Matilda - Review

Screenplay by Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord

Adapted from the novel by Roald Dahl

I love the book, I love the musical, I love the movie. Roald Dahl is a genius, and studying his work as the first screenplay I’ve read feels pretty right. In terms of the movie’s actual plot and structure, It didn’t feel super clean and close to the cat’s story beats. It holds a lot of good feelings, good themes, and 90′s nostalgia, which is why I still consider it one of my favorites. I didn’t expect Danny Devito to play such a primary role in this version.

opening image: Matilda as a baby, meeting uncaring and unloving parents.

Theme Stated: Her father tells her “when a person is bad, that person has to be taught a lesson.”

Set-up: Mistreated but sweet and clever youngest child must be independent and self-sufficient when her horrible parents mistreat her.

Catalyst: Matilda uses her mind to destroy her family’s TV set, after being provoked and abused by her father. powers???

Debate: Shes sent to school, and meets the terrifying ms. trunchbowl. and the wonderful ms. honey!

Break into Two: 

B-story: The mystery behind Ms. Honey’s Father’s death, and the unfair treatment she receives from her aunt, Mrs. Trunchbowl.

Fun and Games: The school cheering after cake, matilda mastering her powers, 

Midpoint: Ms. Truchchbowl visits the classroom, and terrorizes the students. Newt scene. Ms. Honey and Matilda get closer. 

Bad Guys Close in: Ms. Trunchbowl comes back early while they are still in the house, and they run and hide to try and escape her. 

All is Lost: Ms. Trunchbowl almost catches them, they lose Lissie doll and all of ms. honey’s treasures.  

Dark night of the soul:  Ms. honey tells her to give up and never go back into the house. defeat.

Break into Three: Matilda uses the information she learned from Ms. Honey about her father and her Aunt, and takes the initiative towards Mrs. Trunchbowl. She works towards mastering her powers, scaring Ms. Trunchbowl in the house.

Finale: All of the children rise up against Mrs. Trunchbowl, throwing their lunches at her. Her hold on them, and ms. honey is broken. Matilda also stands up to her parents, when they try to escape to Guam.

Final Image: Ms. Honey reading with Matilda before bed. shes finally found a mother.