Monday, February 15, 2016

Cool Breeze and Buzz - for Comm 130

Read Cool Breeze and Buzz and answer the following:
1. Does the script follow the Hollywood or Independent model? Why? Give examples
2. Do you like or dislike this screenplay? Why?

22 comments:

Rachael Vasquez said...

This screenplay follows the independent model. The main character Paula lacks a specific goal. Instead she goes through her daily life, intentionally stealing comic books and cigarettes in her coat without regret or learning a lesson. Also there is a lack of plot and resolution. For example, when she says goodbye to her dad Buzz, they do not make concrete plans regarding when he will pick her up and take her with him to settle down in Las Vegas. This screenplay does not fit the Hollywood model because Paula does not depict a can do character as she is not working through adversity and changing personally as a result of reconnecting with her dad.

I did not care for this screenplay because there is no concrete plot or resolution. The story just takes place with no rhyme or reason. I am not saying that every screenplay has to have a happy ending, but some sort of closure would be nice. Did Buzz ever pick her up? Did she wait for him? Did she stop stealing? Did she continue to look for artifacts? Too many questions are left unanswered.

Anonymous said...

This is definitely the independent model because we are experiencing the characters POV rather than just observing. The main character Paula doesn't have a goal, but rather just lives her quirky little life. She doesn't overcome adversity or have a can-do attitude, either. The lack of plot also signifies that it is an independent model. Instead of major plot points, we more just see what happens in a day of Paula and Aunt Barb's life.

I didn't necessarily dislike this screenplay, but I liked the first one better. The lack of drive to fix a problem or any conflict at all didn't really reel me in. I also would have liked a resolution with her and her father. I think I would have liked it better if the scene in the store could have been completely eliminated and put more time into the relationship with her and her father instead. I enjoyed the second half much better. I also really liked how descriptive the writer was, I really wanted to get in that river!

Unknown said...

Cool Breeze and Buzz is an independent model screenplay mostly due to the lack of a clear goal or problem as well as a resolution. Although it does have a beginning and an end, the screenplay merely follows MC Paula's day that has become a bit more special because of her dad's unexpected visit. I realized this followed an independent model when I could not get a grasp of what was MC's definite goal towards the end of the opening act. This is very similar to the screenplay I'm writing in that it merely follows one or more characters and their sentiments at the moment. The ending is not a definite resolution but, rather, is a series of shots that doesn't necessarily have a deliberate reason. I felt that these shots just added to the expression of tone and unresolved element of the screenplay.

I really liked this screenplay because the motions seemed very natural and better reflective of reality - because sometimes, we do things without reason. Since it is unlikely for the characters in this kind of a screenplay to have a deliberate goal/problem to fit the dialogue to, the expressions and the exchanges felt a lot more natural than those in a Hollywood model screenplay. I loved the interaction between the father and the daughter because the dialogue conveyed that their relationship was very unique: friend-like, yet parent-child-like. Some typos could be fixed, but it was a heart-warming screenplay otherwise!

Anonymous said...

This screenplay follows the independent model of a screenplay because there is no real plot. Nothing but the characters is driving the story forward. The MC lacks a clear goal and nothing is truly achieved at the end of the screenplay, just a simple promise that maybe things are going to change for Paula. There are no major twists and turns in the plot, we merely follow Paula in her everyday life.

I wasn't as fond of this screenplay mainly because I was pretty confused the whole time. I thought the descriptions could have been more descriptive. I didn't feel satisfied at the end of the screenplay because I didn't believe Paula's father. I wish there was more concrete dialogue to allow the audience to understand the story more.

Anonymous said...

This is an independent model screenplay, as evidenced by the lack of obstacle for the MC to overcome or a challenge to face. Paula seems like she could be a can-do character, but the only goal we see her set her mind to in the film is petty theft, so we don't really know. The resolution of the first act is simply us as the audience getting to understand Paula and her aunt better, there is no turning point which drives Paula to try to change something, or herself. The story is just following Paula through her life.

I did not particularly enjoy this screenplay. I really liked "Slow dancin' down the aisles of the quick check" because although it was easy to predict what was happening, the dialouge was interesting and funny. This film's dialogue was not as great (the author owns up to as much in the start), and Buzz as a character did not feel fully fleshed out. I didn't like him and he didn't seem real, would rather have just seen more of Paula and Barbara, they seemed more natural and interesting to me.

Anonymous said...

This is definitely Independent. There isn't really a plot and Paula kind of goes about her life as we watch. We follow the characters and not the storyline. Paula doesn't really change. She kind of just steals things and says funny stuff. It's also clearly written that we are seeing the world through Paula's point of view. Dialogue pushes this story forward and not action.

