Suits
Executive Summary
Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend
Overview
Genres: Drama, Legal, Comedy, Crime, Romance, Thriller, Character, Study
Setting: Present day, New York City
Overview: The screenplay demonstrates strong character development, engaging premise, and effective emotional depth. However, there are opportunities to enhance originality, thematic exploration, and emotional impact.
Themes: Deception and Identity, Ethics and Morality, Career and Ambition, Friendship and Betrayal, Justice and Redemption
Conflict and Stakes: John's struggle to clear his name after being falsely accused of a crime, with his family's reputation at stake.
Overall Mood: Dark and Suspenseful
Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:
- Scene 1: The opening scene sets the tone for the film with its dark and eerie atmosphere.
Standout Features:
- Unique Hook: The film's unique blend of genres, including drama, thriller, and comedy.
- Plot Twist : The film's shocking plot twist that will keep audiences guessing until the very end.
- Distinctive Setting : The film's setting in a small town that is both charming and sinister.
- Innovative Idea : The film's innovative use of storytelling techniques to create a truly immersive experience.
- Unique Characters : The film's cast of unique and memorable characters.
Comparable Scripts:
Market Analysis
Budget Estimate:$20-30 million
Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 25-54, fans of drama and legal thrillers
Marketability: It has the potential to attract a wide audience and generate buzz due to its timely and relevant subject matter, strong cast, and experienced creative team.
It has a unique blend of genres and explores compelling themes with a diverse cast, but may be limited by its niche subject matter.
It features compelling characters and a gripping storyline, but may struggle to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Profit Potential: High, due to strong appeal to a wide adult audience and potential for award nominations
Scene Level Percentiles
Writer's Voice
Memorable Lines:
- Harvey: I would say the ball’s in your court, but the truth is your balls are in my fist. (Scene 2)
- Harvey: The truth is... I do it for the children. (Scene 4)
- Rachel: Do me a favor, don’t poop on my laptop. (Scene 16)
- Harvey: I'm not about caring. I'm about winning. (Scene 14)
- Harvey: Being a success is about knowing the difference between having balls and having courage. (Scene 23)
Story Shape
Emotions Elicited
Consider
Executive Summary
The 'Suits' screenplay demonstrates strong character development, particularly in the relationship between Mike Ross and Harvey Specter. The plot is engaging, with compelling legal storylines and intriguing personal/professional dynamics. While there are a few areas that could use further refinement, the overall screenplay shows promise and would likely appeal to a broad audience interested in legal dramas with complex, well-drawn characters.
- The screenplay demonstrates strong storytelling and character development in the scene where Mike navigates the Ritz-Carlton hallway, using his observation skills and quick thinking to avoid the police sting. This sequence showcases Mike's intelligence, resourcefulness, and ability to think on his feet under pressure. high ( Scene 6 (INT. RITZ-CARLTON HALLWAY) )
- The exchange between Harvey and Mike in Harvey's office is a standout, as it delves into their growing relationship and Harvey's unconventional mentorship of Mike. The dialogue is sharp, and the scene highlights the complex dynamics between the two characters. high ( Scene 14 (INT. HARVEY'S OFFICE) )
- The scene where Mike visits his grandmother is a poignant and emotionally resonant moment that provides deeper insight into Mike's background and motivations. The dialogue between Mike and his grandmother is well-written and effectively conveys the importance of their relationship. medium ( Scene 24 (INT. NURSING HOME - MIKE'S GRANDMOTHER'S ROOM) )
- The drug testing scene feels a bit forced and contrived, as it seems to be primarily used as a plot device to raise tension and suspense rather than being an organic part of the story. The execution could be improved to make it feel more natural and integral to the narrative. medium ( Scene 22 (INT. DRUG TESTING ROOM) )
- The confrontation between Mike and Joanna Webster outside the firm feels a bit rushed and underdeveloped. More time could be spent exploring Joanna's motivations and the emotional weight of her decision to not testify, which would add depth to this crucial plot point. medium ( Scene 23 (EXT. STREET OUTSIDE OF PEARSON, HARDMAN) )
- The screenplay could benefit from further exploration of Katherine Pearson's character and her relationship with Harvey. The scene where she confronts Harvey about the pro bono case suggests a deeper dynamic, but it is not fully developed. Delving into Katherine's motivations and her history with Harvey would add complexity to the narrative. medium ( Scene 11 (INT. KATHERINE PEARSON'S OFFICE) )
