Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Executive Summary
Overview
Genres: Drama, Thriller, Horror, Romance, Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Historical, Period Piece, Period, Historical Fiction, Sci-Fi, Tragedy
Setting: Late Victorian England, London
Overview: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a story about a man's struggle with good and evil. Dr. Jekyll is a respected doctor who develops a potion that transforms him into the evil Mr. Hyde. As Hyde, Jekyll indulges in his darkest desires, committing heinous crimes. But as Jekyll, he is wracked with guilt and remorse. The story explores the duality of human nature and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
Themes: Good vs. Evil, The Dangers of Science, The Power of Love, The Importance of Self-Control
Conflict and Stakes: Jekyll's struggle to control his transformation into Hyde, and the threat that Hyde poses to his loved ones and society. Jekyll's reputation and his relationship with Beatrix are at stake, as well as the safety of the people around him.
Overall Mood: Dark and suspenseful, with a sense of impending doom.
Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:
- Scene 9: The scene in which Jekyll transforms into Hyde for the first time is particularly suspenseful and disturbing.
Standout Features:
- Unique Hook: The Jekyll and Hyde story is a classic that has been adapted many times, but this screenplay offers a fresh take on the story by focusing on the psychological and emotional aspects of Jekyll's transformation.
- Plot Twist: The revelation that Dr. Lanyon is aware of Jekyll's secret and has been helping him all along is a major plot twist that adds an extra layer of suspense to the story.
- Distinctive Setting: The film is set in Victorian London, a time and place that is both familiar and exotic, adding to the film's atmosphere and appeal.
- Unique Character: Mr. Hyde is a truly iconic villain, and his presence in the film is sure to generate excitement and anticipation among audiences.
Comparable Scripts:
- Frankenstein
- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- The Incredible Hulk
- Spider-Man
- The Wolf Man
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- The Exorcist
- The Shining
- Psycho
- The Silence of the Lambs
Writing Style:
The screenplay exhibits a diverse range of writing styles, drawing inspiration from renowned authors and screenwriters. It effectively blends elements of literary fiction, psychological thrillers, and character-driven dramas to create a captivating and multi-layered narrative.
Style Similarities:
- Robert Louis Stevenson
- David Mamet
- Mary Shelley
- Edgar Allan Poe
Pass/Consider/Recommend
Consider
Explanation: The screenplay of 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is a compelling adaptation of the classic novel, with strong character portrayals, vivid transformation scenes, and a thought-provoking exploration of good and evil. However, the pacing could be improved in the middle section, and there are opportunities to further develop the characters of Ivy and explore the societal context of the story. Overall, the screenplay has the potential to be a successful film with some revisions.
USP: Delve into a captivating tale where the duality of human nature takes center stage. "Duality" explores the eternal battle between good and evil, morality and ambition, and love and sacrifice. With its unique blend of philosophical depth, suspenseful moments, and compelling characters, this script stands out as a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
Market Analysis
Budget Estimate:$40-60 million
Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 18-49, fans of horror, science fiction, and psychological thrillers
Marketability: It has a strong premise, well-developed characters, and a suspenseful plot that will appeal to a wide audience.
It has a unique blend of genres and explores compelling themes, with a diverse cast that will appeal to a broad range of viewers.
It has a strong track record of success, with multiple adaptations and remakes, indicating its enduring appeal to audiences.
Profit Potential: High, due to its strong appeal to a wide adult audience and potential for award nominations
Analysis Criteria Percentiles
What this means: Each criteria is ranked in comparison to scripts in our Vault (such as The Matrix, Breaking Bad, etc.) This allows you to see where you stand compared to other produced scripts for each criteria.
Writer's Voice
Summary:The writer's voice is characterized by a blend of eloquence, psychological depth, and social commentary.
Best representation: Scene 36 - The Revelation of Ivy. This scene is the best representation of the writer's voice due to its effective combination of character-driven dialogue and descriptive narrative to create a compelling and immersive setting.
Memorable Lines:
- Dr. Jekyll: Good and evil are so close as to be chained together in the soul. Man isn't truly one, but two. (Scene 9)
- Dr. Jekyll: You and I are in love. Such a small word for such a great thing! (Scene 12)
- Hyde: You'll have what you have longed for. (Scene 41)
- Hyde: You will have what you have longed for. (Scene 42)
- Dr. Jekyll: I'm a murderer, John. A murderer! (Scene 45)
Characters
Dr. Jekyll:A brilliant scientist who develops a potion that allows him to transform into the monstrous Mr. Hyde.
Mr. Hyde:Dr. Jekyll's evil alter ego. He is a savage and violent creature.
Beatrix:Dr. Jekyll's fiancé. She is a kind and loving woman.
Sir Charles:Beatrix's father. He dislikes Dr. Jekyll and forbids his daughter from marrying him.
