The Screenplay Lab

Jeff Barker
The Screenplay Lab

Join us as we analyze one screenplay at a time, celebrating its stand-alone beauty as a unique literary device, independent of the final film. From exploring tone and theme to dissecting structure and unforgettable characters, we break down what makes each script sizzle. Dive into the rich imagery and clever narrative devices that create a sensory experience on the page. Hosted by Jeff Barker, this storytelling podcast offers a deep dive into the creativity and precision of screenwriting.

Episodes

  1. 007 - Anora

    1 DAY AGO

    007 - Anora

    Sean Baker’s Anora is a Romantic Drama turned Thriller infused with comedy and sharp social commentary. Recently nominated for SIX Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, this modern anti-Cinderella story explores love, independence, and class conflict with breathtaking nuance. What to expect in this episode: The brilliance of Sean Baker’s character-driven storytelling and unique writing style. How Anora balances slapstick humor and emotional depth. A scene-by-scene breakdown: what makes this script so gripping and worthy of an Oscar nod. Symbolism, setting, and the themes of agency and societal expectations. Behind-the-scenes insights, from Mikey Madison’s standout performance to Baker’s collaboration with real-world consultants. This podcast is perfect for screenwriters, film enthusiasts, and anyone who loves diving into the craft of storytelling. Keywords: screenplay podcast, screenwriting analysis, Sean Baker, Anora, Academy Awards 2024, storytelling techniques, character-driven scripts, romantic drama thriller, filmmaking insights, The Screenplay Lab. 🎙️ About The Screenplay Lab: Welcome to The Screenplay Lab, where we study and appreciate screenplays as stand-alone literary works - not just blueprints for film. We deconstruct a script in each episode, uncover what makes it unique, and explore what writers can learn. Anora - Screenplay 📢 Join the Conversation! 💬 Like this episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review! ✅ Jeff Barker's Website ✅Video Podcast on YouTube ✅ Instagram ✅ TikTok ✅ Bluesky ✅ Threads ✅ X ✅ Substack Newsletter

    41 min
  2. 006 - A Real Pain

    FEB 7

    006 - A Real Pain

    Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain isn’t just an Oscar-nominated screenplay—it’s a masterclass in character-driven storytelling, mental health representation, and emotional depth. In this episode of The Screenplay Lab, we break down the script, analyze its hidden meanings, and explore how Eisenberg crafts psychologically rich characters through his minimalist yet impactful writing style. 🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The 4 Hidden Meanings Behind A Real Pain ✔️ How Jesse Eisenberg’s Screenplay Captures Trauma & Mental Health ✔️ Why This Script Deserved Its Academy Award Nomination ✔️ A Deep Dive into Benji’s Personality & Psychological Complexity ✔️ Screenwriting Techniques That Make This Script Stand Out 🏆 A Real Pain – Academy Award Nominations: 🎭 Best Original Screenplay – Jesse Eisenberg 🎭 Best Supporting Actor – Kieran Culkin This film is more than just a road trip story - it’s a poignant exploration of grief, identity, and inherited trauma, all wrapped in sharp dialogue, dry humor, and deep human conflict. As a screenwriter and former medical professional in psychiatry, I break down how Eisenberg accurately portrays personality disorders and coping mechanisms in a way that feels real and relatable. 🎙️ About The Screenplay Lab: Welcome to The Screenplay Lab, where we study and appreciate screenplays as stand-alone literary works - not just blueprints for film. We deconstruct a script in each episode, uncover what makes it unique, and explore what writers can learn. Episode Links: Scriptnotes Podcast Interview with John August A REAL PAIN - Screenplay Curry Barker 📢 Join the Conversation! 💬 Like this episode? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review! ✅ Jeff Barker's Website ✅Video Podcast on YouTube ✅ Instagram ✅ TikTok ✅ Bluesky ✅ Threads ✅ X ✅ Substack Newsletter