- The introduction of Rachel Lane, the paralegal, and her interactions with Mike provide an engaging secondary storyline that adds depth and complexity to the script. The potential romantic tension between the two characters is an intriguing element that could be further explored. medium ( Scene 10 (INT. PEARSON, HARDMAN LAW FIRM - RECEPTION) )
- The dynamic between Mike and his friend Trevor is well-established, providing insights into Mike's past and the temptations he faces. Trevor's character serves as an effective foil to Mike's aspirations, highlighting the challenges Mike must overcome to pursue his legal ambitions. medium ( Scene 3 (INT. TREVOR STEVENS' CONDOMINIUM) )
Screenplay Insights:
Premise: 8.25, The screenplay's premise effectively establishes a compelling and clear foundation for the narrative, setting up intriguing character dynamics and a captivating legal drama. While the premise has a strong foundation and potential for audience engagement, there's an opportunity to refine specific elements that would enhance its originality and overall appeal. See More
Structure: 8.25, The screenplay exhibits a well-structured narrative with a clear plot that effectively engages the audience. However, some areas could benefit from further refinement to enhance narrative clarity and pacing. See More
Theme: 8.00, The screenplay effectively explores its themes and messages, but there are a few areas where improvements could enhance the screenplay's thematic depth and audience engagement. See More
Visual Impact: 8.25, The screenplay provides a solid foundation for visual storytelling, showcasing various strengths. The vividness of the descriptions effectively brings scenes to life, immersing readers in the narrative. Moreover, the screenplay demonstrates a strong command of visual creativity, employing unique and evocative imagery to enhance the storytelling experience. See More
Emotional Impact: 7.75, The screenplay has a strong foundation for emotional impact, featuring relatable characters and a compelling storyline. By refining its emotional complexity, expanding the range of emotions explored, and fleshing out the characters' emotional arcs, the screenplay can achieve even greater depth and resonance, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. See More
Conflict: 7.25, While the screenplay presents intriguing conflicts and personal stakes, a deeper exploration of these elements and their impact on the narrative would greatly enhance the overall tension and audience engagement. Drawing inspiration from the techniques used in exemplary works like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul can guide the screenplay towards a more impactful and captivating story. See More
Originality: 8.25, The screenplay presents a clever story with engaging characters and an innovative approach to legal drama. It incorporates elements of comedy and drama effectively, creating an exciting and emotionally resonant viewing experience. See More
Screenplay Story Analysis
Note: This is the overall critique. For scene by scene critique click here
Summaries
- Mike Ross, a brilliant college dropout, takes the LSAT for others for money. After finishing the test, he must outsmart a suspicious proctor and make a quick getaway.
- Harvey Specter enters Katherine's office in the middle of a heated argument between her and Gerald Tate. Tate accuses Pearson of putting his company's deal in jeopardy and Specter must step in to save the day. He ends up uncovering some shady tactics by Tate and uses the leverage to close the deal.
- Trevor tries to convince Mike to work with him, but Mike is hesitant about the drug business. They are interrupted by Trevor's girlfriend, who unknowingly helps cover for them.
- Harvey juggles his personal and professional life while Katherine struggles with the decision to make Harvey senior partner.
- Mike struggles with his grandmother's illness and drug dealing while Harvey deals with internal office issues.
- Harvey and Donna interview potential law associates while Mike debates entering the drug business with Trevor and Trevor's associates discuss a new potential buyer.
- Mike narrowly escapes being caught by armed men in the Ritz-Carlton while trying to enter Suite 205 for a job interview with Harvey Specter.
- Mike impresses Harvey with his legal knowledge and gets a job offer to work alongside him.
- Mike decides to pursue a career in law and goes to Harvard Law School to apply, using his wits to get in. He then prepares himself for his new career as a lawyer.
- Mike arrives at the law firm for his first day and is given a tour by the paralegal, Rachel. Harvey arrives and is excited about the possibility of being made partner, but is disappointed when he is called into Katherine's office instead.
- Mike starts his first day at the law firm, but Harvey's troubles lead to Mike's firing, and then rehiring.
- Harvey demands a partnership from Katherine, and she agrees to give it to him under a condition: he must take on a pro bono case. Harvey accepts and assigns the case to Mike.
