Screenwriting : Past Lives - Your Thoughts? by Michael David

I haven't seen "Past Lives," but it's on my watchlist, Michael David. The script is on my read list too.

I watched this movie a few months back and it feels like a different kind of indie film. From its neon palettes to the cinematography everything feels surreal and the pacing of the film gives it a grounded outlook, that's what I liked the most about the film.

Past Lives is one of those rare movies like Aftersun. There's minimal plot. It's mood driven with a subtle directing style and performances that while restrained, ring true. The combination of those two things give both those films their impact. But I do love the less is more approach to the dialogue. Reminds me of Patterson. Which has a similar tone to both Aftersun and Past Lives.

It's hard to describe but all these brilliant films have endings that will leave some viewers empty and others blown away. They're not made for a universal audience because not everyone can appreciate this type of thing. Which is why they're so hard to greenlight without Jim Jarmusch, Christine Vachon or A24 on your team. In development, they're commonly referred to as "Execution Dependent" Because on paper, you have no idea if they'll work. Which is why the Oscar nod for writing is kinda surprising. On paper, never having seen them. Would it work? Ehhhh. I read the script for Moonlight and it's awkward. Not that great. But on film, it's riveting.

What very few people realize is "Past Lives" is just the tip of the iceberg regarding what South Korea has to offer in Films & Dramas. A serious storyteller/screenwriter would do well to study up on the last 5/10 years of that industry.... Personally I felt that Past Lives was "weak tea" compared to what they really have going on in Korea.

Enjoyed every minute of Past Lives. It had its flaws, no doubt, but it was smartly written and filmed with patience and respect for its audience. Felt like a throwback to me, but at Cannes this year all signs pointed toward more of these types of films coming to market in the coming months/years, especially internationally.

I agree with Phil - Korea has some of the most creative film output anywhere in the world. That said I loved PAST LIVES. It was patient, layered and shot beautifully. The dialogue was so well written that it’s subtle approach still stays with me to this day. It’s a movie that stays with you long after the view.

Terrific movie. Can't recommend it enough and a great example of a movie where nothing really happens but EVERYTHING happens

The film has a great flow and pacing which made it really enjoyable to watch. Simple and effective.

Richard "RB" Botto Interesting insight about Cannes. What are some films that were screened at Cannes that remind you of PAST LIVES?

Love how you framed that, Pat Alexander. Credit to the screenwriting.

Not so much screened, Michael David, although I would say that there were plenty of films that fell into the indie drama category including Sean Baker's ANORA which won the Palme d'Or - albeit with some comedy mixed in.

But it was at the market where I heard time and time again about indie dramas (at the right price) making a comeback. Quite a few were bought.