Michael Arndt says that he didn’t want the film to be very funny right from the start and instead begin as low key as possible, gradually building the comedy. He says that the film’s humour derives from the characters’ distinctive worldviews clashing with one another. He gets into specifics about the characters, for example with Dwayne he wanted him to be an unhappy teen but not the stereotype that listens to loud, angry music. Not surprisingly, this track emphasizes character, dialogue and story with the engaging Arndt speaking eloquently about his work.

Writer Michael Arndt is extremely generous about sharing what makes the story work from a script perspective. (One that won the Oscar for best original screenplay). His insights on internal, external and philosophical stakes are priceless for screenwriters both professional and amateur. I also enjoyed his storytelling when it came to the script's genesis and progression into finally being released at Sundance. One of my all-time favorite reviews.

For whatever reason my region 2 DVD has a commentary by Dayton and Faris only. Arendt commentary is missing from this track. Their commentary is ok, they cover the movie on a scene-by-scene basis and are both angaging speakers as have a lot to say about the script, the changes from original draft to film and talk extensively about the casting process.

This DVD commentary had me more often than not trying to hear past the directors and listen to the dialogue of the film. I'm not just saying that the film is wonderful, but that the commentary track is quite bland, and co-directors Faris and Dayton have little insight. Thumbs down for this commentary track.