- Mike interviews his client Nancy, who has been harassed and retaliated against by her former boss at Devlin McGreggor.
- Mike updates Harvey on the case and receives advice, including getting a new suit and a lesson on how to fill out a subpoena. Rachel warns him that rookie associates can't leave before 9 PM. Louis wants to meet with him.
- Louis warns Mike of the high expectations of the firm and fires an associate in his presence to exemplify his point. Harvey conceals the pro bono case assigned to Mike from Katherine and Mike's ex-best friend Trevor visits him to make amends, but their conversation doesn't go as Trevor had hoped.
- Harvey and Mike discuss the pro bono case, while Rachel helps Mike with his case against Devlin McGreggor.
- Mike and Rachel work together to try to build a case against Devlin McGreggor, but their efforts are in vain. After their hard work, Harvey comes in and decides to help them out.
- Harvey and Mike argue a motion to dismiss in court, ultimately winning their case. Mike then goes shopping for a new suit with Harvey's recommendation, but is shocked by the prices. Meanwhile, he receives a call from his ex-girlfriend Jenny, who misses him.
- Harvey helps Mike and Rachel with their case against Devlin McGregor while also handling a sensitive matter with a new client, John Dockery. Jenny calls Mike while he is shopping for a suit after winning the case with Rachel's help.
- Mike and Harvey discuss the progress they’ve made while investigating Devlin McGregor, and recruit another woman who was a victim of his harassment to testify. She initially declines, leaving Mike disappointed.
- Mike successfully convinces a hesitant witness to testify against Devlin McGregor using empathy, while Harvey struggles with the pressure from his mentor and a personal matter involving a ransacked apartment. Mike also deals with the aftermath of losing a crucial briefcase to his former friend Trevor.
- Mike accompanies Joanna to a deposition, where she faces tough questioning. Her past is brought up, and the Defense Counsel questions her credibility. Joanna runs out of the room in distress, and Mike runs after her.
- Mike fails to convince Joanna to testify against Devlin McGregor, Harvey confronts Mike about missed details in Joanna's past, and Mike contemplates quitting.
- Mike visits his grandmother who encourages him to keep his promise to stay in his job if the only reason he quits is if they rip him out; Harvey confronts Louis over the firing of an associate, only to find out it was a fake employee used to teach Mike a lesson; Mike returns stolen property to Trevor and takes his expensive suits as payback for stealing the briefcase; Katherine worries about losing Harvey as her best attorney due to his struggles, and Phillip advises her to toughen him up while also revealing some of his own history of being hazed.
- Harvey confronts Joanna, a fake employee used to teach Mike a lesson. Harvey convinces her to testify, and Mike shows up to work after contemplating quitting. Mike reveals his tragic past to Harvey and receives encouragement to trust him.
- Mike presents evidence to Mr. Hunt and his defense counsel, convincing them to admit guilt and resign. Nancy gets her job back, back pay, a raise, and damages for her son's tuition. Harvey and Mike reconcile after dealing with their personal conflicts.
- Harvey seeks redemption by taking on a criminal case assigned to him by Katherine and makes peace with Mike. Katherine reveals her true intentions and Harvey contemplates his past mistakes.
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Character Mike Ross
Description Mike initially expresses a strong desire to get away from his life of crime and 'get his act together,' but then readily agrees to participate in a high-stakes drug deal for a significant sum of money. This inconsistency raises questions about the genuineness of his earlier claims and his overall motivations.
( Scene 3 ) -
Character Harvey Specter
Description Harvey's character arc revolves around his struggle with compassion and caring for others. While he initially shows a complete disregard for others' well-being, he later demonstrates genuine concern for Mike and takes on a pro bono case with personal involvement. This shift, while positive, feels somewhat abrupt and could benefit from more gradual development.
( Scene 12 Scene 14 Scene 25 )
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Description Harvey claims that nobody does anything as a courtesy, yet the opposing counsel sends over discovery files 'as a courtesy.' This minor inconsistency could be easily resolved by altering the dialogue to reflect a more strategic reason for providing the files.
( Scene 16 )
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Description It seems unlikely that Louis Litt, known for his meticulousness and attention to detail, would leave Mike unattended with the briefcase during the drug test, especially considering his suspicions about Mike's activities. This plot hole allows Mike to conveniently dispose of the marijuana without facing immediate consequences.
