American Beauty

Executive Summary

Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend

Recommend

Explanation: Overall, American Beauty is a well-written and compelling screenplay that explores universal themes of identity, beauty, and the search for meaning in life. The film's strengths lie in its complex and relatable characters, captivating visuals, and thought-provoking themes. However, areas for improvement could include tighter pacing in certain scenes, further development of some character arcs, and a smoother resolution for particular plot points. With these enhancements, American Beauty has the potential to be an even more impactful and memorable cinematic experience.

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Promo


USP: Discover a powerful exploration of suburban life and disillusionment in this darkly humorous script that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, hidden desires, and societal expectations. With its innovative storytelling techniques, distinctive characters, and satirical tone, this story offers a fresh and provocative take on the American Dream. Witness the transformative journeys of Jane, Lester, and Carolyn as they confront their inner demons and seek connection in a world driven by materialism and conformity. This script is a captivating examination of the human condition, challenging traditional norms and expectations while offering a poignant reminder of the beauty and fragility of life.
Overview

Genres: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Family, Dark Comedy, Thriller, Coming-of-age, Psychological Thriller

Setting: Contemporary, Suburban America

Overview: The screenplay 'American Beauty' exhibits a strong foundation with well-developed characters, compelling dialogue, and innovative storytelling techniques. While the narrative showcases depth in emotional exploration and thematic resonance, there are opportunities for further enhancing unpredictability, character changes, and conflict development.

Themes: Disconnection and Alienation, Self-Discovery and Transformation, Desire and Obsession, Parent-Child Relationships

Conflict and Stakes: Lester's struggle to reconnect with his family and find meaning in his life, while dealing with his midlife crisis and the challenges of suburban life. The stakes include his relationships with his wife, daughter, and his own self-worth.

Overall Mood: Melancholic with a touch of dark humor

Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:

  • Scene 1: Melancholic, with a sense of frustration and longing for a better father figure.
  • Scene 2: Melancholic, with a sense of dissatisfaction and a desire for change.
  • Scene 10: Tense and uncomfortable, with a sense of disconnection and unease.

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: The film's exploration of suburban life and the human condition is both timely and thought-provoking, with a unique blend of humor and drama.
  • Plot Twist : Lester's journey of self-discovery and rebellion against societal expectations is both unexpected and satisfying.
  • Distinctive Setting : The film's portrayal of suburban life is both realistic and insightful, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar setting.

Comparable Scripts:

  • The Graduate
  • Fatal Attraction
  • Thirteen
  • Revolutionary Road
  • Blue Velvet
  • Fight Club
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$15-25 million

Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 25-54, fans of drama and character-driven stories.

Marketability: The film explores relatable themes of midlife crisis and family dynamics, with strong character development and a unique perspective on suburban life.

The film features a talented cast and a compelling storyline, but may face competition from similar films in the market.

The film's exploration of suburban life and the human condition is both timely and thought-provoking, with a unique blend of humor and drama.

Profit Potential: Moderate to high, depending on the film's reception and marketing efforts.

Scene Level Percentiles
Script Level Percentiles
Writer's Voice

Summary:The writer's voice in the screenplay is characterized by its dark humor, introspective voiceovers, and satirical take on suburban life.

Best representation: Scene 1 - Morning Tensions and Insecurities: A Glimpse into the Burnham Family's Dysfunction. Scene 1 is the best representation of the writer's unique voice because it combines dark humor, introspective voiceover, and social commentary to create a memorable and impactful opening for the screenplay. It sets the tone for the rest of the film and establishes the writer's unique style.

Memorable Lines:

  • Carolyn: You cannot count on anyone except yourself. It's sad, but true, and the sooner you learn it, the better. (Scene 27)
  • Jane: I need a father who's a role model, not some horny geek-boy who's gonna spray his shorts whenever I bring a girlfriend home from school. (Scene 1)
  • Ricky: Welcome to America's Weirdest Home Videos. (Scene 17)
  • Lester: This isn't life. This is just stuff. And it's become more important to you than living. Well, honey, that's just nuts. (Scene 28)
  • Lester: I was choking the bishop. Shaving the carrot. Saying hi to my monster. (Scene 18)

Writing Style:

The writing style across this screenplay is characterized by a blend of sharp dialogue, nuanced character interactions, and exploration of complex themes. The scenes often delve into emotional depth, showcasing both humor and drama in various settings, from suburban life to office dynamics. The narrative voice is unique and engaging, with a focus on character-driven stories and raw emotional moments.

Style Similarities:

  • Alan Ball
  • Diablo Cody
  • David Mamet
Other Similarities: The screenplay also shares similarities with other notable writers such as Quentin Tarantino, Aaron Sorkin, Richard Linklater, and Sofia Coppola, further enriching its unique narrative voice and engaging storytelling.
Story Shape