Did I like it? not really. I think if they didn't talk in a cute, southern way I would've lost interest all together. It was hard for me to get into the story world and feel for the characters.

Anonymous said...

This screenplay is an example of an independent model. The main character, Paula, does not have a specific goal. As an audience, we are just observing the characters go about their daily lives. Paula is also rather ambiguous and doesn't seem to have strong passions or desires. It is also not plot-driven, leaving it up to the dialogue to carry the story along. Finally, there is no clear resolution and it's left open-ended, a mark of an independent model.
I didn't really have a strong opinion about this screenplay. It was a nice story and the characters were more or less engaging and believable, but there wasn't a whole lot going on. It seemed like there needed to be a little more either at the beginning or end. Some of the dialogue seemed a bit too forced and I felt the character of the dad was kind of a stereotype that has been done before.

Alexandra Sudomoeva said...

Cool Breeze and Buzz undoubtedly follows the independent screenplay model. The story explores the idea of father daughter dynamic by showing a sneak peak intro Paula's relationship with Buzz. There is a lot of deeper meaning a viewer has to fish out between the lines of the dialogue and in characters' actions. In addition, the main character Paula is definitely not goal oriented and is very ambiguous in her nature and purpose. By the end of the script we still do not know much about the MC. The only thing we can take out is her being rather marginalized in the society: living in central US in an RV with her aunt, stealing cigarettes from the grocery store, abandoned by her father. Compared to the Hollywood model, Cool Breeze and Buzz only allows us to observe the story rather than follow along as partial participants. The story also does not have a defined plot of a narrative and will be impossible to characterize into a classic 2-act structure. Lastly, there is no real resolution in the screenplay: the viewer is left to decide whether Buzz is going to come back for her to take Paula to Vegas or if he was just teasing her with the idea and will not show up again for some time.

To be completely honest, I did not like the screenplay that much. While reading it, I was constantly expecting a plot twist, or any kind of critical moment to appear but the story turned out to be very dry and monotone. Although the theme appeared to be rather obvious I still could not understand why I just read 20 pages on something without an end, beginning, or anything that would allow me to connect deeper to the story. Nevertheless, I appreciated the character development, especially the unique relationship the writers create between Paula and Buzz. The scene description was also very detailed and helpful in thinking about the realization of the screenplay into a short film. In addition, the dialogue flowed very well and suited the characters, which allowed me to believe in the story so much more. That being said, I do not think I would ever be excited to watch the film, however, I cannot deny that it is a well written screenplay for its genre (all things considered).

Anonymous said...

The screenplay follows the independent model. Paula, the main character, does not have a specific goal that she seeks to reach throughout the screenplay. There isn't a plot and there aren't lessons or obstacles to move the story forward. The story merely follows a day in the in the life of Paula and Barb, so there isn't resolution that concludes the screenplay. Instead, the end of the screenplay displays the characters just continuing on with their lives, not a happy nor sad ending.

I didn't like this screenplay because the lack of resolution left me wondering what happened to the characters. Did Paula move to Las Vegas to be with her father? Did Buzz purchase a club, and was it a successful business endeavor? I prefer screenplays and movies that tie up loose ends, and this screenplay definitely did not do that.
But, I did like the precise descriptions of each scene and the language used for the characters. You can tell the screenwriter took ample time to paint a picture for those reading the screenplay and I really appreciated that.

Anonymous said...

This screenplay definitely follows the independent model. There is no real plot, and instead, the screenplay focuses on the characters' interactions. There is no goal that Paula (the original MC) has. The relationship between Paula and Buzz is central to the story, but there is not much action, only interaction. We learn about the socioeconomic status of Paula and her aunt, and some ideas about her and her father's backstory. It is implied that he may have a gambling problem, and that Paula has had to make her own way in the world, though sometimes not completely legally (stealing small groceries). Paula may be the main character, but her father is equally essential to this story. There is no defined resolution to this screenplay. Buzz claims that he will bring Paula to Vegas, but both Paula and myself are not convinced.

I liked this screenplay much more than the previous. I like the exploration of these characters and the more implied aspects of their relationships. The lack of plot forced me to think more deeply about the possible histories of these characters and what brought them to this state in life.

Anonymous said...