( Scene 22 )
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Description The dialogue between Harvey and Mike, while witty and engaging, occasionally feels overly expositional and self-aware. For instance, their conversation about caring for clients versus winning cases seems more like a thematic statement than a natural exchange between two colleagues.
( Scene 14 )
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Element Mike's initial reluctance to work with Trevor
( Scene 3 )
Suggestion Mike's repeated insistence on not wanting to participate in the drug deal could be streamlined to maintain a better pace and avoid unnecessary repetition. -
Element Harvey's emphasis on his own importance
( Scene 10 )
Suggestion Harvey's repeated boasting about his partnership and accomplishments, while consistent with his character, could be toned down to avoid becoming overly repetitive and potentially alienating the audience.
Characters in the screenplay, and their arcs:
Character | Arc | Critique | Suggestions |
---|---|---|---|
Mike Ross | Mike starts off as a bright but unmotivated young man with a checkered past. Through his association with Harvey, he discovers his untapped potential and decides to study law. He eventually becomes a successful lawyer, fighting for what's right despite the obstacles that come his way. Along the way, he learns to trust others and open up about his own fears and vulnerabilities. He also learns to take responsibility for his actions and make amends for past mistakes. Through his journey, he becomes a better, more rounded person who is dedicated to making a difference. | The character arc is well-structured and provides a clear arc for Mike Ross. However, it seems a bit formulaic and lacks some depth. The story could benefit from more exploration of Mike's motivations, fears, and personal growth. Additionally, the final resolution feels a bit rushed and could use more time for emotional resolution. | To improve the character arc, it might be helpful to add more scenes that show Mike struggling with his inner demons. This could help make his personal growth more meaningful and add depth to his character. Additionally, the final resolution could benefit from more time for emotional closure and reflection on the journey. This could help provide a satisfying conclusion to the character's arc and leave a lasting impact on the audience. |
Harvey Specter | Harvey's character arc begins as an ambitious and confident attorney who is disappointed when he is not made partner. He realizes that his career is at a standstill, and he needs to make a change. As he takes on more cases with Mike, he discovers a new sense of purpose and acquires a more empathetic and compassionate outlook. He learns to become more introspective and opens up to those around him. Through his relationship with Mike, he develops a more human side and realizes the importance of trust and loyalty. Ultimately, he realizes that being a good attorney is not just about winning cases but also about helping people in need. He becomes more selfless and learns to place the needs of others above his own. | The character arc is well-constructed, but it could benefit from more depth and complexity. The transformation from a cocky attorney to a more empathetic and compassionate one is predictable and could be enhanced by adding more nuanced facets to Harvey's character. Additionally, the character arc could benefit from more external conflicts that challenge Harvey's beliefs and values. This would make the transformation more credible and compelling. | To improve the character arc, consider adding more layers to Harvey's character. Explore his backstory and personal life to reveal hidden struggles and insecurities that shape his behavior. Introduce more external conflicts that test his values and beliefs. Additionally, consider incorporating more meaningful relationships into the story that force Harvey to confront his weaknesses and grow as a person. |
Mike | Mike's character arc begins with him working as a LSAT taker and drug dealer. He is disillusioned with his life of crime and realizes he needs to get his act together. He takes a chance to enter the world of law, albeit hesitantly. As he becomes a lawyer-in-training, Mike navigates professional and personal hurdles that challenge his integrity and morals. He begins to doubt himself and his abilities, but ultimately finds strength in the support of his colleagues, particularly Harvey. He is driven by his desire to make a difference and help his clients, which ultimately leads him to success as a lawyer. In the end, Mike learns important lessons about integrity, honesty, and the consequences of his actions. | The character arc is well-developed and highlights the key themes of the movie. However, there are moments where Mike's character development could have been more nuanced and realistic. For instance, his transition from a life of crime to a successful lawyer-in-training seems too smooth and idealistic. There is also a lack of exploration of his relationship with his grandmother, which seems like a missed opportunity to add emotional depth to the character. | To improve Mike's character arc, the screenplay could add more realistic challenges for him to overcome on his journey to success. This could include showing the difficult and sometimes ugly reality of the law profession, as well as exploring the emotional toll of his grandmother's illness and disapproval of his actions. Additionally, the relationship with his former friend could be developed further to add more complexity to his character. Overall, the screenplay does a good job of developing Mike's character, but there is room for improvement. |
