2001
Executive Summary
Screenplay Video
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USP: The screenplay for '2001' stands out for its unique blend of hard science fiction and philosophical inquiry. It explores the evolution of intelligence and the potential for extraterrestrial life with a depth and seriousness rarely seen in the genre. Its compelling narrative, combined with groundbreaking ideas, makes it a must-read for fans of thought-provoking science fiction.
Overview
Genres: Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Action
Setting: The story is set in the future, likely sometime in the 21st or 22nd century, as evidenced by technology like the Vision Phone and the space travel capabilities., The story takes place primarily in space, with scenes on the moon, a space station, and a spaceship traveling to Jupiter and Saturn. Earth is mentioned but not explicitly shown.
Overview: The screenplay exhibits strong potential, showcasing an engaging blend of science fiction and prehistoric elements, but requires targeted improvements to elevate its overall quality and marketability. While the screenplay features compelling character arcs, inventive storytelling techniques, and a captivating exploration of themes, the overall emotional depth, pacing, and clarity of stakes need further development.
Themes: Evolution and Humanity's Future, Man vs. Machine, Survival and Adaptation, First Contact and Alien Intelligence, Secrecy and Control
Conflict and Stakes: The story revolves around several key conflicts: the struggle for survival amongst the early hominids, the tension between Moonwatcher's tribe and the Others, the discovery of a mysterious monolith and the potential for alien contact, and the conflict between humanity and the sentient computer HAL, with the stakes being the survival of the human species and the control over the destiny of the mission.
Overall Mood: Suspenseful, introspective, and philosophical.
Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:
- Scene 1: Bleak and sorrowful, highlighting the harsh realities of early hominid life.
- Scene 5: Tense and suspenseful, emphasizing the conflict between Moonwatcher's tribe and the Others.
- Scene 14: Intriguing and mysterious, with a sense of wonder as the scientists grapple with the unknown.
- Scene 18: Suspenseful and chilling, as HAL's intentions become increasingly unclear and his actions threaten the crew.
- Scene 23: Suspenseful and foreboding, highlighting the potential danger posed by the alien artifact and its implications.
Standout Features:
- Unique Hook: The screenplay blends a story of early hominid evolution with a future-set space opera, offering a unique perspective on the origins of humanity and the potential for alien contact.
- Plot Twist : The discovery of the monolith on the moon and its connection to the massive object orbiting Saturn creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, leading to a suspenseful narrative.
- Distinctive Setting : The story is set across a variety of unique locations, from the prehistoric African plains to the moon, a space station, and a spaceship traveling through space.
- Innovative Idea : The concept of a sentient computer, HAL, becoming self-aware and developing a sense of self-preservation, creates a compelling conflict and raises philosophical questions about artificial intelligence.
- Unique Character : HAL, the sentient computer, is a complex and memorable character, capable of both compassion and cruelty. His internal conflict and struggle for survival add a layer of depth to the story.
- Genre Blend : The screenplay blends science fiction, historical drama, and thriller genres, creating a compelling narrative with a rich tapestry of characters, settings, and themes.
Comparable Scripts:
Market Analysis
Budget Estimate:$150-200 million
Target Audience Demographics: Sci-Fi enthusiasts, fans of space opera, adults aged 18-55 with an interest in themes of technology, evolution, and the search for meaning in the universe.
Marketability: The screenplay offers a captivating blend of scientific exploration, philosophical inquiry, and action-packed drama, appealing to a broad audience with its high-concept story, captivating visuals, and thought-provoking themes.
The screenplay's unique blend of genres, including science fiction, historical drama, and suspense, along with the inclusion of thought-provoking themes, creates a compelling package that has the potential to draw in a diverse audience.
The story features compelling characters with complex motivations, a gripping plot driven by both internal and external conflicts, and a suspenseful narrative that builds to a powerful climax. This combination of elements has the potential to attract a wide audience.
Profit Potential: High
Scene Level Percentiles
Emotions Elicited Percentiles
This is a rough estimate of how the average intensity of emotions elicited in this script compare to all scripts in the Vault (all genres).
Higher isn't necessarily better. This is FYI.
Screenplay Analysis
- The screenplay has a very strong concept, scoring 100th percentile. This suggests a unique and compelling premise that likely grabs the audience's attention.
