How Sideways screenplay pdf changed the game of screenwriting

Sideways screenplay pdf: What is it and why should you read it?

If you are a fan of comedy-drama movies, you have probably heard of or seen Sideways, the 2004 film directed by Alexander Payne and starring Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, and Sandra Oh. The movie follows two middle-aged friends, Miles and Jack, who take a road trip through California's wine country before Jack's wedding. Along the way, they encounter various adventures, mishaps, and romances that test their friendship and their outlook on life.

Sideways Screenplay Pdf

But did you know that Sideways was based on a novel by Rex Pickett, and that Payne and his co-writer Jim Taylor adapted it into a screenplay that won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay? And did you know that you can read this screenplay online or download it as a pdf file for free?

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Sideways screenplay pdf, what it is, how it came to be, how it differs from the novel and the movie, how it is structured and written, what themes and messages it conveys, and why you should read it if you are interested in screenwriting, filmmaking, or wine tasting.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why Sideways screenplay pdf is a valuable resource for aspiring screenwriters, film lovers, and wine enthusiasts who want to learn from a masterful comedy-drama script.

The story behind Sideways screenplay pdf

Before we dive into the details of Sideways screenplay pdf, let's take a look at how it came into existence.

How Rex Pickett's novel became a movie script

Rex Pickett is an American novelist who published his first book, Sideways, in 2004. The book was inspired by his own experiences as a struggling writer and wine aficionado who took several trips to the Santa Ynez Valley with his friend Roy Gittes, a former actor and producer.

Pickett had a hard time finding a publisher for his novel, and even considered self-publishing it. However, he managed to get the attention of Alexander Payne, a filmmaker who had previously directed and co-written critically acclaimed movies such as Election and About Schmidt. Payne was looking for a new project after his divorce from actress Sandra Oh, and he was drawn to the novel's humor, characters, and wine theme.

Payne contacted Pickett and bought the film rights to his novel for $75,000. He then hired his longtime collaborator Jim Taylor to co-write the screenplay with him. The two writers spent about a year working on the script, making several changes and adjustments to the novel's plot, characters, and tone.

How Sideways screenplay pdf differs from the novel and the movie

As with any adaptation, Sideways screenplay pdf is not an exact copy of the novel or the movie. It has some significant differences that affect the way the story is told and perceived.

Some of the major differences between Sideways screenplay pdf and the novel are:

• The screenplay omits some scenes and characters from the novel, such as Miles's mother, his ex-wife's new husband, Jack's fiancée, and Miles's encounter with a waitress at a diner.

• The screenplay adds some scenes and characters that are not in the novel, such as Miles's visit to his old college professor, Jack's affair with a waitress at a restaurant, and Miles's confrontation with a motorcycle cop.

• The screenplay changes some details and events from the novel, such as Miles's age (he is 39 in the screenplay, 46 in the novel), Jack's profession (he is a voice actor in the screenplay, a soap opera actor in the novel), and Miles's discovery of Jack's affair (he finds out from Maya in the screenplay, from Stephanie in the novel).

• The screenplay alters some aspects of the characters' personalities and motivations, such as Miles's depression (he is more suicidal in the screenplay, more cynical in the novel), Jack's impulsiveness (he is more reckless in the screenplay, more charming in the novel), and Maya's attraction to Miles (she is more interested in his writing in the screenplay, more sympathetic to his divorce in the novel).

Some of the minor differences between Sideways screenplay pdf and the movie are:

• The screenplay has some scenes and lines that are not in the movie, such as Miles's flashback to his wedding day, Jack's phone call to his fiancée after his accident, and Miles's confession to Maya about Jack's affair.

• The screenplay lacks some scenes and lines that are in the movie, such as Miles's conversation with his agent about his book rejection, Jack's encounter with a naked man at Stephanie's house, and Miles's apology to Stephanie for Jack's behavior.

• The screenplay differs from the movie in some details and actions, such as Miles's reaction to tasting a bad wine (he spits it out in the screenplay, he swallows it in the movie), Jack's injury from Stephanie (he gets hit by a golf club in the screenplay, he gets hit by a motorcycle helmet in the movie), and Miles's escape from Maya's husband (he runs away in the screenplay, he hides under a bed in the movie).

These differences may seem minor or trivial, but they have an impact on how Sideways screenplay pdf tells its story and conveys its themes. They show how Payne and Taylor adapted Pickett's novel to suit their own vision and style, as well as how they revised their script during production and editing.

The structure and style of Sideways screenplay pdf

Now that we have seen how Sideways screenplay pdf came to be and how it differs from its sources, let's examine how it is structured and written.

How Sideways screenplay pdf follows the classic three-act structure

Sideways screenplay pdf follows the classic three-act structure that most screenplays use. This structure divides the story into three parts: Act I (the setup), Act II (the confrontation), and Act III (the resolution). Each act has its own plot points and turning points that move the story forward and create tension and conflict.

