fantastic twist that launches the story off into a new direction.
Act 2 gives us new information and builds off the clues found in Act 1.
The Midpoint gives us a piece of the puzzle that will ultimately flip the audience on its head during the shocking finale.
Plot Point 2, at the end of Act 2, forces all the characters wrapped up in the mystery to converge for the resolution.
Act 3 leaves us breathless as Chinatown showcases its premise with Shakespearean-esque tragedy.

Screenwriters will want to pay special attention to how the screenplay pushes the story forward at every turn by utilizing a phenomenal 3-Act Structure. I highly recommend plotting the key moments of the script down on Syd Field’s paradigm to practice how that form of structuring a story works.

Reason #2: Robert Towne uses visual cues throughout to emphasize story elements in subtle, yet effective ways. It’s as if the audience learns alongside Jake Gittes as he sees what we see. All that evidence adds up to a complex, yet compelling story that feels like it could be a real historical account of Los Angeles crime and corruption.

Screenwriters should note the care Towne takes in making sure the visual elements of the film draw audiences deeper into the story. The film’s level of complexity makes multiple viewings or readings of the script just as thrilling and rewarding as a first viewing or reading.

If you love Chinatown as much as I do, and you appreciate this video, please hit the like button for me! And leave me a comment to let me know your favorite aspect of the Chinatown screenplay. And stay tuned to the very end of this video, because I’ve got two BONUS reasons specific kinds of screenwriters should read the Chinatown screenplay!

Reason #3: Every subplot—with maybe the exception of one scene that only appears in the script and not the film—merges into the main plot at some point, making the screenplay feel robust and yet sleek.

Characters introduced in the first scene appear in the final scene. Photos and locales explored in Act 1 and Act 2 give us clues to solving the mystery in Act 3.

And yet, despite all that, the twists and turns are still surprising and outright shocking.

I’ve still got 1 more reason all screenwriters should read the Chinatown screenplay, and another reason a specific kind of screenwriter should read it as well.

But before we get to those, please consider liking and subscribing. And if you know a screenwriter who should read Chinatown’s script, share this video with them!

Reason #4: …or bonus reason #1, is that Chinatown’s characters come alive on the page. Their dialogue fits their characters perfectly, and their presence can be felt and believed. We don’t need Nickelson and Dunaway, the script gives us Jake Gittes and Evelyn Mulwray in rich, compelling detail.

And finally… Reason #5: If you ever intend to write detective noir, Chinatown’s blueprint serves as a master class of the genre. Personal sin. Professional corruption. Twists, turns, politics, and the depravity of human beings are showcased in classic detective noir style.

There you go… 3 reasons for every screenwriter to read the Chinatown screenplay, plus two bonus reasons as well.

As I learn more about screenwriting and storytelling, I’ll communicate those back to you. Please consider supporting the channel on Patreon for additional resources and insights.

Thanks for watching! I’ll see you on the next show. Until then, let’s go write something awesome.