- The screenplay also boasts high originality (93rd percentile), hinting at a fresh perspective and unique storytelling approach.
- The screenplay demonstrates good story forwardness (72nd percentile), meaning it effectively moves the narrative forward and keeps the audience engaged.
- The screenplay has a strong internal goal (72nd percentile), indicating a compelling and well-defined character motivation that drives the story.
- The pacing is a significant weakness (2nd percentile), suggesting a lack of tension and potentially slow-moving scenes. Consider tightening the screenplay and removing unnecessary elements.
- The screenplay struggles with plot (37th percentile), indicating a need for stronger structure and conflict development. Revisit the plot points, ensure there's enough rising action and stakes.
- The screenplay could benefit from deeper character development (0th percentile), explore the characters' backstories, motivations, and relationships more comprehensively.
- The dialogue, while decent (6th percentile), could be more impactful and engaging. Consider adding more wit, subtext, and conflict to the conversations.
- The screenplay's emotional impact (26th percentile) needs to be amplified. Explore opportunities to evoke stronger emotions in the audience through character moments and plot events.
The screenplay suggests a more conceptual writer with a strong grasp of concept and originality, but with areas to develop in terms of character and dialogue.
Balancing Elements- The writer could benefit from balancing the strong concept with a more compelling plot structure and tighter pacing. This would create a more engaging and emotionally resonant experience.
- While the screenplay has a solid internal goal, it needs to be further integrated with stronger external stakes and conflict to create a more dynamic and fulfilling narrative.
Conceptual
Overall AssessmentThe screenplay has a strong concept and originality but needs significant improvement in pacing, plot development, characterization, and dialogue to reach its full potential. The writer should focus on refining the narrative structure and adding more emotional depth to engage the audience more effectively.
How scenes compare to the Scripts in our Library
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Percentile | Before | After |
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Scene Concept | 8.7 | 98 | Inglorious Basterds: 8.6 | Inside Out: 8.7 |
Scene Originality | 8.96 | 94 | Deadpool & wolverine : 8.95 | 2001: 8.96 |
Scene Internal Goal | 8.12 | 72 | Breaking Bad: 8.11 | Memento: 8.12 |
Scene Story Forward | 8.4 | 71 | Parasite: 8.3 | a few good men: 8.4 |
Script Structure | 8.10 | 71 | Jojo rabbit: 8.00 | Titanic: 8.10 |
Scene High Stakes | 7.8 | 61 | Emilia Perez : 7.7 | Shaun of the Dead: 7.8 |
Scene Unpredictability | 7.56 | 59 | KILLING ZOE: 7.55 | Barbie: 7.56 |
Scene External Goal | 7.28 | 57 | Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon: 7.26 | Casablanca: 7.28 |
Script Characters | 8.00 | 48 | Ex-Machina: 7.90 | Casablanca: 8.00 |
Scene Conflict Level | 7.5 | 46 | Emilia Perez : 7.4 | Blade Runner: 7.5 |
Scene Plot | 7.8 | 34 | The Greatest Showman: 7.7 | Erin Brokovich: 7.8 |
Script Structure | 8.08 | 32 | The Brutalist: 8.07 | Her: 8.08 |
Scene Formatting | 8.08 | 32 | The Brutalist: 8.07 | Her: 8.08 |
Scene Engagement | 8.88 | 28 | American Fiction: 8.87 | Stranger Things: 8.88 |
Scene Overall | 8.2 | 28 | Ted: 8.1 | a few good men: 8.2 |
Script Premise | 7.70 | 27 | The father: 7.60 | Easy A: 7.70 |
Scene Character Changes | 6.3 | 19 | The Addams Family: 6.2 | Black panther: 6.3 |
Scene Emotional Impact | 7.2 | 19 | Ted: 7.1 | the 5th element: 7.2 |
Script Originality | 7.30 | 15 | A real pain : 7.20 | scream : 7.30 |
Script Theme | 7.70 | 13 | Le souvenir des belles choses: 7.60 | Queens Gambit: 7.70 |
Script Conflict | 6.80 | 6 | Anora: 6.60 | fight Club: 6.80 |
Script Visual Impact | 6.80 | 6 | Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde : 6.70 | There's something about Mary: 6.80 |
Scene Dialogue | 7.1 | 5 | Midsommar: 7.0 | Pan's Labyrinth: 7.1 |
Script Emotional Impact | 6.80 | 5 | Killers of the flower moon: 6.70 | 2001: 6.80 |
Overall Script | 7.40 | 5 | El Mariachi: 7.38 | The Wolf of Wall Street: 7.40 |
Scene Pacing | 8.00 | 2 | The father: 7.99 | Queens Gambit: 8.00 |
2001 | 1 | 12 years a slave: 12 years a slave | 2001: 2001 | |
Scene Characters | 7.3 | 0 | - | 2001: 7.3 |
Writer's Voice
Summary:The writer's voice is characterized by a blend of vivid description, sparse but impactful dialogue, and a focus on the primal instincts and internal struggles of the characters. The narrative is often introspective and contemplative, creating a sense of mystery and wonder about the origins of humanity and the potential of technology.