Cool Breeze and Buzz follows the Independent model for a variety of reasons. First, the main character, Paula, lacks a goal. We are observing Paula as she carries out her normal routine. Second, it is structured into two acts. The first act begins with her swimming and ends with her leaving Floyd’s Kit n’ Kaboodle. The second act begins with Paula returning home and ends with her standing on the steps of her trailer. Through these two acts, we get a better understanding of the characters, Paula, Buzz, and Aunt Barbara. For example, we learn that Paula is a teenage thief who loves being outdoors and lives with her aunt. Third, there is no real solution at the end of the screenplay. The screenplay ends with Paula watching her father leave and observing the trees around her. Paula and her father never make plans about when he will pick her up or when he will visit again. By ending the screenplay in this matter, it is up for the audience’s to interpret what happens next. Lastly, the voice of the writer is evident especially during the Kit n’ Kaboodle scene. By having Floyd keep a close eye on the black man in the store, the writer is trying to say something about stereotypes.

Although the screenplay was easy to follow, I didn’t enjoy it. For me, the end seemed incomplete and lacked a resolution. The first half was more exciting than the second half. The entire time I was wondering where the story was going. For example, in the first scene of her swimming, I thought she was going to find something that played a big role in the screenplay. I also thought the screenplay was going to focus more on her stealing. I think the screenplay needed some sort of conflict so that the audience will stay more engaged.

Anonymous said...

Cool Breeze and Buzz is an independent model film. This is noticeable in that we observe the main character's life rather than their conflict in pursuing a goal. There is no resolution and only a semblance of a conflict. It works hard to promote a sense of realism and melodrama, and the story focuses on the characters' relationships with each other and society.

I enjoyed this screenplay significantly more than the last one. I like how it kept the exposition short and the pace of the story moving. While almost completely devoid of action the pacing felt smooth and kept me interested. As pleasant as it was to read, I have one complaint, in that it feels like we never learn enough about the characters to be attached to the story. The story is well made though connecting things like her petty theft with her father's shady gambling and her final decision to stay behind and take care of her aunt.

Anonymous said...

This screenplay follows the independent model. For starters, it is not driven by plot and there is no real resolution. Instead, it explores the character layers and you learn more and more about the characters as time goes on. However, you are still left feeling like there is so much about the characters that you don't know. Paula did not have a main goal driving her actions. We basically just read about a day in her life.

Personally, I thought the screenplay was alright. I appreciate how the script was written in detail to where I felt like I was able to clearly picture each scene. At the same time, I was interested in reading until the end of the screenplay because I felt like I wanted to know what was going to happen next. However, after I read it, it was not something I was too interested in seeing other than for the reason of finding out how they filmed it and comparing it to what I saw in my head. Other than that, it was a little boring to me.

Anonymous said...

Cool Breeze and Buzz clearly follows the independent model. The script showcases the writer and the character layers more than plot layers. We see the MC interact with her environment to show who she is. There is almost no plot and the MC doesn't have a goal, but we learn a lot about her life through her interactions with Aunt Barbara and her dad. The story is unresolved and leaves the reader to think about relationships rather than just accepting a clean ending.

I thought the dialogue and exposition was done well; I think the writer got across what she wanted to show about the MC, but I don't really get the point of the script. Even though it's independent, it can still have a message, and whatever that message was didn't come across to me. The things she collected and the stealing scene just seemed kind of random to me. I don't think she needed 20 pages to show a poor girl living a trailer with her aunt.
Also, the prelude talked about a scene at the end between Barb and Dad, which wasn't in the script. Maybe this happened in Post, but it was confusing to me.

Anonymous said...

Cool Breeze and Buzz follows an Independent Model. The screenplay focuses on imagery and clearly uses film direction to explore form and reveal artistic vision. The character seems to be extremely marginalized in society. It's clear that Paula and her aunt lack sufficient resources, and seem to be left abandoned. Not only this, but we are simply just observing Paula rather than connecting with her. When it comes to plot, there really isn't one. There is no dramatic action, and the ending does not leave us with any real resolution because we don't know what the fate of Paula and Buzz will be. The genre of this screenplay seems to be a melodrama due to the strained family dynamics. It uses a realist perspective rather than the drama that is seen in Hollywood models. The independent model holds that voice is central to the screenplay, and this is maintained through the characters in the film. An independent model also touches on relationships with society, and in this case it focuses on the dynamic of a father abandoning his daughter. Finally, there is an unconventional point of view because it doesn't follow a basic structure that the Hollywood Model does.

I would say that this isn't my favorite screenplay. There did seem to have good visual instructions and subtle cues that added to character layer, but overall it was a bit lacking for my taste. It could be that now I'm used to screenplays with excessive drama, and this was pretty much the opposite of that. However, I thought the screenplay did give great examples of how to show not tell.

Anonymous said...

