clever screenplay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clever screenplay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a screenplay that is intelligent, witty, or creatively written, often highlighting its originality or depth. Example: "The film received critical acclaim for its clever screenplay, which kept the audience engaged from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Israel's submission, "Footnote," directed by Joseph Cedar, has won festival prizes, especially for its clever screenplay.

The New York Times

If a clever screenplay carries weight with Academy voters, then "Footnote" also should win some points.

The New York Times

The interloper storyline is a familiar one and yet this is where Park, working from a clever screenplay by Wentworth Miller, begins to play.

The Guardian - Film

Some critics assigned the lion's share of the credit for Leisen's next film, the masterful screwball comedy Easy Living (1937), to Preston Sturges's clever screenplay, whereas others praised Leisen for deftly preventing that script from being overly talky.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This occurs when, due to a weird confluence of circumstances – Rob Reiner's directing, Nora Ephron's clever screenplay, the aurora borealis being in the seventh house of Atreus – maddeningly annoying actors like Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal stop being annoying.

The Guardian - Film

Tom Stoppard wrote a tender comedy about marginality, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, inspired by two minor characters in Hamlet, and created the clever screenplay for Shakespeare in Love, a mashup of the rom-com genre Shakespeare himself invented.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Credit strong performances by Carlyle, Guy Pearce and Jeffrey Jones (among others) as well as an unusual score by Michael Nyman and Damon Albarn, and a clever Ted Griffin screenplay that combines 1950s American history, Native American mysticism and cannibalism.

Los Angeles Times

The screenplay has some clever tricks up its sleeve.

The New York Times

Brent Hanley's tautly constructed screenplay adds a clever twist by throwing in a generation gap.

The New York Times

Pakula (who cowrote the screenplay) allowed the clever plot to unravel effectively and made the most of a strong supporting cast (Bonnie Bedelia, Brian Dennehy, Raul Julia, Greta Scacchi).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The film's nightmarish atmosphere was well rendered by director and producer Roy William Neill, and the screenplay, written by Neill and Edmund L. Hartmann, boasts clever dialogue and assorted plot twists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "clever screenplay" with specific examples from the script to illustrate your point. For example, mention a specific plot twist or dialogue exchange that demonstrates the script's cleverness.

Common error

Avoid using "clever screenplay" as a substitute for detailed analysis. Instead of simply labeling a screenplay as clever, explain how it is clever by pointing out specific elements like plot devices, character interactions, or thematic depth that contribute to its ingenuity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever screenplay" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "screenplay". It serves to attribute a quality of ingenuity, intelligence, or wit to the written work. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clever screenplay" is used to describe a script that exhibits intelligence, wit, and ingenuity, indicating that it's more than just well-written. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use across various contexts, particularly in reviews and critiques found in news and media outlets. While alternatives like "ingenious script" or "brilliant script" exist, "clever screenplay" specifically emphasizes the intellectual and resourceful aspects of the writing. Remember to support your claim that a screenplay is "clever" by providing specific examples, going beyond simple praise to show how it's clever. This avoids overgeneralization and adds depth to your analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ingenious script

Emphasizes the inventiveness and originality of the screenplay.

brilliant script

Highlights the exceptional quality and intelligence of the script.

smart screenplay

Focuses on the intelligence and shrewdness evident in the screenplay's writing.

witty screenplay

Stresses the humor and cleverness of the screenplay's dialogue and situations.

innovative screenplay

Highlights the novelty and originality of the screenplay's structure or concepts.

astute script

Focuses on the sharp perception and insightful understanding demonstrated in the script.

deftly written screenplay

Emphasizes the skill and precision with which the screenplay was crafted.

shrewd script

Indicates a clever and astute approach to storytelling.

artful screenplay

Suggests a screenplay that is skillfully crafted and aesthetically pleasing.

resourceful script

Highlights how the screenplay effectively uses available elements to create a compelling story.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe a screenplay as "clever screenplay"?

Calling a screenplay a "clever screenplay" means it demonstrates intelligence, wit, and ingenuity in its writing. This could involve intricate plot twists, sharp dialogue, or insightful character development.

What are some alternatives to "clever screenplay"?

Alternatives to "clever screenplay" include "ingenious script", "brilliant script", or "smart screenplay", depending on the specific aspect of the screenplay you want to emphasize.

How do I determine if a screenplay is truly a "clever screenplay"?

A "clever screenplay" typically exhibits originality, surprises the audience in a satisfying way, and employs wit and intelligence in its narrative structure. Consider if the screenplay goes beyond typical tropes and offers a fresh perspective.

Is using the term "clever screenplay" considered high praise in the film industry?

Yes, describing a screenplay as a "clever screenplay" is generally considered high praise. It suggests that the writer has not only created a compelling story but has also done so with intelligence and skill. It implies that the script is more than just well-written, but that it is also resourceful and innovative.