Here is a brief summary of how Sideways screenplay pdf uses this structure:

and Jack, two friends who embark on a week-long road trip to the wine country before Jack's wedding. The main plot point is when they meet Maya and Stephanie, two women who work at local wineries and who become their love interests. The turning point is when Jack decides to have an affair with Stephanie, despite being engaged to another woman.

• Act II: The confrontation develops the complications and conflicts that arise from Jack's affair and Miles's feelings for Maya. The main plot points are when Miles finds out about Jack's affair, when Maya finds out about Miles's divorce, when Stephanie finds out about Jack's engagement, and when Miles runs into his ex-wife and her new husband. The turning point is when Jack gets into a car accident and loses his wallet, forcing Miles to retrieve it from Stephanie's house.

• Act III: The resolution resolves the main conflicts and shows the consequences of the characters' actions. The main plot points are when Miles confesses to Maya about Jack's affair, when Jack returns to his fiancée and gets married, when Miles receives a rejection letter from a publisher, and when Miles decides to visit Maya again. The twist is when Maya calls Miles and tells him that she read his manuscript and liked it.

By following this structure, Sideways screenplay pdf creates a clear and coherent narrative that engages the audience and keeps them invested in the characters' journeys.

How Sideways screenplay pdf uses humor, dialogue, and description

Sideways screenplay pdf is not only well-structured, but also well-written. It uses humor, dialogue, and description to create a witty, realistic, and vivid script that captures the tone and mood of the story.

Here are some examples of how Sideways screenplay pdf uses these techniques and devices:

• Humor: Sideways screenplay pdf is full of humorous moments that balance the drama and lighten the mood. Some of the humor comes from the contrast between Miles's pessimism and Jack's optimism, some from the absurdity of their situations and actions, and some from the irony and sarcasm of their dialogue. For instance, in one scene, Miles tries to cheer up Jack after his accident by saying: "The world doesn't give a shit about you or me or your wedding. It doesn't care if you drink yourself to death or fuck yourself blind. It just goes on spinning like a big ball of fucking garbage." This line is funny because it is so exaggerated and cynical, but also because it reveals Miles's own insecurity and despair.

• Dialogue: Sideways screenplay pdf uses dialogue to reveal the characters' personalities, emotions, relationships, and motivations. The dialogue is natural, authentic, and believable, reflecting how real people talk and interact. The dialogue also varies depending on the context, tone, and mood of each scene. For instance, in one scene, Miles and Maya have a romantic conversation about wine that serves as a metaphor for their own lives: "MAYA: I like how wine continues to evolve. Like if I opened a bottle of wine today it would taste different than if I'd opened it on any other day. Because a bottle of wine is actually alive. And it's constantly evolving and gaining complexity... MILES: ...until it peaks. And then it begins its steady inevitable decline... MAYA: ...and it tastes so fucking good." This dialogue is poetic, sensual, and intimate, showing how Miles and Maya connect on a deeper level.

• Description: Sideways screenplay pdf uses description to create a vivid picture of the settings, actions, and emotions of each scene. The description is concise, precise, and evocative, using sensory details and imagery to immerse the audience in the story world. The description also matches the tone and mood of each scene, using words and phrases that convey the atmosphere and feeling of each moment. For instance, in one scene, Miles describes his book as: "MILES: It's a sort of sprawling novel with multiple characters... It's kind of hard to explain... It's not really plot-driven... It's more like...a meditation on life...and death...and love...and loss...and regret..." This description is vague, hesitant, and melancholic, reflecting Miles's lack of confidence and enthusiasm for his work.

By using these techniques and devices,Sideways screenplay pdf creates a script that is not only entertaining and informative, but also expressive and memorable.

The themes and messages of Sideways screenplay pdf

Finally, let's take a look at the themes and messages of Sideways screenplay pdf, what it is trying to say and how it says it.

How Sideways screenplay pdf explores the meaning of life, love, and wine

Sideways screenplay pdf is not just a comedy-drama about two friends on a road trip. It is also a philosophical and emotional exploration of the meaning of life, love, and wine. It asks questions such as: What makes life worth living? How do we cope with failure and disappointment? How do we find happiness and fulfillment? How do we deal with aging and mortality? How do we relate to others and ourselves? How do we appreciate the beauty and complexity of nature and culture?

One of the main themes that Sideways screenplay pdf explores is the theme of wine. Wine is not only a drink, but also a symbol, a metaphor, and a motif that runs through the script. Wine represents the characters' passions, personalities, histories, and aspirations. Wine also reflects the themes of evolution, diversity, quality, and taste that the script explores.

For instance, Miles is obsessed with Pinot Noir, a delicate and complex grape that requires special care and attention. He identifies with Pinot Noir because he sees himself as a sensitive and refined person who struggles to adapt and thrive in a harsh and indifferent world. He also admires Pinot Noir because he hopes to achieve the same level of excellence and elegance in his writing.

Jack, on the other hand, is indifferent to wine, drinking whatever is available or cheap. He does not care about the nuances or subtleties of wine, only about its effects and benefits. He uses wine as a means to an end, to get drunk or to impress women. He represents the opposite of Miles, a careless and superficial person who lives in the moment and does not worry about the consequences.