Trevor | Trevor starts off as a successful drug dealer who tries to convince Mike to join his business. As the story progresses, his ambition and greed become more apparent, and he becomes more manipulative and dangerous. He tries to make amends with Mike, but when that fails, he becomes confrontational and ultimately gets what's coming to him. | The character arc for Trevor is a bit predictable, as it follows the typical trajectory of a villain in a crime drama. It would be more interesting to see him develop a deeper motivation for his actions, or to have him change in a more unexpected way. | To improve Trevor's character arc, consider giving him a backstory that explains why he became involved in drug dealing, and how it relates to his desire for money and power. You could also have him change in a more unexpected way, such as turning on his accomplices for a greater cause, or developing a genuine friendship with Mike that complicates their relationship. |
Harvey | At the beginning of the movie, Harvey is a highly successful and confident lawyer, but struggles with balancing his personal and professional life. Throughout the film, Harvey encounters various internal office conflicts and faces mentor troubles and personal struggles. As the movie progresses, Harvey learns to prioritize his clients and colleagues over his own interests, and becomes less arrogant and self-centered. He also recognizes the importance of emotions and relationships in his work and personal life. By the end of the movie, Harvey has grown both personally and professionally, becoming a more sympathetic and compassionate person. | The character arc for Harvey is well-developed and provides a clear trajectory for the character. However, it would benefit from more specific examples of moments where Harvey learns to prioritize others, and how he grows emotionally. Additionally, some of Harvey's actions contradict his newfound compassion later in the film, and could be better resolved. | To improve the character arc for Harvey, the film could include more scenes or moments where Harvey specifically prioritizes others over himself. Additionally, some of Harvey's past actions could be addressed and resolved more effectively to provide a clearer character arc. Overall, the arc could benefit from more nuanced emotional growth for the character. |
Katherine | Katherine starts as a demanding but supportive mentor to Harvey, but as the movie progresses, she becomes more concerned about the ethical side of her work and the people she works with, including Harvey. She begins to doubt Harvey's ability to lead the firm and considers making Mike her successor instead. Eventually, she realizes that she can still have a successful career while also valuing the people in her life, and she ultimately chooses both Harvey and Mike as her successors. | The character arc is well-developed and shows Katherine's growth and realization of the importance of ethics and compassion in her work. However, it could benefit from adding more specific examples of how Katherine's behavior changes throughout the movie. | To improve the character arc, consider adding specific scenes or dialogue that show Katherine's growth and realization. For example, showing her taking a stand for what she believes in or making a difficult decision to prioritize ethics over results. |
Rachel | At the beginning of the movie, Rachel is impressed by Mike's legal knowledge, but put off by his arrogance. However, as she works with him and sees how capable he is, she begins to develop a respect for him. Throughout the movie, Rachel is instrumental in helping Mike win the case against Devlin and grows increasingly invested in the outcome. However, when Mike's lie is exposed, Rachel feels betrayed and angry. She confronts him about his deception, but ultimately forgives him and helps him salvage his career. By the end of the movie, Rachel has developed a close working relationship with Mike and has grown as a person, learning to trust her own instincts and speak up for what she believes in. | The character arc is well crafted and follows a logical progression. However, while Rachel is an interesting character, she sometimes feels like a tool to advance Mike's storyline rather than having her own story arc. It would be beneficial to flesh out her character more and give her more agency in the plot. Additionally, while Rachel is shown to be highly intelligent and resourceful, her vulnerabilities and weaknesses are not explored in depth. This could be an opportunity to add more depth to her character and make her more relatable to the audience. | To improve the character arc, it would be beneficial to give Rachel more agency and explore her vulnerabilities and weaknesses in more depth. This could involve giving her more scenes where she is actively pursuing her own goals or making decisions that affect the plot. Additionally, it could be interesting to explore her past and how it has shaped the person she is today. This could add more depth to her character and make her more relatable to the audience. Overall, Rachel is an interesting character with a lot of potential, and with some minor tweaks, could become even more compelling. |
Theme | Theme Details | Themee Explanation |
---|---|---|
Deception and Identity | The screenplay explores the theme of deception and identity through Mike's double life as a fake lawyer and drug dealer, as well as Harvey's confrontation with Joanna, who turns out to be a fake employee. | Deception and identity play a significant role in the character development and plot twists in the screenplay. The theme highlights the consequences of living a double life and the importance of authenticity. |
