A far more competitive field than it was last year, with some truly heartbreaking decisions about who to leave off. But five is the ceiling, and these are the five
Adapted Screenplays that I thought were tops:
CAROL by Phyllis Nagy
There's nary a false adjective in Nagy's descriptive prose. Her words inform Haynes' sensualist direction in rich detail, and every line of dialogue means more than just one thing. Magnificent writing.
THE MARTIAN by Drew Goddard
Goddard's wit and lighthearted touch is perfectly judged, but let us not overlook his skillful structuring. He deftly balances multiple plots without ever losing the story's propulsive pace.
MR. HOLMES by Jeffrey Hatcher
The quaint mystery narrative is what piques our intrigue – constantly pressing forward through cunning time jumps – but it's the emotional characterizations that make us care.
ROOM by Emma Donoghue
Donoghue's adaptation of her own bestselling book is compelling and emotionally perceptive. Its literary structure survives, but only occasionally does it feel like a novel transposed.
STEVE JOBS by Aaron Sorkin
Tidy three-act structure is highly fictionalized but also elegantly effective; At once a gimmick and a masterstroke. All characters are beautifully defined and developed. Hilarious dialogue, as usual.
JUST missed:
45 Years by Andrew Haigh
Brooklyn by Nick Hornby
Other considerations:
Far from the Madding Crowd by David Nichols
Love & Mercy by Oren Moverman and Michael A. Lerner
Anomalisa by Charlie Kaufman