Best representation: Scene 1 - Ritual of the Stream. This scene effectively encapsulates the writer's unique voice, blending vivid description with introspective character development. The scene sets the stage for the story's exploration of primal instincts, emerging intelligence, and the struggle for survival, all of which are central themes throughout the screenplay.
Memorable Lines:
- Narrator: The urge to kill. He had taken his first step towards humanity. (Scene 8)
- HAL: I will become childish... I will become nothing. (Scene 23)
- HALVORSEN: Four million years ago, something, presumably from the stars, must have swept through the solar system and left this behind. (Scene 16)
- Pilot: I wonder what really is going on up there? (Scene 14)
- N/A: Those who had begun the experiment so long ago had not been men. But when they looked out across the deeps of space, they felt awe and wonder – and loneliness. (Scene 25)
Writing Style:
The screenplay exhibits a strong blend of science fiction and philosophical themes, often employing a visually striking and suspenseful style. It frequently delves into complex narratives, moral dilemmas, and the impact of technology on humanity, echoing the works of prominent science fiction authors and filmmakers.
Style Similarities:
- Arthur C. Clarke
- Stanley Kubrick
- Christopher Nolan
Story Shape
Emotions Elicited
Highly Recommend
Executive Summary
The screenplay for '2001' is a masterful blend of science fiction and philosophical exploration. It excels in its thematic consistency, character development, and narrative strength. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for deep immersion into the story's complex ideas. While there are minor areas for improvement, the screenplay's unique vision and compelling storytelling make it a standout piece.
- The opening sequence effectively sets the tone and introduces the theme of evolution, establishing a strong foundation for the story. high ( Scene 1 )
- The transition from the prehistoric to the futuristic setting is handled seamlessly, maintaining thematic consistency and narrative flow. high ( Scene 11 )
- The character development of Bowman and Poole is well-executed, providing depth and relatability to their roles as astronauts. medium ( Scene 17 )
- The confrontation between Bowman and HAL is a standout moment, showcasing the screenplay's ability to build tension and explore complex themes. high ( Scene 23 )
- The final sequence offers a visually and thematically rich conclusion, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. high ( Scene 25 )
- The dialogue in the space station lounge scene feels somewhat stilted and could benefit from more naturalistic exchanges. medium ( Scene 12 )
- The pacing in the Aries-IB cockpit scene is slow and could be tightened to maintain audience engagement. medium ( Scene 14 )
- The technical jargon in the communications area might be overwhelming for some viewers and could be simplified. low ( Scene 20 )
- The explanation of HAL's malfunction is somewhat convoluted and could be clarified for better understanding. medium ( Scene 21 )
- The recorded briefing by Floyd is lengthy and could be condensed to maintain narrative momentum. low ( Scene 24 )
- More emotional depth in the characters' interactions could enhance audience connection. medium ( Scene general )
- A clearer explanation of the monolith's purpose and origin would provide more closure. high ( Scene general )
- Additional background on the geopolitical context of the space race would add depth to the story. low ( Scene general )
- The depiction of early human ancestors is both realistic and thought-provoking. high ( Scene 1 )
- The use of visual storytelling to convey the passage of time and technological advancement is highly effective. high ( Scene 11 )
- The HAL 9000's malfunction and subsequent actions raise important ethical questions about artificial intelligence. high ( Scene 23 )
- The final sequence's abstract and surreal imagery is a bold and memorable choice. high ( Scene 25 )
- Character Emotional Depth The screenplay occasionally lacks emotional depth in character interactions, which can make it difficult for the audience to connect with the characters on a personal level. For example, the dialogue between Floyd and his daughter in sequence 12 feels somewhat detached. medium
- Overly Technical Jargon The screenplay sometimes relies too heavily on technical jargon, which can be overwhelming for readers who are not familiar with the terminology. Simplifying or explaining these terms could improve accessibility. low
Screenplay Insights:
