Knives Out Script Download: How to Read the Full Screenplay of the Hit Murder Mystery
Knives Out is a 2019 American mystery film written and directed by Rian Johnson, who also serves as a co-producer. It follows master detective Benoit Blanc investigating the death of the patriarch of a wealthy, dysfunctional family. The film features an ensemble cast which includes Daniel Craig as Blanc, with Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, and Christopher Plummer.
Knives Out is not only a thrilling and entertaining film that keeps you guessing until the end, but also a masterclass in screenwriting that can teach you a lot about crafting a compelling story, creating memorable characters, and subverting genre expectations. If you are a fan of murder mysteries or aspiring to write one yourself, you should definitely read the full screenplay of Knives Out.
knives out script download
Fortunately, you can download the script from the official source for free. Rian Johnson has generously released the full shooting script for his film online for fans to read freely. You can find it . In this article, we will give you an overview of what makes Knives Out script so special and what you can learn from it.
The Story Behind Knives Out
Rian Johnson is a writer-director who is known for his original and inventive films that often play with genre conventions and expectations. Some of his previous works include Brick (2005), a neo-noir set in a high school; Looper (2012), a sci-fi thriller about time travel; and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), a controversial but acclaimed installment in the Star Wars saga.
Johnson conceived Knives Out in 2005 and decided to make the film after completing Looper in 2012. However, he did not write the screenplay until 2017 due to his involvement in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The project was officially announced in 2018 and sold to distributors during the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival. Filming ran from October to December 2018.
Johnson drew inspiration from classic whodunits by Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Dorothy L. Sayers, and others. He wanted to create a modern twist on the genre that would appeal to contemporary audiences. He also wanted to inject some humor, social commentary, and political satire into his film. He said in an interview: "I wanted this movie to be fun and to be a ride and to be something that you can go see with a big crowd and have a blast with. But I also wanted it to be about something and I wanted it to have a real dramatic engine underneath it and not just be a pure exercise in style."
Johnson also managed to assemble an impressive cast of stars for his film, each of whom brought their own charm and charisma to their roles. He said that he wrote the characters with the actors in mind and tailored the script to their strengths. He also gave them some freedom to improvise and collaborate on their scenes. He said: "I was very lucky because I had a cast who were not only game for that, but they were also just really sharp and really smart. And they would come in with ideas that would make the scenes better."
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The Structure and Style of Knives Out Script
One of the most remarkable aspects of Knives Out script is how Johnson structured his story and kept the audience engaged throughout. The script is divided into four parts: the introduction, the investigation, the revelation, and the resolution. Each part has its own twists, turns, and reveals that keep the plot moving and the suspense high.
The introduction sets up the premise, the characters, and the mystery. We are introduced to the Thrombey family, a wealthy clan of eccentric and greedy relatives who gather at the mansion of their patriarch, Harlan Thrombey, a famous crime novelist. We learn that Harlan has died of an apparent suicide on his 85th birthday, but there are hints that foul play may be involved. We also meet Benoit Blanc, a renowned private detective who has been hired by an anonymous client to investigate Harlan's death.
The investigation follows Blanc as he interrogates each member of the family and uncovers their secrets, motives, and alibis. We also learn more about Harlan's nurse and confidante, Marta Cabrera, who has a unique condition that makes her vomit whenever she lies. Marta becomes Blanc's ally and assistant in his quest for the truth. However, in a surprising twist, we also discover that Marta was involved in Harlan's death, but not in the way we expected.
The revelation reveals the full details of what happened on the night of Harlan's death and how Marta tried to cover it up. We also find out who hired Blanc and why. We learn that Harlan's death was not a murder, but a tragic accident caused by a mix-up of his medication. Marta accidentally gave him an overdose of morphine instead of his regular medicine, and Harlan decided to stage his own suicide to protect her from being blamed. He also left his entire fortune to her in his will, much to the dismay of his family.
The resolution wraps up the loose ends and delivers justice to the characters. We see how Marta outwits Ransom Drysdale, Harlan's grandson who tried to frame her for murder and blackmail her into giving up her inheritance. We also see how Blanc exposes Ransom's scheme and clears Marta's name. We witness how Marta inherits Harlan's mansion and his legacy, while his family is left with nothing. We also see how Blanc respects Marta's kindness and integrity and leaves her in peace.
Another remarkable aspect of Knives Out script is how Johnson wrote his dialogue and action with flair and finesse. He used flashbacks, voice-overs, montages, split-screens, and other cinematic techniques to show different perspectives and timelines of the events. He also used humor, irony, sarcasm, and wit to spice up his dialogue and make it more lively and realistic. He also used visual clues, props, and settings to enhance his story and create symbolism and foreshadowing.
