The shining

Executive Summary




Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend

Consider

Explanation: The Shining screenplay is a chilling and atmospheric horror story with strong performances and effective use of suspense. However, it suffers from pacing issues and underdeveloped characters, particularly Wendy. Further exploration of the supernatural elements and the hotel's backstory could enhance the narrative.

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Promo


USP: This script offers a fresh and chilling take on the haunted hotel genre, with a unique blend of psychological horror, supernatural elements, and family drama. The characters are authentic and relatable, brought to life through naturalistic dialogue and nuanced performances. The Overlook Hotel is not just a backdrop, but a character in its own right, with a dark and tragic history that seeps into the present. The innovative storytelling techniques, including the use of Danny's 'shining' ability, add depth and intrigue to the narrative. This script is a compelling and original piece of storytelling that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Overview

Genres: Horror, Drama, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Horror, Psychological

Setting: Present day, The Overlook Hotel, a grand but isolated hotel located in the Colorado Rockies, and Boulder, USA.

Overview: The screenplay for 'The Shining' demonstrates strong character development, effective use of dialogue, and a unique exploration of psychological tension and human nature. While there are areas for improvement, the screenplay has a solid foundation with significant potential for impact.

Themes: Isolation and Confinement, Family Dynamics and Relationships, Supernatural and the Occult

Conflict and Stakes: The primary conflict is between Jack and the hotel's malevolent forces, which threaten to drive him insane and harm his family. The stakes are high, as Jack's mental health, his family's safety, and their very lives are at risk.

Overall Mood: Psychological horror and suspense

Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: A fresh take on a classic horror story, with updated visuals and a modern audience in mind.
  • Plot Twist : The hotel's malevolent forces threaten to drive Jack insane and harm his family, adding a layer of psychological tension to the supernatural elements.
  • Distinctive Setting : The isolated and grand Overlook Hotel, with its dark past and supernatural presence.

Comparable Scripts:

  • The Shining by Stephen King (book)
  • The Shining (1980) directed by Stanley Kubrick
  • Doctor Sleep (2019) directed by Mike Flanagan
  • The Haunting of Hill House (novel and series)
  • 1408 (2007) directed by Mikael Håfström
  • The Amityville Horror (1979) directed by Stuart Rosenberg
  • The Innocents (1961) directed by Jack Clayton
  • The Turn of the Screw (novella and various adaptations)
  • The Changeling (1980) directed by Peter Medak
  • The Legend of Hell House (1973) directed by John Hough
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$20-30 million

Target Audience Demographics: Young adults and adults aged 18-49, fans of horror and psychological thrillers.

Marketability: The Shining is a classic horror novel and film, and this screenplay offers a fresh take on the story with updated visuals and a modern audience in mind. The supernatural elements and psychological tension are sure to attract horror fans, while the family drama and character development will appeal to a wider audience.

The horror genre can be hit or miss at the box office, and this screenplay may not appeal to audiences outside of the genre. However, the strong character development and themes of addiction and isolation could attract a wider audience.

The Shining has a cult following, and this screenplay offers a new interpretation of the story that could appeal to fans of the original. The supernatural elements and psychological tension are sure to attract horror fans, while the family drama and character development will appeal to a wider audience.

Profit Potential: Moderate to high, depending on the success of the film at the box office and in home media sales.

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Writer's Voice

Summary:The writer's voice in the screenplay is characterized by a blend of natural dialogue, detailed descriptions, and a sense of realism. The writer effectively captures the essence of the characters and their interactions, creating a palpable and immersive atmosphere throughout the narrative.

Best representation: Scene 1 - Danny's Reluctance to Move to the Overlook Hotel. Scene 1 best showcases the author's unique voice through its concise and realistic dialogue, detailed scene descriptions, and smooth transitions between locations. The scene effectively introduces the main characters and establishes the professional and polite atmosphere of the hotel interview, setting the tone for the rest of the screenplay.

Memorable Lines:

  • Jack: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. (Scene 46)
  • Jack: Here's Johnny! (Scene 38)
  • Danny: Red Rum. Red Rum. Red Rum. (Scene 36)
  • Jack: They had to, in order to survive. (Scene 7)
  • Jack: I'm not going to hurt you... I'm just going to bash your brains in! I'm going to bash them right the fuck in. (Scene 32)

Writing Style:

The writing style in this screenplay can be characterized as a blend of psychological horror, suspenseful tension, and complex character dynamics, with a strong emphasis on atmospheric settings and power struggles.

Style Similarities:

  • Stephen King
  • Alfred Hitchcock
  • Stanley Kubrick
Other Similarities: The screenplay also incorporates elements from other notable screenwriters and directors, such as Christopher Nolan, David Fincher, and Quentin Tarantino, creating a rich and engaging narrative that combines suspense, tension, and character development.
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