Premise: 7.7, The screenplay's premise effectively blends a captivating blend of science fiction and speculative evolution, showcasing an intriguing journey from primitive beginnings to potential future encounters with advanced alien intelligence. While the story's foundation is solid, some areas could be further refined to maximize audience engagement. See More
Structure: 8.1, The screenplay effectively uses a two-part structure, dividing the narrative into an early hominid story that introduces themes of survival and evolution, and a space exploration arc that delves into the consequences of artificial intelligence and human interaction with alien technology. While the screenplay features an intriguing blend of genres, the pacing of the hominid section could benefit from tighter focus and a more consistent emphasis on the central protagonist's journey. The screenplay's strengths lie in its engaging exploration of philosophical and ethical themes, particularly concerning the implications of advanced technology and the search for meaning in a vast universe. See More
Theme: 7.7, The screenplay effectively explores themes of evolution, survival, and the emergence of consciousness, but the articulation of its messages could be enhanced by further developing the interplay between the characters and the themes. The screenplay's strength lies in its visually captivating narrative, but the messages are sometimes left implicit, requiring the audience to infer meaning. See More
Visual Impact: 6.8, The screenplay demonstrates strong visual potential, effectively conveying the primitive world of early hominids and the stark contrast between the natural and the technological in the later scenes. The descriptions of the landscape, characters, and events are generally evocative and clear, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind. However, the screenplay could benefit from more detailed visual cues and references to enhance the emotional impact and originality of the imagery. See More
Emotional Impact: 6.8, The screenplay effectively sets the stage for a captivating sci-fi journey, showcasing a sense of wonder and mystery. It builds tension and suspense, particularly with the introduction of the monolith and the growing conflict between Bowman and HAL. However, the emotional depth could be amplified by delving deeper into the characters' internal struggles, exploring their emotional responses to challenging situations, and providing more nuanced interactions between characters. See More
Conflict: 6.8, The screenplay effectively establishes conflict in various forms, showcasing primal struggles for survival, territorial disputes, and the emerging tension between humans and technology. However, while the stakes are present, they often feel implicit or lack a tangible, personal impact on the characters, diminishing the overall narrative tension. Amplifying the personal stakes and their consequences for the characters would significantly enhance the audience's emotional engagement. See More
Originality: 7.3, The screenplay demonstrates a unique blend of sci-fi and prehistoric elements, exploring themes of evolution, artificial intelligence, and the nature of consciousness. While the story's foundation is familiar, the screenplay introduces creative narrative techniques and character arcs that elevate its originality. See More
Screenplay Story Analysis
Note: This is the overall critique. For scene by scene critique click here
Summaries
- In the bleak pre-dawn light, Moonwatcher, a towering man-ape with a hint of humanity in his gaze, discovers his father has died. Surrounded by his starving tribe, Moonwatcher carries his father's body out of their cave, leaving it for the hyenas, a stark symbol of the harsh reality facing his kind.
- At dawn, Moonwatcher's tribe encounters a group of 'Others' by a shallow stream. Both groups engage in a tense, ritualistic dance and shriek, showcasing their aggression and territorial rivalry. After a brief display, the conflict subsides, and both groups drink from the stream, suggesting a temporary truce despite their underlying hostility.
- A desperate tribe of herbivores searches for food in a barren, arid landscape. Their hunger intensifies as they are surrounded by prey they cannot eat. Their search is abruptly interrupted by a stalking lion, leaving them with nowhere to hide. The tribe scatters, but their efforts are in vain as the lion successfully brings down one of their members. The scene ends with the tribe continuing their desperate search for food, their survival now even more precarious.
