ANALYST'S REPORT
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TITLE: |
GENRE: Action-Mystery |
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AUTHOR: Michael January & Stephen |
PAGES: 118 |
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SUBMITTED BY: |
FORM: Screenplay |
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SUBMITTED TO: |
DRAFT: N/A |
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TIME: Present |
LOCALE: Switzerland/Germany |
PREMISE: An ex-Olympic skier, pursuing his dream of building a ski resort in
ANALYST'S EVALUATION
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EXCELLENT |
GOOD |
FAIR |
POOR |
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PREMISE |
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X |
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STRUCTURE |
X |
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CHARACTERIZATION |
X |
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DIALOGUE |
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X
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COMMERCIALITY |
X |
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PROJECT |
RECOMMEND |
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WRITER |
RECOMMEND |
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COMMENTS:
This high concept script revolving around money, murder and skiing action is unusual for the genre in that it has a story with an identifiable universal theme ("Who can you trust?"). It's refreshing in that it's not just an excuse for the exhilarating action sequences.
The main story line is unpredictable, incorporating a number of clever twists and reversals. Though the first meeting between Spencer and Veronique strains believability, it works in a larger-than-life action milieu like this.
The structure is sound, the pace is suited to the genre and the story keeps building tension to a literal cliff-hanger of a climax. Once the main characters are set up, they meet and the action takes off. Backstories are deftly worked in as needed. The conflict is a bit murky, but that's part of the story line in which we're not sure exactly what to believe. Spencer is set up to be likable but not entirely trustworthy, so he remains a suspect. Even though he keeps proving his innocence there's always an element of doubt. There is an element of remaining uncertainty at the end that we don't know and may never truly find out the whole truth about who is behind the schemes, but the resolution of the dilemma of the characters is satisfying, and it seems to matter in this story less "who-dunnit" than who didn't do it.
The characters are robust. Spencer generates a good balance of trust and doubt. We KNOW that he's a good guy, but - is he? VERONIQUE is a real three-dimensional person, not just a personification of the "poor little rich girl." No sloppy sentiment there. They both have enough flaws to feed their conflict.
There's rooting interest for both of the main characters and the stakes are high enough to drive the story. Spencer is not only striving for financial independence, but as the story unfolds he has to defend himself from spoken and unspoken accusations, all the while keeping us on edge whether he's really a killer. Veronique has a need to resolve her own issues revolving around trust, amplified by having to fight for her life.
Supporting characters are appropriately varied, each with his or her own individual quirks. The dialogue is refreshingly witty, flows well and sounds genuine, revealing character traits and essential information while moving the story along at a good clip. Each character, major and minor, has his or her own unique voice.
The writing overall is excellent, showing a mastery of the craft while maintaining an identifiable style. The style is evocative, picturesque and realistic. The concept is good and the execution lives up to its promise.
PROJECT: RECOMMEND
WRITER: RECOMMEND