For example, he used knives as a recurring motif throughout the film. Knives are not only weapons that can kill or save someone's life, but also symbols of betrayal, loyalty, justice, and irony. The film's title itself is a reference to a line from Macbeth: "There's daggers in men's smiles." The film features a giant circular sculpture made of knives that serves as a backdrop for several scenes. The sculpture represents Harlan's legacy as a crime writer, but also his family's greed and hostility towards each other. The sculpture also plays a role in the climax of the film when Ransom tries to stab Marta with a knife from it, only to find out that it is a fake prop. The Themes and Messages of Knives Out Script
Finally, one of the most remarkable aspects of Knives Out script is how Johnson explored the themes and messages of his film and made them relevant and resonant for the modern audience. Johnson did not shy away from addressing the issues of class, privilege, family, and morality in his film and how they affect the characters and their actions.
Johnson used Marta as the moral center and the catalyst for change in his film. Marta is a young, immigrant woman who works as a nurse for Harlan. She is kind, honest, loyal, and compassionate. She is also the only person who truly cares for Harlan and treats him with respect and dignity. Harlan recognizes her virtues and rewards her with his fortune and his trust. He also challenges her to be brave and stand up for herself.
On the other hand, Johnson used the Thrombey family as the contrast and the antagonist to Marta. The Thrombeys are a rich, white, American family who are selfish, greedy, arrogant, and hypocritical. They claim to love Harlan and Marta, but they only care about themselves and their money. They also look down on Marta and treat her with contempt and racism. They are willing to lie, cheat, and kill to get what they want.
Johnson also used Benoit Blanc as the voice of reason and justice in his film. Blanc is a brilliant, eccentric, and charismatic detective who is hired to solve Harlan's death. He is also a fan of Harlan's novels and admires his craft and creativity. He is intrigued by Marta and her condition and sees her as his partner in his investigation. He is also determined to find the truth and expose the lies of the Thrombeys.
Johnson delivered a satisfying and surprising ending that challenged the expectations of the audience and the genre. He revealed that Harlan's death was not a murder, but a suicide. He also revealed that Marta was not a killer, but a hero. He also revealed that Ransom was not a victim, but a villain. He also revealed that Blanc was not a fool, but a genius. He also revealed that Marta was not a servant, but a master.
Conclusion
Knives Out script is a remarkable piece of writing that showcases Rian Johnson's talent and vision as a writer-director. It is a fun, entertaining, and intelligent film that pays homage to the classic whodunits while adding its own twist and flair. It is also a film that explores the themes and issues of our times and makes us think about our own values and choices.
If you have not seen Knives Out yet, you should definitely watch it or rewatch it with fresh eyes. You will be amazed by how much detail, depth, and nuance you can find in every scene, every line, every shot, every clue. You will also appreciate how well-crafted, well-acted, well-directed, and well-written it is.
If you have seen Knives Out already, you should definitely read the full screenplay of it or reread it with keen attention. You will learn a lot about how to write a compelling story, create memorable characters, subvert genre expectations, balance tone and style, use visual storytelling techniques, explore themes and messages, and deliver a satisfying ending.
Knives Out script is not only a great read for fans of murder mysteries or aspiring writers, but also for anyone who loves cinema and storytelling. It is one of the best scripts of 2019 and one of the best films of the decade.
What do you think of Knives Out script? Do you agree with our analysis? Do you have any questions or comments? Let us know in the comment section below.
FAQs
Where can I watch Knives Out?
You can watch Knives Out on various streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or YouTube. You can also buy or rent it on DVD or Blu-ray from online or offline retailers.
Is Knives Out based on a book or a true story?
No, Knives Out is an original story written by Rian Johnson. However, it was inspired by various classic whodunits by authors such as Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Dorothy L. Sayers, and others.
Who is the anonymous client who hired Benoit Blanc?
The anonymous client who hired Benoit Blanc was Harlan Thrombey himself. He sent Blanc an envelope with cash and a newspaper clipping of his death notice. He did this because he wanted Blanc to investigate his death and protect Marta from his family.
What is the significance of the title Knives Out?
The title Knives Out has multiple meanings and implications. It is a reference to a line from Macbeth: "There's daggers in men's smiles." It suggests that the Thrombeys are hiding their true intentions and motives behind their fake smiles. It also implies that they are ready to stab each other in the back for Harlan's fortune. It also indicates that the film is a sharp and cutting satire of the genre and the society.
Are there any sequels or spin-offs planned for Knives Out?
Yes, there are. In 2021, Netflix acquired the rights to produce two sequels to Knives Out, with Rian Johnson returning as the writer and director, and Daniel Craig reprising his role as Benoit Blanc. The sequels will feature Blanc solving new mysteries with different casts and settings. The first sequel is expected to start filming in June 2021 in Greece.
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