Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The annotated and expanded screenplay adaptation of the landmark graphic novel
The major motion picture adaptation of Adrian Tomine's beloved New York Times Notable Book debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and made its New York premiere at the Tribeca Festival to great acclaim. Written by Tomine and helmed by director Randall Park, Shortcomings was lauded by The New York Times for its liberating representation of Asian Americans in all their messiness and humanity.
Tomine's screenplay is presented here in its final "shooting draft" form, along with extensive annotations, commentary, and bonuses including deleted and alternate scenes. This gorgeously-designed volume is supplemented with film stills, behind-the-scenes photos, and also includes an introduction by Park and a new, original comic from Tomine. A perfect companion to the original graphic novel, Shortcomings: A Screenplay is a peek behind the curtain of a story's progression from comic to script to film.
For fans of Tomine and movie-making alike, Shortcomings: A Screenplay is a brutal, funny, and insightful read in its own right, as well as a fascinating document of the translation of Tomine's expertly-crafted plot turns, subtle characterization, and irreverent humor from one medium into another.
Synopsis
The annotated and expanded screenplay adaptation of the landmark graphic novel
Ben and Miko's relationship is in trouble. He's a struggling filmmaker, she works for a local film festival, and in various ways, they're both searching for something else. When he's not managing a derelict movie theater, Ben spends his time obsessing over unavailable blonde women, watching Criterion Collection DVDs, and eating in diners with his best friend Alice, a grad student with a serial dating habit. When Miko moves to New York for an internship, Ben begins to explore what he thinks he wants, throwing himself headfirst into new relationships, unfamiliar surroundings, and uncharted emotional territory. Equal parts comedy and drama, Shortcomings explores the complexities of culture, desire, and Asian American identity with a critical eye and unsparing, irreverent wit.
Based on Adrian Tomine's groundbreaking graphic novel of the same name, Shortcomings was written by Tomine and directed by Randall Park. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was an official selection at the Tribeca Festival in advance of a theatrical release from Sony Picture Classics.
Tomine's screenplay is presented here with extensive annotations, commentary, and bonuses, including alternate and deleted scenes, a selection of color film stills, an introduction from Randall Park, and an exclusive new comic from Tomine. An essential companion to the original graphic novel, this volume is an illuminating document of an iconic story's adaptation from page to screen.