Ethics and Morality | The screenplay touches on the theme of ethics and morality through Harvey's decision to take on a pro bono case and Mike's struggle to balance his illegal activities with his desire to do the right thing. | Ethics and morality are explored to showcase the characters' growth and development. The theme raises questions about the line between right and wrong and the choices individuals make when faced with moral dilemmas. |
Career and Ambition | The screenplay explores the theme of career and ambition through the characters' pursuit of success in the legal profession, showcased through Mike's journey from a lowly drug dealer to a lawyer and Harvey's desire to become a senior partner. | Career and ambition serve as driving forces for the characters' actions and decisions. The theme explores the sacrifices individuals make to achieve their goals and the challenges they face along the way. |
Friendship and Betrayal | The screenplay touches on the theme of friendship and betrayal through Mike's strained relationship with Trevor, who tries to involve him in the drug business, as well as Harvey's confrontation with Louis and his mentor. | Friendship and betrayal are explored to showcase the complexities of human relationships. The theme delves into the consequences of trust and the impact of betrayal on the characters' personal and professional lives. |
Justice and Redemption | The screenplay explores the theme of justice and redemption through Mike and Harvey's pursuit of justice for their clients and their own personal growth and redemption arcs. | Justice and redemption serve as motivators for the characters' actions and decisions. The theme examines the struggle for justice in a morally complex world and the potential for redemption and growth even in the face of adversity. |
Screenwriting Resources on Themes
Articles
Site | Description |
---|---|
Studio Binder | Movie Themes: Examples of Common Themes for Screenwriters |
Coverfly | Improving your Screenplay's theme |
John August | Writing from Theme |
YouTube Videos
Title | Description |
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Story, Plot, Genre, Theme - Screenwriting Basics | Screenwriting basics - beginner video |
What is theme | Discussion on ways to layer theme into a screenplay. |
Thematic Mistakes You're Making in Your Script | Common Theme mistakes and Philosophical Conflicts |
Goals and Philosophical Conflict | |
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internal Goals | The protagonist's internal goal is to prove himself as a competent lawyer and succeed in his job |
External Goals | The protagonist's external goal is to succeed in his job and navigate various legal cases |
Philosophical Conflict | The overarching philosophical conflict in the screenplay is the tension between personal morals and professional ethics |
Character Development Contribution: The goals and conflicts contribute to the development of the characters by challenging their beliefs, values, and personal growth
Narrative Structure Contribution: The goals and conflicts provide a driving force for the narrative, creating tension and conflict that propel the story forward
Thematic Depth Contribution: The goals and conflicts explore deeper themes such as morality, justice, success, and personal identity, adding depth and complexity to the screenplay
Screenwriting Resources on Goals and Philosophical Conflict
Articles
Site | Description |
---|---|
Creative Screenwriting | How Important Is A Character’s Goal? |
Studio Binder | What is Conflict in a Story? A Quick Reminder of the Purpose of Conflict |
YouTube Videos
Title | Description |
---|---|
How I Build a Story's Philosophical Conflict | How do you build philosophical conflict into your story? Where do you start? And how do you develop it into your characters and their external actions. Today I’m going to break this all down and make it fully clear in this episode. |
Endings: The Good, the Bad, and the Insanely Great | By Michael Arndt: I put this lecture together in 2006, when I started work at Pixar on Toy Story 3. It looks at how to write an "insanely great" ending, using Star Wars, The Graduate, and Little Miss Sunshine as examples. 90 minutes |
Tips for Writing Effective Character Goals | By Jessica Brody (Save the Cat!): Writing character goals is one of the most important jobs of any novelist. But are your character's goals...mushy? |
Story Content | Character Development | Scene Elements | Audience Engagement | Technical Aspects | |||||||||||||||||
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Click for Full Analysis | Tone | Overall | Concept | Plot | Originality | Characters | Character Changes | Internal Goal | External Goal | Conflict | Opposition | High stakes | Story forward | Twist | Emotional Impact | Dialogue | Engagement | Pacing | Formatting | Structure | |
1 - The LSAT Heist | "Suspenseful" | 8 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
2 - Harvey Closes a Deal | "Confrontational" | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8 | |
3 - The Dealer Proposition | "Humorous" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
4 - Morning After | "light-hearted" | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
5 - Family Matters | "Serious" | 8.5 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | |
6 - Interviews and Deals | "Tense" | 8 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | |
7 - Escape from the Ritz | "Tense" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 9 | |
8 - Mike Gets a Shot | "Serious" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 8 | |
