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[voldy06]

Today, I came across the original screenplay of the PoP movie written by Jordan Mechner in 2004. After that it was rewritten by four (!) different writers. So I thought I would share it with you.

PoP original Screenplay

Comments

[borg_princess]

Damn it. I kinda wish I hadn't seen this post (no offense!) 'coz I really want the original script now. I like the differences! Some make more sense or are just plain cooler! *pout*

I have to stop reading posts about original scripts. This reminds me of my disappointment when I found out the original version of Burton's Alice had not one but two kisses between Tarrant and Alice. *pout*

[voldy06]

You bring up an interesting point. If you think about it the movie seems to tell more or less a fairy tale whereas the script seemed to try to tell a more realistic story and to have more of a religious message?
I'm not gonna lie, I loved it when Dastan started to quote the Prophet. Or how he thought it was ridiculous to worship a lion. Overall script!Dastan seemed way more educated and, well, Persian than movie!Dastan. The latter always irritated me a bit because it was again typical Hollywood whitewashing.

[aenne036]

Thanks for link to the script! I'm intrigued and plan on reading the script when I get a chance.

[voldy06]

You're welcome. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

[voldy06]

You're welcome!

But even if she was a princess, she was still the high priestess sworn to protect the dagger, so I don't buy that excuse. I didn't like how her role in the movie was partly reduced to be the sacrificial lamb. :/

Nineteen for an unmarried princess in the 9th century still seems kinda old, lol.

[voldy06]

I do like movie!Tamina, but in this case I actually prefer script!Tamina a bit more. Or rather, I think their personalities are the same, but the script did a better job at "utilizing" her, for lack of a better word. For example, I liked how she disguises herself as a civilian knowing she would be taken as a slave straight into enemy territory. That was a great risk she took and it showed not only her bravery but also to what lengths she's willing to go. Obviously, I liked that she was more competent with a sword as I have mentioned before. And I liked how it's made clear that she would be willing to sacrifice herself without some grand scene where she actually tries to do so but Dastan has to stop her by force.

I'm not sure I would say that Dastan was immature. I'd call him more playful than immature. But I won't argue the fact that he did grow in the course of the story. Although I think losing his family, being branded a traitor and then being hunted played a bigger role than Tamina did.