Mind Hunter

Executive Summary




Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend

Consider

Explanation: The screenplay for the TV pilot 'Mindhunter' shows promise, with several strong elements, including the collaborative dynamic between the two lead characters, Holden and Tench, and the exploration of Holden's emotional intelligence and willingness to challenge conventional thinking. However, the screenplay also has areas that could be improved, such as a stronger opening that better introduces the characters and their motivations, and a more cohesive exploration of the societal and historical context in which the story takes place. Additionally, the screenplay would benefit from a more developed approach to addressing the most extreme forms of violent crime, which is a central aspect of the show's premise. Overall, the screenplay is a solid starting point that could be further refined to create a compelling and engaging TV series.

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Overview

Genres: Output:, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Setting: 1977, Pittsburgh

Overview: The screenplay demonstrates strong originality, creativity, and thematic depth in exploring the complexities of criminal psychology. While it effectively engages the audience with engaging dialogue and emotional depth, there is room for improvement in enhancing unpredictability and character changes. The script showcases a compelling conflict and presents opportunities for further development.

Themes: Communication and Connection, Mental Health and Emotional Struggles, Law Enforcement and Criminal Psychology, Relationships and Intimacy, Trauma and its Effects

Conflict and Stakes: The primary conflicts in this story include the Negotiator's struggle to establish communication with Cody and Holden's attempt to de-escalate the situation. The stakes are high as the Negotiator and Holden are trying to prevent a tragic outcome.

Overall Mood: Tense and suspenseful

Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:

Standout Features:

  • Exploration of criminal psychology: The screenplay delves into the minds of criminals and the psychological aspects of their behavior.
  • Tense and suspenseful scenes : The screenplay features scenes that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
  • Complex and compelling characters : The screenplay presents characters with depth and complexity, making them relatable and engaging.

Comparable Scripts:

  • Mindhunter (TV Show)
  • Zodiac (Movie)
  • True Detective (TV Show)
  • Se7en (Movie)
  • Silence of the Lambs (Movie)
  • Heat (Movie)
  • Training Day (Movie)
  • Gone Girl (Movie)
  • The Departed (Movie)
  • The Wire (TV Show)
  • American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (TV Show)
  • The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Book/Movie)
  • Prisoners (Movie)
  • The Killing (TV Show)
  • The Silence of the Lambs (Book)
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$10-15 million

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

Marketability: The screenplay explores compelling themes and features tense and suspenseful scenes that will attract fans of crime dramas and psychological thrillers.

The screenplay has a unique blend of genres, including crime drama and psychological thriller, which will appeal to a wide audience.

The screenplay features strong and complex characters, which will attract audiences looking for character-driven stories.

Profit Potential: Moderate to high, due to the strong appeal to a wide adult audience and potential for critical acclaim and awards.

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

Summary:The writer's voice throughout the screenplay is concise, focused, and realistic. They use dialogue and narrative description to create tension, explore complex themes, and develop the characters. The writer's voice is characterized by a blend of seriousness and humor, as well as a strong emphasis on dialogue-driven scenes.

Best representation: Scene 3 - Negotiation Gone Awry. This scene is the best representation of the author's voice because it showcases their ability to create vivid and evocative imagery, realistic dialogue, and explore complex internal conflicts.

Memorable Lines:

  • CODY: You can see me, right? (Scene 1)
  • Holden: How good is the book? (Scene 3)
  • Wilson: These people... are people. (Scene 4)
  • Holden: Complicated, right? Always expect 'complicated.' (Scene 12)
  • McGraw: There’s nothing. There’s nothing people won’t do to each other. (Scene 18)

Writing Style:

The overall writing style of the screenplay is characterized by sharp and fast-paced dialogue, exploration of complex themes, and a focus on tension and suspense.

Style Similarities:

  • Aaron Sorkin
  • David Fincher
Other Similarities: The screenplay also shows influences from other screenwriters such as David Mamet, Quentin Tarantino, Richard Linklater, and Greta Gerwig, who contribute to the overall style with their unique approaches to dialogue, exploration of themes, and attention to detail.
Story Shape
Emotions Elicited