9 - Entering the Law School | "Serious" | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | |
10 - First Day at Pearson, Hardman Law Firm | "Humorous" | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
11 - The New Hire | "Serious" | 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
12 - The Partnership | "Serious" | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | |
13 - Nancy's Story | "Serious" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
14 - The Suit and The Subpoena | "serious" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
15 - Pearson Hardman's Expectations | "Tense" | 9 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
16 - The Pro Bono Case | "Light-hearted, humorous" | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 8 | |
17 - Researching and Strategizing | "Intense, serious" | 8.5 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | |
18 - Courtroom Victory and Suit Shopping | "Witty, confident" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | |
19 - Negotiations and Revelations | "Serious" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 10 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
20 - Investigating Devlin McGreggor | "Serious" | 8 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 8 | |
21 - Betrayal and Testimony | "tense" | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
22 - Deposition Disaster | "Tense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
23 - Testimony Troubles | "Tense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | |
24 - Promises and Ultimatums | "Dramatic" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
25 - Convincing Joanna | "Tense" | 8.7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
26 - The Hunt for Justice | "dramatic" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 9 | |
27 - Redemption | "reflective" | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
Summary of Scene Level Analysis
Here are some things that came out of the scene level analysis.
This is a summary of the strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions found in each scene. Some things might appear in both strengths and weaknesses based on the variety of your scenes.
For summary of each criteria click in the top row on the criteria.
Scene Strengths
- Engaging plot with witty dialogue and a humorous twist on the traditional heist story structure
- Strong character development and interpersonal relationships
- Strong dialogue and character interactions
- Sharp and witty dialogue
- The tension created in the scene is palpable and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats
Scene Weaknesses
- Limited character development for Harvey and Katherine's storyline
- Lack of high stakes and conflict
- Lack of significant character development
- Low conflict and emotional impact
- The scene relies heavily on dialogue and may feel overly talkative to some audiences
Suggestions
- Develop Harvey and Katherine's storyline to add depth to their characters
- Increase the stakes and conflict to keep the audience engaged
- Add more significant character development to create emotional impact
- Ensure the dialogue is impactful and memorable
- Add action and movement to break up dialogue-heavy scenes
- Physical environment: The world depicted in the script includes various physical environments such as testing facilities, law offices, high-end condominium buildings, upscale bars, hotel suites, nursing homes, diners, and courtrooms. Each environment is described with specific details to create a unique atmosphere and setting for the characters.
- Culture: The cultural elements present in the script include drug culture, legal profession culture, elite and high-class culture, and the culture of harassment and struggle to prove it. These cultural elements shape the characters' experiences and actions, as they navigate through their respective worlds and face the challenges and conflicts that arise.
- Society: The societal structures depicted in the script include the hierarchical structure of law firms, the competitive and cutthroat nature of the legal profession, the societal expectations and pressure to succeed, and the power dynamics within various social and professional settings. These societal structures greatly influence the characters' behaviors, decisions, and interactions with one another.
- Technology: The technological elements present in the script include modern communication devices such as cell phones and text messaging. Technology is not heavily emphasized, but it is subtly incorporated to reflect the contemporary setting and to enhance the characters' experiences and interactions.
- Characters influence: The unique physical environment, culture, society, and technology shape the characters' experiences and actions in several ways. The tense and busy atmosphere of the LSAT testing facility influences Mike's decision to take a test for another student, leading to a series of events that change the course of his life. The cutthroat and competitive nature of the law offices in Manhattan shape Harvey's confrontational approach and his pursuit of success. The drug culture and need for trust influence Mike's skepticism towards Trevor's business dealings. The high-stakes and luxurious environments in Manhattan and upscale bars contribute to the characters' motivations, desires, and conflicts. The societal structures and power dynamics within the law firms and legal settings shape the characters' behaviors, decisions, and interactions. The modern technology, though not central to the story, reflects the contemporary setting and enhances the characters' communication and interactions.
