MJB SCRIPT REVIEW | DIE HARD

“𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲, 𝐩𝐚𝐥!” | 𝐃𝐈𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 - 𝐌𝐉𝐁 𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖

So here it is! One of my favourite Christmas movies of all time (and yes, it IS a Christmas movie) and one of the greatest action thrillers of all time. The one and only 𝐃𝐈𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃!

Plot in a nutshell: Terrorists take over the Nakatomi building, with the intention of stealing $600 million from its vault. Everything seems to be going according to plan, until one off duty cop decides to mess with their plans… 

Another legendary script that I was really excited about reading and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint. The script carries a beautiful talent in that as it goes on, it escalates in everything. From plot and character arcs to action, suspense, obstacles and outcomes. You start reading and you are instantly sucked into the world. But by the end, you are just on the edge of your seat at this experience that simply doesn’t let go.

The initial entrance of the terrorists to the building is a mix of styles that creates and sets the frenetic tone for the rest of the script. It even says that in the script, going on to confirm that the whole sequence from arrival to control of the building has taken no more than 60 seconds. That takes (ahem) cojones right there to state it and then achieve it From there, we get into the action so quickly, you barely have time to keep up. Yet still, it is very efficient. All the characters are given room to breathe and grow, with fascinating back stories appearing here and there in everything from full-blown duologues to little asides.

This is where the script, I think, shows some of its greatest strengths. It’s the little things. The teddy bear that’s too big to be carried (showing a father’s love for his daughter). The scrunching toes (a need to get back to normal, a guy with his mind on needing no distractions to his purpose of meeting his wife). The flirting (Ellis trying to woo Holly, she ignoring, still hopeful to getting her estranged husband back. Or the flight attendant to McClane, he ignoring, still loyal to his estranged wife). Californians and how they act (symbols of another world and the freedom that evades the responsibility that follows the McClanes everywhere). Cocaine (Ellis using, Takagi ignoring one of his best salesman using, McClane ignoring because he’s off duty and doesn’t need the grief). Even the extras get their own little personalities, from enjoying a good time to looking to get their thang on!. It’s the marvellous details that grow amongst the lush ecosystem of this monumental story.

So, what did I learn from 𝐃𝐈𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃?

1. Having listened to several lectures on writing for stunt and fight coordinators, this script confirms and contains several prime examples of how to write fight sequences for stunt crews to help them translate words into action. In its simplest form, the action is written out blow by blow, smash by crash, broken furniture, snapped necks and all. Much better than “They fight. John wins”. Excellent examples include John’s battle with Marco and later on with Karl.

2. Karl’s hunt for McClane in the air ducts is a masterpiece in tension and flow of scene. You really feel every heartbeat. It takes its time, like a cat hunting a mouse. Slowly, almost painfully, every moment is stretched to a nerve shredding denouement and then pushed further. This is one to study for taking your sweet torturous time with the reader

3. By the time we get to page 74, the script is bouncing effortlessly between news reports, McClane, the police, the terrorists, the hostages…every moment that is essential is being hung on to heighten the energy. Too long in one place would ruin it. But just the right amount of time anywhere gives us character building, plot movement, action and exposition that keeps us on the edge of our seat. This is an essential class in the art of escalation.

4. Effective sequence of action as the helicopters attack the roof of the building towards the end. Swooping, rushing, atmosphere ever changing. Fantastic ADs and another great example of how to write this kind of sequence.

There’s tons more in there and it really is an absolutely essential read. But most of all, it’s just bloody brilliant fun! Hand on heart, I envy Jeb Stuart and Steven E. DeSouza. They got to write this. The rest of us can only wish we get to work on something this good. Here’s hoping!

Link to the script;

https://thescriptsavant.com/movies/Die_Hard.pdf