Comments on: Juno – Diablo Cody Gets A Screenplay Home Run First Time Out

By: Scott W. Smith

Scott W. Smith — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:24:04 +0000

If you read between the interviews Cody had been writing almost everyday (poetry, short stories, essays, blogs) for about 15 years before selling her first script. (That on top of a BA in Media Studies from a very good school known for producing great writers–The University of Iowa.)

Scott
screenwritingfromiowa.wordpress.com

By: Rafael

Rafael — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:40:20 +0000

Juno é um filme fabuloso, a Diablo Cody conseguiu criar uma história sensacional. Não é por ouctro motivo que ela ganhou o Oscar, ela fez um trabalho estupendo!

By: MerryM

MerryM — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:04:11 +0000

at least

By: Phil Gladwin

Phil Gladwin — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:32:00 +0000

You mean it only takes a few years to be an overnight success?

By: MerryM

MerryM — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 06:11:49 +0000

Well, JUNO may have been her “first” screenplay (attempt, idea) but Diablo Cody did have a development deal with the TV network I work for, for a couple of years which produced nothing of consequence. She’s been plugging away just like everybody else albeit more successfully than most.

But then, you know, everyone loves a fairy tale.

By: Packinheat2u

Packinheat2u — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:46:28 +0000

I think Diablo Cody Is a very lucky person because she made an acceptable film. Now i am more enthusiastic about horror and gory films i’m currently a High School Freshman who wants to become a screenwriter, but the film was great.

By: David Lemon

David Lemon — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:33:53 +0000

While it’s true the Diablo Cody brand/story has been a major asset in pushing ‘Juno’ it wouldn’t mean anything if the story didn’t connect with people. I found it really funny and touching, and while it’s true most people aren’t as relentlessly witty as Ellen Page’s wisecracking teen, nor are ‘most people’ worth telling a story on the big screen about.
I also felt it was kind of nice to see women being witty in a comedy, rather than shrewish foils to idiot child men.

By: Phil

Phil — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:19:24 +0000

Hi Ben,

I think the music helps, for sure.

And that’s an interesting comment about Woody Allen. But it would be so hard to imagine him directing this script.

The overly quirky dialogue grated more than once it’s true. But I thought it was fine. Not Oscar winning, but fine.

I say that because almost two weeks later I can’t remember much about the movie, which isn’t a great sign.

But then maybe it wasn’t written for me.

By: Ben

Ben — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:45:07 +0000

Hello Phil/Oli/Writefree/Disaxster et “all”

Re: Juno movie/screenplay

If you took all the soundtrack/music from the Juno movie, would the magic go away or would it be a better movie?

If this screenplay was directed by Woody Allen, would it be a different movie?

I’m having problem watching this movie?

I walked out twice.

I’ll give it another chance on DVD.

Regards
Benjamin

By: disaxster

disaxster — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:51:24 +0000

The fact that it was her first script is very encouraging. Those Hollywood doors are not that well shut after all!

By: WriteFree

WriteFree — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:51:06 +0000

I think that Diablo Cody is an inspiration for those who came from the gutter…stripper, failed marriage, journalist, now Oscar! What a great accomplishment I must say. She gives hope to those who work smart and hard, showing that you don’t have to wait until your hair turns gray to reach success. So to all my fellow writers, know that we are the backbone of the entertainment economy, and if you work hard and stay thorough you can climb any impossible mountain!

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:26:18 +0000

Completely agree about what probably tipped the balance with the script sale. She’s a complete package – and all power to her for it.

It does reinforce the idea that you can’t sit at home and write in a vacuum and expect your first script to be received hungrily. Like all aspects of life, marketing, however cleverly, or indirectly, or subconsciously you do it, is critical.

By: Oli

Oli — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 08:11:20 +0000

As you say, Diablo Cody is very cool; she’s a marketable commodity in and of herself. I’m not trying to diminish her script, which is wonderful, but the book, the blog and Diablo herself sold the movie.

And God bless her. Most working screenwriters are a)men and b)fairly geeky men. To say she’s a breath of fresh air does not give her credit.