Moonstruck, Joe Versus the Volcano, and Five Corners: Screenplays

by John Patrick Shanley

Book Overview

The screenplays of award-winning playwright John Patrick Shanley have earned him a reputation as a gifted writer with a great range and imagination. His movies Moonstruck, Five Corners, and Joe Versus the Volcano have starred such Hollywood luminaries as Cher--who took home an Oscar for her performance in Moonstruck--Nicolas Cage, Jodie Foster, John Turturro, Meg Ryan, and Tom Hanks. This collection showcases Shanley's talent for creating dialogue...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802134718
• ISBN13: 9780802134714
• Release Date: June 1996
• Publisher: Grove Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Showcases Shanley's talents for creating memorable characters and witty dialogue

I love the movie Moonstruck - an all-time classic that is off-beat, humorous, witty and with a cast of memorable characters. When I came across this book of screenplays, I knew I had to have it. It makes for delightful reading - and is even better when you have the movie on [at least for me]. Joe Versus the Volcano was a fun read too. What makes this a great collection is that in the introduction, screenwriter John Patrick Shanley gives us insights into what inspired him to write these three screenplays, i.e. Moonstruck, Joe Versus the Volcano and Five Corners. They were all inspired by his background, his personal experiences [career-wise and romantic life] and his perceptions based on his childhood and what he saw around him and his old neighborhoods. A worthwhile read and definitely a keeper, even after all these years!

SHANLEY BRINGS US OVER THE MOON!

Alright, let's face it: John Patrick Shanley is a genius. How else can you explain a reader's overwhelming mirth brought on by the simple turn of each page from his fine Oscar-winning screenplay "Moonstruck" nearly 14 years after the movie's release? Who could ever forget Loretta Castorini slapping Ronnie across the face shouting matter-of-factly "Snap out of it!" Or mom Rose, at the kitchen table bellowing "Your life's goin down the toilet!", and last but not least ornery but lovable Cosmo declaring "Everything is temporary!" It's a movie/literary lovers delight... And who could forget Shanley's elevator ride in "Five Corners"... or what Heinz did to his delusional, corinthian topped mother. (It's a shocker!)... Oh, and Joe floating on his trunks in the middle of the ocean, picking at his eukele. Aw, it was so much fun to be able to go back and experience these fine tales. Thank God someone had the sense to publish them. Shanley fans will not be disappointed.