THE ‘JUNO’ SCRIPT

Okay, for the last week I’ve been going over the “Juno” script like it was the Zapruder film — desperately trying to get up to speed on the appropriate blogging style. Just when I thought I had it – I lost it. But a quick read of “Jennifer’s Body” and I am ready to bring the pain. I’m gonna bump up the snarky and lay down the obscure vernacular to near unprecedented levels. POW! How do ya like me now?

Actually…I’m just kidding.

I thought I’d use this week’s space to take a swipe at all those Diablo Cody haters out there. Those old-school writers calling for her head. Proclaiming that all she’s doing is turning screenplays into blogs. Eschewing any and all substance for style.

And I get it — she’s an easy target. Landing her first screenwriting gig after an exec read her now semi-famous blog. And in the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit, I actually contributed (if only around my apartment) to the Diablo Cody backlash for a split second or two. But I’m here to say, I’ve seen the light. I’m starting a backlash to this backlash.

Why? Because I had two simple revelations. The first…

The more press Diablo gets — the better it is for ALL writers. Yes, she is obnoxious at times. And yes, like everyone else that slaves away at their craft, I was annoyed with her whole, “Gee is writing supposed to be hard? It’s all just so easy for me” routine.

But the truth is, if the media buys into all that, then…well…great! And it’s not just great for her. Because the movie poster for her next movie will have “From the writer of Juno” at the top. Think about that — a writer getting top billing. And that’s good for us all.

The second revelation was…

The girl has talent. Yes, it is (by her own admission) a tad underdeveloped, but it’s there. And let’s not forget, people leveled the same sort of style over substance accusations at Tarantino back in ’94 and he turned out okay (“Deathproof” not withstanding).

So let’s give Diablo her props. The girl came up with a preposterously cool name and has a back-story as a stripper. I would be more shocked if the media didn’t come running. And now that they have…let us all bask in the glow and subsequent benefits.

I, Joe Gazzam, am here to officially pledge my support for Diablo Cody.

There. I’ve said it.