The Founder

Executive Summary




Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend

Consider

Explanation: The Founder is a compelling screenplay with a strong character arc, historical context, and dialogue. However, it could benefit from further development of Ethel Kroc's character, deeper exploration of ethical themes, and a more nuanced ending. The screenplay's strengths make it a worthwhile consideration for production, but addressing the areas of improvement would elevate it to a higher level.

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Promo


USP: Discover the untold story of Ray Kroc, a charismatic and determined salesman who revolutionized the fast-food industry, in this captivating script that explores the highs and lows of ambition, persistence, and the American Dream. Witness the transformation of a small drive-in restaurant into a global powerhouse, as Kroc navigates the challenges of business negotiations, financial struggles, and personal relationships. With its unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and keen observations, this script offers a fresh take on the familiar theme of corporate power struggles, showcasing the complexities of entrepreneurship, the emotional impact of success, and the human side of a cultural icon. Through its innovative storytelling techniques, distinctive characters, and engaging dialogue, this script is sure to captivate its target audience, offering a compelling and unforgettable journey into the heart of the McDonald's empire.
Overview

Genres: Drama, Biography, Comedy, Historical, Romance

Setting: 1950s-1960s, Various locations in the United States, including California, Illinois, and Minnesota

Overview: The screenplay for 'The Founder' demonstrates strong originality and creativity, particularly in its unique narrative structure and character development. While the dialogue and emotional depth are notable strengths, opportunities exist to further deepen character motivations and improve the resolution for a more impactful conclusion.

Themes: Pursuit of the American Dream, Persistence and Determination, Entrepreneurship and Business, Family and Relationships

Conflict and Stakes: Ray Kroc's desire to expand the McDonald's franchise versus the McDonald brothers' reluctance to do so, with the future of the fast-food industry at stake.

Overall Mood: Dramatic and thought-provoking

Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: The untold story of the creation of a beloved American brand and the complex relationships between its founders.
  • Plot Twist : Ray Kroc's decision to renegotiate the deal with the McDonald brothers and the resulting conflict.
  • Distinctive Setting : The 1950s-1960s American fast-food industry and the rise of the McDonald's franchise.

Comparable Scripts:

  • The Social Network
  • Steve Jobs
  • The Pursuit of Happyness
  • Fight Club
  • There Will Be Blood
  • Citizen Kane
  • Glengarry Glen Ross
  • The Aviator
  • The Wolf of Wall Street
  • The Godfather
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$30-40 million

Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 25-54, fans of biographical dramas and business stories.

Marketability: The story of the creation of a beloved American brand and the complex relationships between its founders has the potential to attract a wide audience and generate buzz.

The unique blend of biographical drama and business story, as well as the exploration of compelling themes with a diverse cast, could appeal to a niche audience.

Compelling characters and a gripping storyline, as well as relevant social themes, could attract a wide audience and generate critical acclaim.

Profit Potential: High, due to strong appeal to a wide adult audience and potential for award nominations.

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Writer's Voice

Summary:The writer's unique voice is characterized by a lively mix of humor, nostalgia, and keen observations.

Best representation: Scene 33 - Ray Kroc's Contemplation and Ambition. This scene is the best representation of the writer's voice because it effectively captures the blend of humor, nostalgia, and emotional depth that characterizes the screenplay. The lighthearted banter between Kroc, Rollie, and Joan adds a touch of humor, while the underlying tension and jealousy hint at the complexities of their relationships. Additionally, the scene's nostalgic atmosphere, evoked by the photo shoot and the discussion of the restaurant's history, resonates with the overall theme of the film.

Memorable Lines:

  • Ray Kroc: Increase supply, demand will follow. Chicken and the egg. (Scene 1)
  • Ray Kroc: Persistence and determination alone are all-powerful. (Scene 41)
  • Ray Kroc: This place you’ve created, it’s not a restaurant. It’s not even a place. It’s an idea. (Scene 15)
  • Mac McDonald: We decide to tear down the kitchen. Rebuild. Reconfigure. Rethink the whole dang thing. (Scene 9)
  • Joan Smith: You don’t build a restaurant empire acting like a timid little mouse. (Scene 34)

Writing Style:

The screenplay features sharp dialogue, intense character interactions, and high-stakes conflicts that drive the narrative forward. The writing style is characterized by a focus on power dynamics, control, and the clash of ideologies, creating tension and suspense. The authors excel in crafting witty and engaging dialogue, blending humor and seriousness to explore complex moral and ethical dilemmas.

Style Similarities:

  • Aaron Sorkin
  • David Mamet
  • Quentin Tarantino
Other Similarities: The screenplay also showcases elements of other authors' styles, such as Noah Baumbach's nuanced exploration of relationships and internal struggles, and Charlie Kaufman's philosophical ideas and character interactions.
Story Shape
Emotions Elicited