Maya and Stephanie are also associated with wine, but in different ways. Maya is a wine lover and expert, who works as a waitress at a winery restaurant. She appreciates wine for its history, culture, and diversity. She sees wine as a living thing that evolves and changes over time. She connects with Miles over their shared passion for wine, but also challenges him to see beyond his narrow preferences and prejudices.

Stephanie is a wine maker, who works at a winery tasting room. She produces wine for a living, but also enjoys it for its pleasure and fun. She sees wine as a source of joy and excitement that enhances life. She connects with Jack over their shared desire for adventure and romance, but also exposes him to the risks and dangers of his actions.

By using wine as a theme,Sideways screenplay pdf shows how the characters' choices and attitudes affect their lives and relationships, and how they can learn from each other and from wine itself.

How Sideways screenplay pdf delivers a satisfying and surprising ending

Sideways screenplay pdf also explores the theme of endings, both literal and figurative. It shows how the characters face the end of their road trip, their relationships, their careers, their dreams, and their lives. It also shows how they cope with these endings, whether they accept them or resist them, whether they regret them or embrace them.

The ending of Sideways screenplay pdf is both satisfying and surprising, because it resolves the main conflicts but also leaves some questions unanswered. It gives the audience a sense of closure but also a sense of possibility.

The ending of Sideways screenplay pdf consists of four scenes:

• The first scene is when Miles confesses to Maya about Jack's affair. This scene resolves the conflict between Miles and Maya, but also ends their relationship. Miles tells Maya the truth because he respects her and feels guilty for lying to her. Maya reacts with anger and disappointment because she feels betrayed by Miles and Jack. She tells Miles to leave her alone and never call her again.

and his fiancée, but also ends his friendship with Miles. Jack decides to go ahead with his wedding, despite his affair and his doubts. He lies to his fiancée and tells her that he loves her. He also lies to Miles and tells him that he is happy. He thanks Miles for being his best man and his best friend, but also implies that they will not see each other again.

• The third scene is when Miles receives a rejection letter from a publisher. This scene resolves the conflict between Miles and his career, but also ends his dream of becoming a writer. Miles reads the letter that informs him that his manuscript has been rejected by the last publisher on his list. He feels devastated and hopeless, as if he has wasted his life and talent. He throws away the letter and the manuscript, and decides to give up on writing.

• The fourth scene is when Miles decides to visit Maya again. This scene resolves the conflict between Miles and himself, but also opens a new possibility for his future. Miles listens to a voicemail message from Maya, who tells him that she read his manuscript and liked it. She praises his writing and says that she wants to talk to him. Miles feels surprised and touched, as if he has been given a second chance and a new hope. He drives back to the wine country and knocks on Maya's door, not knowing what will happen next.

By using these scenes,Sideways screenplay pdf shows how the characters' endings are not final or definitive, but rather contingent and ambiguous. It shows how they can change their endings or create new ones, depending on their actions and decisions. It also shows how they can find meaning and happiness in unexpected places and ways.

Conclusion: Sideways screenplay pdf is a masterpiece of screenwriting

In this article, we have discussed what Sideways screenplay pdf is, how it came to be, how it differs from the novel and the movie, how it is structured and written, what themes and messages it conveys, and why you should read it if you are interested in screenwriting, filmmaking, or wine tasting.

We have shown that Sideways screenplay pdf is a masterpiece of screenwriting, because it:

• Adapts a novel into a movie script in a creative and faithful way.

• Follows the classic three-act structure in a clear and coherent way.

• Uses humor, dialogue, and description in a witty, realistic, and vivid way.

• Explores the meaning of life, love, and wine in a philosophical and emotional way.

• Delivers a satisfying and surprising ending in a satisfying and surprising way.

We hope that this article has inspired you to download or read Sideways screenplay pdf online, and to share your thoughts and opinions on it. We also hope that this article has taught you some valuable lessons and tips on how to write your own screenplay or article.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends and colleagues who might also be interested in Sideways screenplay pdf. And if you have any questions or comments about this article or Sideways screenplay pdf, please leave them below. We would love to hear from you.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sideways screenplay pdf:

• Where can I download or read Sideways screenplay pdf?

You can download or read Sideways screenplay pdf for free from various websites online, such as The Script Lab, Scribd, or Simply Scripts. You can also buy a printed copy of Sideways screenplay pdf from Amazon or other online retailers.

• Who wrote Sideways screenplay pdf?

Sideways screenplay pdf was written by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, based on the novel by Rex Pickett. Payne and Taylor are American filmmakers who have collaborated on several movies together, such as Election, About Schmidt, The Descendants, Nebraska, and Downsizing. They won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sideways screenplay pdf in 2005.

• Who starred in the movie Sideways?

The movie Sideways, which was directed by Alexander Payne and based on Sideways screenplay pdf, starred Paul Giamatti as Miles, Thomas Haden Church as Jack, Virginia Madsen as Maya, and Sandra Oh as Stephanie. The movie was released in 2004 and received critical acclaim and commercial success. It was nominated for