Dr. Lanyon:Dr. Jekyll's friend and colleague. He discovers Jekyll's secret and is horrified by what he sees.
Story Shape
Screenplay Story Analysis
Note: This is the overall critique. For scene by scene critique click here
| Story Content | Character Development | Scene Elements | Audience Engagement | Technical Aspects | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Click for Full Analysis | Tone | Overall Grade | Concept | Plot | Originality Score | Characters | Character Changes | Internal Goal | External Goal | Conflict | Opposition | High stakes | Story forward | Twist | Emotional Impact | Dialogue | Engagement | Pacing | Formatting | Structure | |
| 1 - Interruption at the Sermon | Serious, Religious, Scornful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 2 - Disturbance in the Church | Suspenseful, Mysterious, Tense, Dramatic | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7.5 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8.5 | |
| 3 - Church Encounter | Serious, Light-hearted, Romantic | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 4 - Ethical Dispute over Patient Treatment | Agitated, Worried, Pathetic, Timorous | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 5 - The Doctor's Dilemma | Intense, Compassionate, Authoritative | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 6 - Jekyll's Division | Intense, Sarcastic, Serious, Hopeful | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 7 - Dinner Preparations | Anxious, Anticipatory, Troubled, Casual, Sarcastic, Charming, Mollified | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 8 - The Nature of Good and Evil | Serious, Mysterious, Intriguing, Tense | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 9 - The Duality of Man | Intense, Philosophical, Controversial | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 10 - Jekyll's Provocative Theories | Controversial, Intense, Nostalgic, Indignant, Sarcastic | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 11 - An Evening at Sir Charles' Mansion | Wistful, Romantic, Reflective, Concerned | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 12 - Transforming Love | Tender, Serious, Passionate, Reflective, Wistful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 13 - The Clash of Wills | Serious, Emotional, Contentious | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 14 - An Act of Kindness | Suspenseful, Intense, Dramatic, Mysterious | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 15 - The Helpful Doctor | Suspenseful, Intense, Dramatic, Mysterious | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 16 - Flirtatious Encounter | Playful, Intimate, Serious | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7.5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | |
| 17 - Jekyll's Dangerous Obsession | Intense, Controversial, Emotional, Tense, Mysterious | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 18 - Jekyll's Tireless Labors | Intense, Mysterious, Dark | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
| 19 - Jekyll's Tormented Night | Tense, Dark, Mysterious, Gloomy | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 20 - Jekyll's Transformation | Intense, Dark, Mysterious, Foreboding | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 21 - Jekyll's Transformation and Poole's Interruption | Dark, Intense, Mysterious, Tense | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 22 - The Confrontation | Tense, Passionate, Anxious, Defiant, Cold | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 23 - The Choice | Tense, Emotional, Resentful, Anxious, Regretful | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 24 - The Transformation | Dark, Intense, Tragic, Suspenseful | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 25 - Hyde's Malice | Dark, Intense, Mysterious, Sinister | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 26 - Hyde Arrives at the Palace of Varieties | Dark, Sinister, Menacing, Suspenseful | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 27 - Unexpected Conversation | Tense, Romantic, Suspenseful | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 28 - Barroom Brawl | Dark, Intense, Suspenseful | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 29 - Temptation and Manipulation | Dark, Intense, Suspenseful, Romantic | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 30 - The Menacing Threat | Dark, Intense, Emotional | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 31 - Confrontation in Ivy's Apartment | Tense, Dark, Suspenseful, Menacing | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 32 - Manipulative Mind Games | Tense, Sinister, Manipulative, Intense | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 33 - Hyde's Mind Games | Dark, Sinister, Manipulative, Menacing | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 34 - The Transformation | Dark, Intense, Menacing, Emotional | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 35 - Post-Transformation Tranquility and Envelope Delivery | Tense, Emotional, Dark, Intense | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 36 - A Proposal and a Threat | Anxious, Passionate, Tense, Emotional, Hopeful | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 37 - The Revelation of Ivy | Tense, Disturbing, Anxious, Horror, Hopeful | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 38 - Ivy's Plea for Help | Anxiety, Fear, Hope, Desperation | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 39 - The Transformation | Menacing, Intense, Emotional | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 40 - Hyde's Deadly Confession | Intense, Menacing, Terrifying, Sinister | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 41 - Hyde's Rampage | Dark, Intense, Suspenseful, Menacing | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
| 42 - Hyde's Desperation | Tense, Suspenseful, Anxious | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 43 - Tension and Confrontations | Suspenseful, Intense, Dark | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 44 - Hyde's Desperate Demand | Suspenseful, Intense, Menacing, Confrontational | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7.5 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | |
| 45 - Jekyll Confesses to Lanyon | Anguish, Horror, Desperation, Pleading | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
| 46 - Jekyll's Despair | Tense, Agonized, Worried, Anguished, Desperate | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 47 - Heartbreaking Confrontation in the Garden | Heartbreaking, Intense, Emotional | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 48 - The Hyde Transformation | Tense, Suspenseful, Dramatic, Violent | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 49 - Hyde's Escape | Tense, Frantic, Horror | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
| 50 - The Transformation and Death of Hyde | Tense, Horror, Tragic, Intense | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
Scene 1 - Interruption at the Sermon
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 9
Written by
John Lee Mahin
Based on the novel
"Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde"
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Copyright © 1941 Shooting Script, 1941
Loew's Inc., US;
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM),
Culver City, CA
FADE IN:
1 CLOSE SHOT - MAN'S FACE 1
It is a large, sincere and kindly face, of about fifty-five
years of age, perfectly in keeping with the slow, resonant
tones in which its owner speaks.
