26 Screenplays

The Radiolab podcast featured this video.

I have no idea what makes videos go viral. Usually the ones that dominate the internet have something interesting about them, but they do not necessarily show the craftsmanship of filmmaking the way this one does.

This film is a beautiful example of the cinematic language. The images do not have an inherent narrative to them. Only by the juxtaposition of the images through editing does something larger emerge. There is a question at the beginning, “What is a moment?” a failed attempt to answer it with words, and then an attempt to capture the power of a moment with images.

There is a rhythm and a pacing to this film. The screen strobes through a series of images and then lulls the mind into a meditative state by lingering on certain images. Few of these images are in and of themselves remarkable, but when they are stung together, they form a greater context that celebrates the ordinary moment and becomes both wonderful and heartbreaking all at once.

I wish more videos like this go viral.

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FADE IN:

EXT – HILLSIDE – DAY

CLOSE-UP KID EYES

A kid puts on some goggles.

A set of furry arms wraps around the kid.

TEXT

From the director of Watchmen and 300…

…comes the greatest comic adaptation of all time.

EXT – HILLSIDE – DAY

POV from the wagon going down the hill.

The grassy hillside rushes past as a wagon races down the hill. The two voices make kind of a “who-o-o-a-a-a-a” noise as they bounce along.

POV looking at the wagon.

A boy and a tiger hit a rock in slow motion. Their velocity and force launch them into the air. They scream.

Techno music begins to blare.

As the two fly through the air in slow motion, screaming, images strobe.

SUSIE DERKINS, setting up a tea party.

THE MOM, preparing a grotesque dinner.

ROSELYN, rolling up her sleeves.

THE DAD, gritting his teeth because his car is blocked by DEFORMED SNOWMEN.

MRS. WORMWOOD, passing out a test.

SPACEMAN SPIFF, fighting for his life.

A DINOSAUR roars.

Darkness.

LOGO – Zach Snyder’s Calvin and Hobbes.

EXT – HILLSIDE – DAY

The wagon crashes into the ground, spilling the passengers everywhere.

FADE TO BLACK.