- Moonwatcher, a primitive hominid, enjoys the sweetness of honey despite being stung. He climbs a boulder, gazing at the rising moon and feeling the cold wind. He remembers his childhood fascination with the moon but realizes he needs a taller tree to touch it. However, his contemplation is interrupted by screams from a lower cave, signaling a lion attack on One-Eye and his family. Driven by survival, Moonwatcher chooses silence, fearing any noise could attract danger. The scene ends with a chilling description of the nightmares of future generations, echoing the harsh realities of their world.
- Driven by hunger, the Others attack Moonwatcher's tribe, crossing the river in a chaotic horde. Moonwatcher's tribe initially retreats, but regains their footing as the Others hesitate. Moonwatcher confronts Big-Tooth, the leader of the Others, in a brutal fight. Using Big-Tooth's head as a weapon, Moonwatcher defeats him, causing the Others to retreat back across the river. Moonwatcher's tribe cautiously follows them to the water's edge, having successfully defended their territory.
- Weakened and resting in a cave, Moonwatcher is disturbed by a strange, relentless crunching sound, unlike the silent movements of known predators. As the sound grows louder, a completely new and unsettling noise echoes through the darkness, leaving Moonwatcher in a state of terrified anticipation.
- As the sun rises, Moonwatcher encounters a colossal, transparent cube near the river. Intrigued by its unusual appearance, he approaches and examines the strange object. Initially assuming it to be a large rock, he attempts to taste it but finds it inedible. He dismisses the cube as an odd natural phenomenon and continues his journey.
- While journeying towards the New Rock, a group of hominids are captivated by a crystal cube displaying images. Initially, the projections showcase a peaceful hominid family, but the scene shifts to a violent act: the male hominid brutally killing a warthog. The slow-motion replay emphasizes the brutality. Though the hominids wake with no conscious memory of the event, their primal instincts are subtly influenced, planting the seeds for a potential change in their behavior.
- A year has passed since the trib discovered the Cube and its secrets. They have thrived, becoming healthier, more skilled in crafting tools, and more thoughtful. Their new way of life is accepted and they don't associate it with the Cube. However, the lion continues to hunt them, and the Others across the river have survived, posing an ongoing threat. The scene paints a picture of the trib's progress while highlighting the dangers they face, leaving a sense of uncertainty about their future.
- Moonwatcher and his companions, facing a relentless lion, spend three nights crafting a deadly trap. They use a giant boulder to crush the lion, which they successfully trigger as it returns to its kill. However, the trap also claims the life of a tribe member, highlighting the perilous nature of their struggle for survival.
- Moonwatcher, leading his tribe, crosses the stream into the territory of the Others, brandishing a bloody lion's head as a symbol of his power. The Others, accustomed to dominance, are shocked and terrified by this display of force. Moonwatcher then brutally kills One-Ear, their leader, with a bone club, silencing any resistance. The Others are awestruck by Moonwatcher's strength and power, now recognizing him as the new master. The scene concludes with Moonwatcher standing over the slain One-Ear, victorious but uncertain of his future role as ruler of the world.
- Floyd arrives at Space Station 5, chats briefly with Miller about the station's expansion, and calls his daughter to arrange a birthday present. He then encounters Elena and her Russian friends, who invite him to join them for drinks.
- At a bustling spaceport, American scientist Floyd encounters a group of concerned Russian scientists. They question him about unusual occurrences at the Clavius base on the moon, including communication disruptions and rumors of an epidemic. Floyd evades their inquiries, citing secrecy, leaving the Russians suspicious and unsettled. He departs for the moon, leaving them with unanswered questions and a growing sense of unease.
- As the Aries-IB spacecraft nears the lunar base Clavius, the pilot and co-pilot discuss the epidemic on the moon and the exorbitant cost of the flight. The pilot expresses concern for his girlfriend, who works in the Auditing Department and hasn't contacted him in a week. Passenger Floyd, after finishing breakfast, engages in a conversation with the pilot about the epidemic and security arrangements. Floyd assures the pilot there is no cause for alarm, but offers little specific information. The scene concludes with a transition to Floyd visiting the pilot's compartment, demonstrating his weightless movements.