    35 min
  3. 005 - The Substance

    FEB 1

    005 - The Substance

    This week, we’re diving into THE SUBSTANCE by Coralie Fargeat - the Academy Award-nominated satirical psychological body horror film that’s making waves with its visceral storytelling and extensive practical effects. We’ll explore how this screenplay drives readers to confront themes of aging, beauty, and perfection, all while dissecting its bold stylistic choices, from black-highlighted text to strategic formatting tricks that amplify tension and horror. We’ll also take a deep dive into Fargeat’s signature storytelling - her influences from Cronenberg and Lynch, her fearless exploration of female empowerment, identity, and transformation, and how she meticulously crafted this screenplay from a 2017 coffee shop draft to an $18M Cannes-winning sensation. 🔬 What We’ll Analyze: ✅ The screenplay’s 5-act structure and how it delivers a tragic, unsettling narrative ✅ The dense, immersive writing style that reads like a literary experience ✅ The visual storytelling techniques- from bold fonts to POV shots inside objects ✅ Thematic breakdown: the cost of perfection, loss of identity, and society’s obsession with youth ✅ Symbolism - how motorcycles, spiders, and black screen transitions deepen the film’s meaning If you’re fascinated by screenwriting craft, horror, and films that push boundaries, this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation! Find me on Substack for deeper dives, follow my website Jeff-Barker.com, and connect on social media. Next week: A REAL PAIN by Jesse Eisenberg! 🚀 Keep writing, keep reading screenplays, and never let a "NO" slow you down. #screenwriting #TheSubstance #Oscars #filmmaking #writing #horror ✅ Jeff Barker's Website ✅ Instagram ✅ TikTok ✅ Bluesky ✅ Threads ✅ X ✅ Substack Newsletter

    44 min
  4. 003 - A Complete Unknown

    JAN 25

    003 - A Complete Unknown

    This week, we're diving deep into A Complete Unknown, the stunning biopic about Bob Dylan, penned by the legendary James Mangold and Jay Cocks. Nominated for 7 Academy Awards (Best Adapted Screenplay), this script chronicles Dylan’s journey from an unknown 19-year-old in New York to his groundbreaking electric performance at the Newport Folk Festival.  What to Expect in This Episode: Analyzing the screenplay’s unique structure, sparse yet brilliant action lines, and bold use of formatting. Exploring themes of authenticity vs. expectations, intimacy vs. autonomy, and the cultural rebellion of the 1960s. A look at Mangold and Cocks' creative collaboration and how Dylan himself shaped the script with his detailed feedback. How this screenplay uses conflict in every scene, character-driven storytelling, and music as a narrative device. How historical context is woven seamlessly into Dylan’s personal story to elevate the stakes. We’ll also break down standout moments, powerful imagery, and why this screenplay is one of the year’s most talked-about works. Whether you're a fan of Bob Dylan, screenwriting, or just incredible storytelling, this episode is packed with insights. Call to Action: Don’t forget to subscribe to The Screenplay Lab on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and join the conversation! For deeper dives and updates, follow me on Substack, Jeff-Barker.com, and across social media. Next week, we’ll dissect another Oscar contender: The Substance by Coralie Fargeat. Until then, keep writing, keep reading screenplays, and never let a "no" slow you down! Here is the screenplay.  Find The Screenplay Lab everywhere: ✅ Jeff Barker's Website ✅ Instagram ✅ TikTok ✅ Bluesky ✅ Threads ✅ X ✅ Substack Newsletter #screenwriting #filmmakiong #ACompleteUnknown

    43 min
  5. 002 - Nosferatu

    JAN 18

    002 - Nosferatu

    This Week on The Screenplay Lab: We're diving deep into Robert Eggers' Nosferatu screenplay, a masterful reimagining of the gothic classic. Fresh off the presses, this screenplay showcases Eggers’ unique style—oscillating between lush, sprawling sentences and punchy bursts of intensity. What We’ll Cover: Robert Eggers: A modern trailblazer of psychological horror (The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman). The Story: A haunting tale rooted in 1830s Baltic German, dripping with eerie atmosphere, twisted obsession, and forbidden desire. Craftsmanship: Explore Eggers' meticulous formatting, sensory-rich descriptions, and innovative use of capitalization, animals, and dialogue to evoke fear and unease. Themes: Female agency, the corrupting influence of greed, and the battle between light and darkness. And Much More: Tone, character, story arcs, internal and external conflict, stakes, and structure. Why Read Before You Watch? Breaking down a screenplay allows you to envision the movie in your own mind before seeing it on the big screen. We’ll walk through standout pages, haunting passages, and Eggers’ bold choices as a writer-director. Join the Discussion: Please subscribe, comment, rate, and share with your screenwriting and film-loving friends. And don’t miss next week’s episode on A Complete Unknown by James Mangold and Jay Cocks. 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Keep writing, keep reading, and never stop chasing your cinematic dreams! Show Links: Nosferatu Screenplay. Watch this podcast. Jeff Barker's website. Robert Eggers interview. Deep Dive Breakdown on Substack.

    54 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join us as we analyze one screenplay at a time, celebrating its stand-alone beauty as a unique literary device, independent of the final film. From exploring tone and theme to dissecting structure and unforgettable characters, we break down what makes each script sizzle. Dive into the rich imagery and clever narrative devices that create a sensory experience on the page. Hosted by Jeff Barker, this storytelling podcast offers a deep dive into the creativity and precision of screenwriting.

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