Breaking bad

Executive Summary




Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend

Highly Recommend

Explanation: Breaking Bad's pilot screenplay is a masterclass in character development, showcasing a dramatic transformation of its protagonist set against the backdrop of illegal drug manufacturing. The narrative is gripping, with a well-paced plot and rich dialogue that hooks the audience effectively.

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Overview

Genres: Drama, Crime, Thriller, Family, Slice of Life, Comedy

Setting: Contemporary, Various locations including a cow pasture, a high school, a car wash, a house, a kitchen, a meth lab, and a Winnebago

Overview: The screenplay garners a strong overall score of 8.15, reflecting its compelling character arcs, well-crafted dialogue, and exploration of complex themes. However, areas for improvement exist in pacing, originality, and fully maximizing the emotional impact.

Themes: Moral Conflict, Family Relationships, Power and Corruption, Identity, Consequences

Conflict and Stakes: The primary conflicts revolve around Walt's internal struggle with his actions, his battle with cancer, and the consequences of his choices on his family. The stakes include his life, his family's safety, and his moral integrity.

Overall Mood: Dark, intense, suspenseful

Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:

  • Scene 1: The opening scene sets a dark and foreboding tone with a sense of desperation and danger.
  • Scene 5: The scene with Walt's cancer diagnosis conveys a somber and anxious mood, highlighting the gravity of his situation.
  • Scene 10: The confrontation in the woods is tense and suspenseful, with a constant sense of danger and uncertainty.

Standout Features:

  • Complex Characters: Walt's transformation from a mild-mannered teacher to a ruthless drug lord is a standout feature.
  • Moral Ambiguity : The exploration of moral gray areas and the consequences of one's choices adds depth to the story.
  • Intense Drama : The tension, suspense, and high-stakes situations create a gripping viewing experience.

Comparable Scripts:

  • The Shield
  • The Wire
  • Breaking Bad
  • Fargo
  • No Country for Old Men
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$50-70 million

Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 18-54, fans of crime dramas, thrillers, and character-driven narratives

Marketability: The intense drama, complex characters, and moral dilemmas make it highly marketable to a wide audience

The unique blend of genres, strong character development, and gripping storyline make it appealing to viewers seeking depth and complexity

The high production value, critical acclaim, and strong fan base contribute to its marketability

Profit Potential: High, due to the show's cult following, critical acclaim, and potential for syndication and merchandise sales

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Writer's Voice

Summary:The writer's voice is characterized by its grit, intensity, dark humor, and focus on morally complex characters.

Best representation: Scene 14 - . This scene is the best representation of the writer's voice because it showcases the writer's ability to blend dark humor with intense drama and create morally complex characters.

Memorable Lines:

  • Hank: Meth labs are nasty on a good day -- but when you mix that stuff wrong, you wind up with mustard gas. (Scene 6)
  • Walt: What if I showed you my secret? Every cook's got his recipe -- what if I taught you mine? Let us both live, I'll teach you. (Scene 13)
  • Walt: Either that, or I turn you in. (Scene 7)
  • Dupree: This is art. Mr. White (Scene 12)
  • Walter White: My name is Walter Hartwell White. I live at 308 Belmont Avenue, Ontario, California 91764. I am of sound mind. (Scene 1)

Writing Style:

The screenplay exhibits a diverse range of writing styles, with influences from renowned screenwriters like Vince Gilligan, David Chase, and Aaron Sorkin. The focus on complex character development, moral ambiguity, realistic dialogue, and societal commentary is evident throughout the screenplay.

Style Similarities:

  • Vince Gilligan
  • David Chase
  • Aaron Sorkin
Other Similarities: The screenplay also incorporates elements from other notable screenwriters, such as Noah Hawley, David Simon, Quentin Tarantino, and David Mamet, resulting in a rich and multifaceted writing style.
Story Shape
Emotions Elicited