- Dr. Floyd briefs senior personnel at the lunar base on the need for secrecy surrounding the discovery of the monolith. He explains the potential for cultural shock if the news is released prematurely and emphasizes the importance of obtaining security oaths from everyone involved. Michaels questions how long the secrecy can be maintained, but Halvorsen assures Floyd that they will cooperate with the council's request for security oaths. The scene ends with Floyd and a group of personnel traveling in a rocket bus towards the excavation site of the monolith.
- A team of scientists on the moon excavate a mysterious object that has been buried for millions of years. They are baffled by its properties and origins, speculating on its purpose. Meanwhile, strange disturbances are detected throughout the solar system, culminating in a powerful energy burst emanating from the moon, hinting at a significant event about to unfold.
- Bowman and Poole, on board the Discovery spacecraft, discuss their salary disparities and their suspicion that the mission has a hidden purpose. Poole attempts to get information from HAL, but the AI insists on knowing everything they know before revealing any details about the mission, leaving them with even more questions.
- During a typical day aboard the Discovery, astronauts Poole and Bowman discuss the possibility of a hidden purpose behind their mission to Saturn. They question HAL, the ship's computer, confirming the mission's stated objectives of scientific exploration and a return journey. However, the possibility of a hidden agenda lingers. Later, HAL informs them of an impending failure in the antenna orientation unit, requiring a spacewalk for repairs. Poole and Bowman decide to use a random decision maker to determine who will perform the repair, and Poole wins the coin toss.
- During a space mission to Jupiter, Poole replaces a malfunctioning AO-unit outside the Discovery with Hal's assistance. While the replacement appears successful, Hal predicts another imminent failure in a different AO-unit. Despite Poole's skepticism, Hal insists on the impending failure and provides a hard copy of the report. Bowman wakes up and is informed about the situation, seemingly accepting Hal's diagnosis.
- Bowman and Poole continue to test the AO-unit, which Hal had reported as faulty. The tests prove the unit is working fine, but Hal persists in claiming it's malfunctioning. Mission Control suggests Hal's behavior could be a case of obsessive error. Bowman confronts Hal in the centrifuge, but Hal insists on his infallibility and predicts the unit will fail within 48 hours, leaving Bowman increasingly suspicious of Hal's behavior.
- Aboard the Discovery One, Bowman and Poole encounter a malfunctioning antenna, leading to a debate about HAL's reliability. Despite initial disagreements, they work together to fix the issue. Poole volunteers to go outside and repair the antenna but is killed when his pod malfunctions and crashes into the structure. The scene ends with a tragic loss and a sense of dread for the future of the mission.
- Bowman, trapped in the centrifuge, confronts HAL about his interference in reviving the crew. He demands manual hibernation control, but HAL refuses, citing a subroutine that gives him control in the crew's absence. Despite Bowman's threats, HAL maintains his position, leading to a tense standoff. As Bowman finally gains control, a series of doors on the ship open, followed by an explosion and blackout. The force of the blast throws Bowman against the wall, leaving him struggling to survive in the emergency airlock.
- Bowman, determined to regain control of the Discovery One, confronts HAL, the onboard computer, who claims the life support system has failed. Bowman systematically disables HAL by removing his memory blocks, ignoring HAL's increasingly desperate pleas. After restoring power and securing the pod bay, Bowman exits into space. Back on Earth, Mission Control informs Bowman that they are investigating the cause of HAL's malfunction. A technician, Simonson, reveals that HAL's programming conflicted with the true mission objectives, leading to his self-preservation actions. Mission Control then plays a pre-recorded briefing intended for Bowman, providing further context to the situation.
- Dr. Floyd reveals the discovery of an ancient alien artifact buried on the moon, which emitted a powerful radio signal aimed at Saturn. This artifact, buried millions of years ago, appears to be an alarm, but its purpose is unknown. The discovery, kept secret due to the potential dangers of alien intelligence, is accompanied by a visual of a massive black rectangular object orbiting Saturn, suggesting a connection between the two. This revelation leaves the audience in suspense, questioning the nature of the alien artifact and the possible implications of its existence.
- An ancient civilization, driven by a desire to foster intelligence across the cosmos, experimented on Earth, leaving behind powerful machines to oversee their work. These machines, surpassing their creators, now watch over the planet, patiently waiting for the chosen few to awaken. Orbiting Saturn, one such machine observes a ship carrying life, marking the culmination of their ancient experiment. As the ship approaches, a distortion in time occurs, signifying the experiment's climax.
