American Hustle

Executive Summary





Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend
Engine: Gemini

Consider

Explanation: American Hustle is a character-driven drama with witty dialogue, complex relationships, and a captivating exploration of themes like deception, reinvention, and survival. While the pacing could be tightened in certain sections and some characters could benefit from further development, the screenplay's strengths make it a compelling and entertaining read. With some revisions, it has the potential to be a highly successful film.

Engine: Claude

Recommend

Explanation: American Hustle is a well-crafted and engaging screenplay that follows the story of Irving Rosenfeld, a skilled con artist, and his partner Sydney Prosser as they navigate the complex world of white-collar crime in 1970s New York. The screenplay is praised for its strong character development, particularly for the protagonist Irving and the supporting character Carmine Polito, as well as its effective blending of drama, suspense, and humor. The screenplay also stands out for its intricate plotting and creative execution of the various con artist elements, which drive the narrative forward in a compelling manner. While there are a few areas for potential improvement, such as slight pacing issues and the need for further exploration of certain characters, the overall strength and unique selling proposition of the screenplay make it a strong contender for consideration.

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Promo


USP: Discover a world of cunning con artists, high-stakes schemes, and complex relationships in this captivating script that blends sharp dialogue, witty banter, and a focus on character dynamics. With a unique voice that delves into the intricate motivations of its characters, this story offers a fresh take on the crime genre, exploring themes of deception, manipulation, and loyalty against the backdrop of a meticulously crafted narrative. From the tense confrontations and chaotic interactions to the emotional turmoil and power struggles, this script keeps you on the edge of your seat with its unpredictable twists and turns. Witness the transformation of characters as they navigate their way through a labyrinth of white-collar crime, political corruption, and personal relationships, all while striving for success and survival in a world where trust is a rare commodity.
Overview

Genres: Drama, Crime, Thriller, Comedy, Romance

Setting: 1970s, New York and New Jersey

Overview: The screenplay displays strong character development, engaging dialogue, and thematic depth, with room for improvement in emotional impact and unpredictability.

Themes: Deception and Manipulation, Power and Corruption, Identity and Self-Discovery, Relationships and Betrayal

Conflict and Stakes: The primary conflict in this story is between Irving and Richie, as Irving tries to protect his family and business while Richie tries to build a case against corrupt politicians and businessmen. The stakes are high for all characters involved, as they risk losing their freedom, reputation, and relationships.

Overall Mood: Stylish, tense, and unpredictable.

Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:

  • Scene Scene 1: Tense and confrontational, with Irving and Richie exchanging heated words and accusations.
  • Scene Scene 2: Tense and uncomfortable, with Carmine expressing his frustration and Irving getting angry with Richie.
  • Scene Scene 3: Contemplative and nostalgic, with Irving reflecting on his past and the choices he made to survive.

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: Unique blend of genres, including crime drama, comedy, and romance.
  • Plot Twist : Multiple plot twists and surprises that keep the audience engaged.
  • Distinctive Setting : 1970s New York and New Jersey, with stylish visuals and period details.
  • Innovative Ideas : Exploration of themes such as deception, corruption, and loyalty in a fresh and engaging way.
  • Unique Characters : Compelling and memorable characters, including a heavyset con artist, a femme fatale, and an ambitious FBI agent.

Comparable Scripts:

  • American Hustle
  • The Wolf of Wall Street
  • Catch Me If You Can
  • Goodfellas
  • The Sting
  • Ocean's Eleven
  • The Departed
  • Boiler Room
  • The Big Short
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$40-50 million

Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 25-54, fans of crime dramas and thrillers.

Marketability: The film has a unique blend of genres, compelling characters, and a gripping storyline that has the potential to attract a wide audience and generate buzz. The 1970s setting and stylish visuals also add to its appeal.

The film explores compelling themes with a diverse cast and a unique blend of genres, which could appeal to audiences looking for something different. However, its complex plot and mature themes may limit its appeal to some viewers.

The film features compelling characters and a gripping storyline, as well as relevant social themes and stylish visuals. However, its lengthy runtime and mature content may limit its appeal to some audiences.

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

Scene Level Percentiles
Script Level Percentiles
Emotions Elicited Percentiles
Writer's Voice

Summary:The writer's voice is characterized by a blend of sharp dialogue, witty banter, and a focus on character dynamics and power relationships. The voice is often humorous and engaging, with a hint of darkness and intrigue.

Best representation: Scene 23 - The Dangerous Microwave: A Spark in the Rosenfeld Marriage. Scene 23 is a great example of the writer's voice because it combines sharp dialogue, witty banter, and a focus on character dynamics and power relationships. The scene is also humorous and engaging, with a hint of darkness and intrigue.

Memorable Lines:

  • Richie Dimaso: How’s that? You bothered now? (Scene 1)
  • Irving Rosenfeld: Now I gotta go mop up your mess. I'm gonna go fucking mop up your mess! (Scene 2)
  • Irving Rosenfeld: I was gonna survive no matter what. I still had the glass business and a few dry cleaning stores on the side. (Scene 3)
  • Irving Rosenfeld: People believe what they want to believe. Cause the guy who made this was so good that it’s real to everybody. Now whose the master -- the painter or the forger? (Scene 15)
  • Carmine Polito: This is real. You understand? This is real. On my family. On my kids. On my life. On my work. (Scene 34)

Writing Style:

The writing style across the screenplay is characterized by sharp dialogue, intense character dynamics, and a blend of drama and dark humor. The scenes showcase complex characters, moral ambiguity, and high-stakes conflicts, resulting in a captivating and engaging narrative.

Style Similarities:

  • David O. Russell
  • Martin Scorsese
  • Aaron Sorkin
  • Quentin Tarantino
Other Similarities: The writing style in the screenplay demonstrates a versatile and engaging approach, blending elements from various influential screenwriters and authors. The resulting narrative is captivating, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant, offering a rich and immersive experience for the audience.
Story Shape
Emotions Elicited