Catch me if you can

Executive Summary

Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend

Recommend

Explanation: Catch Me If You Can is a highly engaging screenplay with a charismatic protagonist, a suspenseful cat-and-mouse dynamic, and a fascinating exploration of a complex father-son relationship. While some character arcs could benefit from further development, the fast-paced plot and stylish setting make it a compelling and entertaining story. With minor revisions, this screenplay has the potential to be a box-office success.

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Promo


USP: This captivating script offers a unique blend of genres, delving into the intricate world of imposture, crime, and redemption. With its unforgettable central character, Frank Abagnale Jr., the script weaves a spellbinding tale of deception and transformation. Through a series of thrilling encounters and intense confrontations, the story explores the complexities of loyalty, family, and the human desire to escape one's past. The script's distinctive storytelling techniques and original scenarios, combined with its authentic character interactions and emotionally resonant dialogue, make it a standout in the genre. It promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats while captivating them with its thought-provoking themes and unforgettable characters.
Overview

Genres: Drama, Crime, Thriller, Romance, Comedy, Family, Biography

Setting: 1960s - 1970s, United States and France

Overview: The screenplay demonstrates strong character development, creativity in narrative structure, and a compelling theme exploration. While there are areas for improvement in emotional depth and resolution satisfaction, the screenplay shows great potential for impact and engagement.

Themes: Consequences of Deception, Importance of Redemption, Power of Persistence, Importance of Family, Search for Identity

Conflict and Stakes: Frank Abagnale's struggle to maintain his secret identity and evade capture by the FBI, while Joe Shaye races against time to apprehend him before he can cause more harm. The stakes are high for both Frank and Joe, as Frank faces the threat of imprisonment and Joe risks losing his job and reputation if he fails to catch him.

Overall Mood: A mix of suspense, excitement, and intrigue, with moments of humor and pathos.

Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:

  • Scene 2: Frank Abagnale Jr. impersonates a pilot and boards a plane, successfully evading the FBI agents who are pursuing him. This scene is filled with suspense and excitement as Frank risks everything to escape capture.
  • Scene 22: Joe Shaye confronts Frank Abagnale Sr. about his son's criminal activities. This scene is filled with pathos as Joe struggles to come to terms with the fact that his son is a con man.
  • Scene 35: Frank Abagnale Jr. is arrested by the FBI and sentenced to prison. This scene is filled with sadness and regret as Frank faces the consequences of his actions.

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: The story of a real-life con man who impersonated various professionals and evaded capture for years.
  • Plot Twist : The revelation that Frank Abagnale's father was also a con man.
  • Distinctive Setting : Scenes involving airports, airplanes, and hotels evoke a sense of excitement and danger.
  • Innovative Idea : The use of a former con man as an FBI consultant.
  • Unique Character : Frank Abagnale Jr. is a charming and charismatic protagonist who is both likeable and detestable.
  • Genre Blend : The film seamlessly blends crime thriller, drama, and comedy elements.

Comparable Scripts:

  • Catch Me If You Can
  • The Talented Mr. Ripley
  • Ocean's Eleven
  • The Great Impostor
  • The Sting
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$50-75 million

Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 18-49, fans of crime thrillers, dramas, and character-driven stories

Marketability: The screenplay has a strong central character, a compelling story, and a unique blend of genres that is likely to appeal to a wide audience. The film has the potential to be a critical and commercial success.

The screenplay has a strong central character and a compelling story, but the unique blend of genres may limit its appeal to a mainstream audience. The film has the potential to be a critical success, but its commercial success is less certain.

The screenplay has a strong central character, but the story is somewhat predictable and the unique blend of genres may limit its appeal to a mainstream audience. The film has the potential to be a modest critical and commercial success.

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 voice is characterized by its sharp dialogue, witty banter, and a blend of humor and suspense. The writing style is both engaging and emotionally resonant, creating a compelling and immersive narrative.

Best representation: Scene 3 - A Christmas Dance. Scene 3 is the best representation of the writer's voice because it perfectly encapsulates the blend of humor, suspense, and emotional resonance that is characteristic of the writing style.

Memorable Lines:

  • Bud Collyer: My name is Frank Abagnale Jr, and some people consider me the world's greatest imposter. (Scene 1)
  • Frank Sr.: I will not leave France without her. (Scene 4)
  • Frank: Two little mice fell in a bucket of cream. The first mouse gave up and drowned, but the second mouse struggled so hard that he churned that cream into butter -- and he walked out. Amen. (Scene 25)
  • Frank Sr.: You know why the Yankees always win, Frank? It's because the other teams can't stop staring at those damn pinstripes. (Scene 5)
  • Joe Shaye: Knock Knock. Who's there? Go fuck yourselves. (Scene 18)

Writing Style:

The screenplay exhibits a diverse range of writing styles, blending elements from various notable screenwriters. The dialogue is often sharp and witty, driven by complex character interactions. The narratives frequently explore moral dilemmas and ethical conflicts, creating a sense of intrigue and suspense. The screenplay effectively balances humor, emotion, and action, resulting in an engaging and multi-layered storytelling experience.

Style Similarities:

  • Aaron Sorkin
  • Quentin Tarantino
  • David Mamet
Other Similarities: The screenplay also draws inspiration from other notable screenwriters, including Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and Cameron Crowe. Spielberg's influence is visible in scenes that combine suspense and emotional depth, while Nolan's impact is evident in narratives that explore complex moral dilemmas and thought-provoking themes. Crowe's style is reflected in scenes that focus on interpersonal relationships and emotional honesty, adding a touch of warmth and human connection to the overall screenplay.
Story Shape
Emotions Elicited