MAN
(as we fade in)
... with purity in our hearts, with
right thinking in our minds, we arm
ourselves with an intolerance of all
evil! Thus, it is on this glorious
Sabbath morning, in this momentous
year, 1887, that we naturally turn
our thoughts to that way of life as
exemplified by Victoria, Our Beloved
Queen. For this week begins Her
Majesty's Golden Jubilee. Her strength
and goodness, her Christian
principles, have walked in the light
of God ever since her ascension to
the throne. From her heart has come
an ever-increasing flow of virtue
and moral blessing with which she
has endowed us, her loving subjects.
As the man speaks we BOOM BACK AND AROUND SLOWLY to discover
ourselves in All Souls Southwick Church, London. The man
speaking is the Bishop, talking from the pulpit, backed up
by the well-appointed magnificence of the Anglican altar. WE
PAN AROUND the congregation in the pews. For the most, they
are the well-dressed and well-bred families of the period,
listening attentively.
1A CLOSE SHOT - IN BACK - MAN AND WOMAN 1A
This is where the less well-to-do parishioners are seated. A
rugged, but strange-looking man of middle-age is seated here
with his wife. She is watching him anxiously. He is listening
intently to the sermon, his head cocked forward. Then he
looks away, passes his hand over his brow, and seems as though
to rise - as he looks at the Bishop o.s.
WIFE
(detaining him, with
a nervous agonized
whisper)
Sam - no! What's wrong, Sam -?
He looks at her, subsides, clenching his jaw.
2.
2 CLOSE SHOT - BISHOP 2
AS HE CONTINUES:
BISHOP
(continuing)
She came upon a world sadly mired in
ways of the flesh, and during her
reign the forces of good have achieved
notable and great victories over the
forces of evil. And though we know
not the time nor the season, we know
that Evil in God's own time shall be
wiped out by God.
At this point the Bishop is startled by the interruption of
a high-pitched, scornful evil laugh coming from the back of
the church. He looks up.
3 CLOSE SHOT - IN BACK - MAN AND WOMAN 3
The man is laughing evilly at the Bishop. His horrified little
wife is trying to quiet him, and then looking about her at
the other startled people.
WOMAN
(agonized)
Sam -- Sam --
MAN
(sneering out)
Evil wiped out, eh? So you want to
take all the fun out of life, eh,
Bishop?
3A CLOSE SHOT - BISHOP 3A
With hardly a flicker he continues:
BISHOP
And may we not live for the day,
when, in the words of Holy writ, the
Devil shall be cast into the
bottomless pit?
4 GROUP SHOT - CONGREGATION 4
The laughter from o.s. continues a little. One or two half
turn about. Several look at each other, then back to the
Bishop with stiff-backed composure.
BISHOP'S VOICE
For surely the roots of the realm
and its peoples have sprung from a
new goodness during these last decades --
3.
5 CLOSE SHOT - TOWARD ALTAR - GROUP 5
They are the backs of an elderly gentleman, a young girl and
fine-looking man of about thirty with a Byronic head. As the
laughter continues through the Bishop's persistent intonation,
the man turns full face into CAMERA AND looks back toward
the disturbance. He is Dr. Henry Jekyll, his vital features
alive with interest.
BISHOP'S VOICE
(continuing)
At the family hearth, in the shops
of industry, in the very Christian
graciousness with which men and women
greet each other during the everyday --
6 OUT. 6
7 CLOSE SHOT - MAN IN BACK 7
MAN
Bottomless Pit, my eye! Good old
Beelzebub - the boy with the horns
and the spiked tail - they're always
running him down and he's the winner
in the end every time.
A man in back of him tries to pull him down, quietly. He
shakes him off laughing. In the b.g. the aislemen are hurrying
down to him.
8 GROUP SHOT - CONGREGATION 8
Still they do not look about much, paying even more attention
to the Bishop.
BISHOP'S VOICE
... everyday hours. Certainly this
universal goodness is evidenced all
about us more and more as we --