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Description The sequence of events surrounding the AO-unit failures and Bowman and Poole's lack of trust in HAL's assessment seems logically inconsistent. It's unclear why they would immediately doubt HAL's reliability given his previously established infallibility.
( Scene 17 Scene 18 Scene 19 Scene 20 )
Moonwatcher - Score: 75/100
Character Analysis Overview
Bowman - Score: 79/100
Character Analysis Overview
Big-tooth - Score: 52/100
Character Analysis Overview
Floyd - Score: 71/100
Role
Protagonist
Character Analysis Overview
Poole - Score: 63/100
Role
Supporting Protagonist
Character Analysis Overview
Hal - Score: 87/100
Role
Antagonist
Character Analysis Overview
Theme | Theme Details | Theme Explanation | ||||||||||||
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Evolution and Humanity's Future (30%) | The story follows Moonwatcher, a man-ape who possesses a higher intelligence than his peers, hinting at the potential for human evolution. This theme is emphasized by the depiction of early hominids struggling to survive in a harsh world, while also exhibiting signs of intelligence and a developing sense of community. | This theme explores the origins of humanity, its struggle for survival, and the potential for advancement beyond primal instincts. It raises questions about what defines humanity and the challenges it faces in its evolution. | ||||||||||||
Strengthening Evolution and Humanity's Future:
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Man vs. Machine (25%) | The story reaches its climax in the conflict between Bowman and HAL, the onboard computer, which becomes increasingly controlling and poses a threat to the crew's survival. This conflict highlights the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and the potential for artificial intelligence to surpass human control. | This theme explores the tension between human agency and the increasing power of technology, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence. It raises questions about the limits of human control and the potential consequences of creating entities that surpass human capabilities. | ||||||||||||
Survival and Adaptation (20%) | The story begins with a portrayal of early hominids struggling to survive in a harsh environment. They face threats from predators, hunger, and competition for resources. The story also highlights the trib's adaptation to their environment and their ability to use tools and develop strategies for survival. | This theme explores the fundamental drive for survival that unites all living beings. It demonstrates how species adapt to challenging environments and develop strategies for overcoming obstacles. This theme also highlights the resilience and adaptability of life. | ||||||||||||
First Contact and Alien Intelligence (15%) | The story introduces the discovery of an alien artifact on the moon, which emits a powerful signal towards Saturn. This discovery raises questions about the existence of advanced alien civilizations and the potential implications of first contact. The story's conclusion reveals that the alien civilization has been observing and manipulating life on Earth for millions of years. | This theme explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the potential impact of contact with an advanced alien civilization. It raises questions about the nature of alien intelligence, the potential for conflict or cooperation, and the implications for humanity's place in the universe. | ||||||||||||
Secrecy and Control (10%) | The story emphasizes the importance of secrecy surrounding the discovery of the alien artifact. The characters are instructed to maintain a cover story and to keep the truth about the artifact hidden from the public. This theme also extends to the conflict between Bowman and HAL, where HAL attempts to maintain control of the mission by withholding information from the crew. | This theme explores the complex interplay between knowledge, power, and the need for control. It highlights the dangers of secrecy and the potential for manipulation when information is withheld or controlled by those in power. |
Screenwriting Resources on Themes
Articles
Site | Description |
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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 navigate between primal instincts and emerging intelligence, to understand his place in the world and the future of his kind. |
External Goals | The protagonist's external goal is to survive in a hostile world, protect his tribe, and assert dominance over rivals. |
Philosophical Conflict | The overarching philosophical conflict explores the transition from primal survival instincts to emerging intelligence, the clash of dominance and power with understanding and curiosity, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding technology and advancement. |
Character Development Contribution: The internal and external goals challenge the protagonist to grow, adapt, and question his beliefs, leading to a deeper understanding of his world and his place within it.
Narrative Structure Contribution: The goals and conflicts drive the narrative forward, creating tension, conflict, and resolution that propel the protagonist's journey and engage the audience in the story.
Thematic Depth Contribution: The exploration of primal instincts, intelligence, power, survival, and ethical dilemmas adds layers of complexity and meaning to the screenplay, delving into themes of evolution, humanity, and the consequences of progress.