Cool Breeze and Buzz follows the Independent model. There isn't as much plot layer in comparison to the character layer and writers' voices. Although this is the case, we still are able to get to know Paula, the MC, through her relationships with her father and her aunt but she lives in the story world as she is and has no clear goal. There is no real ending to the movie because there is no plot to wind up. Rather than having a clear resolution, readers are forced to really think about the way the film progresses through Paula's relationships and the way she interacts with the story world.

I really liked it! It was interesting to read an independent screenplay in its totality. It was easier to follow than I expected being an independent film but I think the way that it was written made that possible.

I enjoyed the opening scene. We get a really raw and real image of Paula in her element. The second part I really liked was the interaction with her dad when he visits. It shows her vulnerability and curiosity towards life.

Anonymous said...

The film follows the independent model. The main character, Paula, lacks a goal in the plot. There is also a lack of plot as we just observe the main character and her interactions with her aunt and father, but we do see who the main character is by her actions. There is no true goal that Paula is trying to achieve and follows the genre melodrama as there is subtle dialogue back and forth with the characters.

The script was interesting to read, but I did not like it. There was no resolution at the end and it left us to interpret whether or no Paula's dad will come back for her as he promised. I also could not clearly understand the primary purpose of the script, if it was to educate the audience or if there was an important issue being told in the script. I did like the dialogue and the descriptions as I could easily see what was going on.

Anonymous said...

Cool Breez and Buzz follows the independent model. There is generally a lack of plot throughout the film because we are simply observing the main character, Paula, as opposed to following a strategic story. Also, Paula does not necessarily have a set goal within the plot which also makes it an independent model. There is no real ending to the story but by the end we do feel as though we know Paula through her relationships with her father and and her aunt. The film focuses more on artistic vision as well as human relationships as opposed to actually diving into a plot or a dramatic story.

I really like this script because it leaves things open ended. There is a lot of room for interpretation and the viewer is not confined and forced to believe in one meaning or another but rather has the choice to decide their self.

Anonymous said...

Coolbreeze and Buzz follows the independent model. The story is just about a day in the life of the MC, Paula. A large majority is shot from her perspective. There is no plot or goal driving the story. Paula does not change, she does not learn a lesson nor does she take any action. She observes.

I did not like the screenplay because its was too passive. There is no resolution, meaning or point. I was constantly looking for meaning or cues, that just weren’t there. I did think the shop scene was a nice connection of Paula’s behavior to that of her father. I did like the description of Paula in the beginning and her character. Nonetheless, I just did not like that he character did not progress or do anything actually interesting beyond stealing a comic.

Anonymous said...

This screenplay follows the independent model because we follow Paula and observe from her point of view an average day. There is no plot propelling Paula or the story forward. Paula does not have a goal and she is not on a journey, she stays the same throughout the script.

I enjoyed the script because it created a world for me that is different from my world. It had a laid back country feel and accurately gave us the perspective of a mischievous 13 year old girl, I liked the store scene where she is stealing things. I didn't like how passive the script was and wish there was more action.

Anonymous said...

This screenplay is an independent model it follows the main character around, Paula, with out any real plot or resolution. She goes about her day stealing stuff with out no lesson learned. The film is shown through her perspective only giving us more knowledge about the main character rather than the plot, that is is not their, to drive the story. Because the story was not driven by plot and we just followed her in her everyday life it shows that this screenplay is an independent model.

I did not like this screenplay because I found it a little boring. With no real plot the story it left me a little confused about the meaning of the screenplay. Also i don't like how it left you hanging at the end of the screenplay, were you didn't know what was going to happen next. I like stories that come to an ending unless there is going to be a sequel to the screenplay.

Anonymous said...

"Coolbreeze and Buzz" follows the independent model. The main character, Paula or Coolbreeze, doesn't really have a goal. She is extremely ambiguous and we don't really see how she feels about the situation she is in. We observe her as she goes about her daily life and what she does in each situation. Overall, there is also a lack of plot. Nothing really happens to move the story forward. Rather, it explores Paula's character as she interacts with other characters. Through these interactions, we also learn about Aunt Barbara and Buzz's characters. In addition to this, there is no real resolution. In the end, Buzz leaves, and the reader isn't really sure whether or not Buzz comes back for Paula or not. The story also focuses on relationships and issues with society. For example, the storekeeper was more focused on the black man in the store who was a stand up citizen whereas Paula who looked more innocent was in fact the thief.

I wasn't the biggest fan of this screenplay. I felt like nothing happened. When I watch other independent films, I still get a sense that something happened or something will happen whereas with this one, I didn't get the same feeling. However, this may be the difference between reading an independent film and watching one.