Quentin Tarantino sold the script for his film True Romance to director Tony Scott for $50,000.
The Sale of the True Romance Script
The sale of the True Romance script was a pivotal moment for Quentin Tarantino, as the $50,000 he received played a crucial role in funding his own directorial debut, the acclaimed 1992 crime film Reservoir Dogs. This transaction allowed Tarantino to transition from screenwriter to director, laying the groundwork for his distinctive filmmaking career.
The details of the sale can be summarized as follows:
| Item Sold | Buyer | Price | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| True Romance Script | Tony Scott | $50,000 | To fund Reservoir Dogs' production |
Script Evolution Under Tony Scott
After acquiring the script, Tony Scott took the creative reins, making several notable changes to Tarantino's original vision. These alterations significantly shaped the final cinematic version of True Romance (1993):
- Re-arrangement of the Film's Layout: Scott restructured certain narrative elements and the overall flow of the story.
- Rewriting the Ending: The film's conclusion was notably altered, with Roger Avary (a collaborator and friend of Tarantino) performing the re-write.
Fans interested in experiencing Tarantino's initial concept can often find his original ending for True Romance included on Special Edition DVD releases of the film, providing a fascinating glimpse into the script's evolution from its inception to its theatrical release. For more details on the film, you can visit the True Romance Wikipedia page.