- Narrative contribution: These world elements contribute to the narrative of the screenplay by establishing a sense of time, place, and atmosphere, which immerse the audience in the story and create a believable and engaging world for the characters to navigate. The physical environments, cultural elements, societal structures, and technology serve as backdrops and contextualize the characters' experiences and actions. They also contribute to the plot developments, conflicts, and resolutions, as the characters interact within these worlds and face the challenges and obstacles presented by their environments.
- Thematic depth contribution: The world elements in the script also contribute to the thematic depth of the screenplay. The physical environments reflect the different social, professional, and personal realms that the characters inhabit, highlighting themes such as ambition, success, power, and personal growth. The cultural elements emphasize themes of trust, loyalty, integrity, and the struggle against injustice. The societal structures and power dynamics explore themes of hierarchy, competition, and the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. The technology, though subtle, reflects the modern world and raises questions about its impact on communication, relationships, and ethics. Overall, these world elements deepen the narrative and explore complex themes within the context of the characters' experiences and actions.
Top Correlations and patterns found in the scenes:
Pattern | Explanation |
---|---|
Emotional Impact vs. Conflict | This score shows that scenes with higher emotional impact tend to have higher conflict scores as well. This could suggest that the emotional stakes contribute to the conflict in the scene. |
Character Changes vs. Overall Grade | There is a positive correlation between the character changes score and the overall grade of the scene. This indicates that scenes with more significant character changes tend to receive higher overall grades. |
Dialogue vs. Plot | There is a slightly negative correlation between the dialogue score and the plot score. Scenes with more dialogue tend to have slightly lower plot scores, which may suggest that the dialogue is not always driving the plot forward effectively. |
Tone vs. Move Story Forward | There is a positive correlation between scenes with a tense or serious tone and a score for moving the story forward effectively. This indicates that tense or serious scenes tend to drive the story forward more effectively than other types of scenes. |
High Stakes vs. Emotional Impact | There is a positive correlation between the score for high stakes and emotional impact, indicating that scenes with higher stakes tend to have a stronger emotional impact on the audience. This suggests that it may be beneficial to focus on creating high stakes in scenes to increase their impact. |
Concept vs. Plot | There is a positive correlation between the scores for concept and plot, suggesting that a strong concept can lead to a more compelling plot. |
Character Changes vs. Conflict | There is a positive correlation between character changes and conflict scores. This may indicate that character changes often arise from conflicts within the story. |
Humorous Tone vs. Emotional Impact | Scenes with a humorous tone tend to have slightly lower emotional impact scores, suggesting that humor may somewhat weaken the emotional impact of a scene. |
Here are different Tropes found in the screenplay
Trope | Trope Details | Trope Explanation |
---|
Memorable lines in the script:
Scene Number | Line |
---|---|
2 | Harvey: I would say the ball’s in your court, but the truth is your balls are in my fist. |
4 | Harvey: The truth is... I do it for the children. |
16 | Rachel: Do me a favor, don’t poop on my laptop. |
14 | Harvey: I'm not about caring. I'm about winning. |
23 | Harvey: Being a success is about knowing the difference between having balls and having courage. |
Some Loglines to consider:
An unlikely team of a college dropout and high-powered lawyer take on a pro bono case against a powerful opponent, leading them on a journey of personal growth and redemption. |
Aspiring lawyer Mike Ross takes a risk to make a quick buck, only to find himself working for top lawyer Harvey Specter and fighting for justice in a high-stakes court case. |
Mike Ross faces his personal demons and a dangerous drug business while working on a critical pro bono case with Harvey Specter, leading to unexpected challenges and triumphs. |
Amidst office politics and personal struggles, Mike Ross and Harvey Specter team up to take on a powerful opponent in a fight for justice and redemption. |
A college dropout and a top lawyer join forces to fight for justice in a complex case, forcing them to confront their own fears and challenges in order to win. |
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Explanation: The 'Suits' screenplay demonstrates strong character development, particularly in the relationship between Mike Ross and Harvey Specter. The plot is engaging, with compelling legal storylines and intriguing personal/professional dynamics. While there are a few areas that could use further refinement, the overall screenplay shows promise and would likely appeal to a broad audience interested in legal dramas with complex, well-drawn characters.