First Pages: Crimes of Grindewald

First Pages: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindewald

First and foremost, what I’ve learned about screenwriting in typing the first and second scenes of The Crimes of Grindewald by J.K.Rowling is that I don’t understand the formatting at all. As a writer, that is. As a reader, it makes perfect sense.

Second and more importantly, there will be NO SPOILERS in my part of the post because I haven’t (yet) read beyond these first pages and I’m trying hard to remind Mini Me NOT to accidentally spoil anything. We’ll be watching the movie in a few days. I might have her post something at the end because she read the entire screenplay Friday night before going to bed. Yes, she is a much faster reader than I am. She shrugged and said, “It’s a screenplay, Mom.” In other words, a quick read.

I love how Rowling starts the screenplay/novel right away with an aerial scene of New York and MACUSA and then goes directly to our main (titular) character. AND a chupacabra. I remember hearing about those when I was little. And being more than a little spooked. It’s definitely a turn-pager right from the start….except I’m trying to refrain until after I see the film. Little Lion and I are both trying to wait until after the film, whereas Mini Me had Mr. Bookworm read it because she wanted to discuss the ending with him. :D

I must say, it’s hard to resist and not just because I don’t want to be anxious while watching the movie, and not just because of Rowlings’ compelling words, and not just because I’m excited that they brought all four main characters from Fantastic Beasts back (How much does Jacob remember? Are Jacob and Queenie together now? I’m a romantic at heart so I feel like they’re destined for each other, especially with the bakery scene at the end of Fantastic Beasts.) The other irresistible part of this screenplay is the whimsical and intricate designs in the cover and throughout the book, once again done by the fantastic team at MinaLima design.

Tell Dr. Bookworm!

Do you read a book before you see the film? If you follow this blog, you already know that order is my preference. Apparently I make exceptions for screenplays.

I may add spoilers here after Tuesday. Until then, I’m staying strong. Maybe.