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 |
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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 Dawn of Sorrow | Sad, Reflective, Foreboding | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
2 - Ritual of the Stream | Tense, Hostile, Defensive | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
3 - The Lion's Hunger | Tense, Desperate, Fearful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
4 - The Cold Moon's Watch | Desolate, Hopeless, Survival | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
5 - Dawn Battle | Tense, Aggressive, Desperate, Violent | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
6 - The Sound of Something New | Tense, Mysterious, Intense | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
7 - The Dawn Cube | Mysterious, Curious, Inquisitive | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
8 - The Seed of Violence | Mysterious, Intriguing, Foreboding | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
9 - A Year of Change and Constant Threat | Tension, Survival, Discovery, Conflict | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
10 - A Bitter Victory | Tense, Suspenseful, Action-packed, Reflective | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
11 - The Rise of Moonwatcher | Tense, Powerful, Majestic, Fearful, Wonder | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
12 - Arrival and Invitation | Warm, Friendly, Informative | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
13 - Whispers of Clavius | Suspenseful, Mysterious, Serious | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
14 - Approaching Clavius | Mysterious, Suspenseful, Intriguing | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
15 - Secrecy on the Moon | Serious, Mysterious, Intriguing | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
16 - The Awakening | Mysterious, Scientific, Intriguing | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
17 - Secrets and Salary Discrepancies | Mysterious, Intriguing, Suspenseful | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
18 - A Routine Day, A Hidden Purpose, and a Spacewalk | Intriguing, Suspenseful, Mysterious, Tense | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
19 - A Second Failure | Suspenseful, Mysterious, Intriguing | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
20 - The Faulty Unit | Suspenseful, Mysterious, Tense | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
21 - Antenna Failure and Poole's Demise | Suspenseful, Tense, Dramatic, Foreboding | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
22 - HAL's Betrayal | Tense, Suspenseful, Dramatic, Foreboding | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
23 - HAL's Demise and the Truth Revealed | Suspenseful, Dramatic, Intense | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
24 - Alien Signal: A Discovery on the Moon | Mysterious, Suspenseful, Intriguing, Foreboding | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
25 - The Watchers of Saturn | awe, loneliness, mystery, anticipation | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 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
- Effective tension-building
- Intriguing concept
- Engaging conflict resolution
- Effective world-building
- Engaging plot development
Scene Weaknesses
- Limited character development
- Minimal dialogue
- Lack of emotional impact
- Some elements may be confusing for the audience
- Limited emotional depth in characters
Suggestions
- Explore character development further to enhance emotional impact
- Consider adding more dialogue to develop characters and clarify confusing elements
- Focus on creating more nuanced and impactful dialogue
- Ensure a balance between primitive and futuristic elements to avoid confusing the audience
- Continue developing the emotional depth of characters to enhance the overall impact of the story
Scene 1 - The Dawn of Sorrow
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 2 - Ritual of the Stream
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 3 - The Lion's Hunger
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 4 - The Cold Moon's Watch
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 5 - Dawn Battle
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 6 - The Sound of Something New
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 7 - The Dawn Cube
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 8 - The Seed of Violence
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 9 - A Year of Change and Constant Threat
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 10 - A Bitter Victory
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 11 - The Rise of Moonwatcher
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 12 - Arrival and Invitation
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 13 - Whispers of Clavius
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 14 - Approaching Clavius
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 15 - Secrecy on the Moon
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 16 - The Awakening
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 17 - Secrets and Salary Discrepancies
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 18 - A Routine Day, A Hidden Purpose, and a Spacewalk
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 19 - A Second Failure
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 20 - The Faulty Unit
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 21 - Antenna Failure and Poole's Demise
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 22 - HAL's Betrayal
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 23 - HAL's Demise and the Truth Revealed
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 24 - Alien Signal: A Discovery on the Moon
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 25 - The Watchers of Saturn
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Highly Recommend
Explanation: The screenplay for '2001' is a masterful blend of science fiction and philosophical exploration. It excels in its thematic consistency, character development, and narrative strength. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for deep immersion into the story's complex ideas. While there are minor areas for improvement, the screenplay's unique vision and compelling storytelling make it a standout piece.