Shortcomings: A Screenplay

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, 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, 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.