Mr Robot
Executive Summary
Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend
Overview
Genres: Drama, Thriller, Mystery
Setting: Present day, New York City
Overview: The screenplay achieves a commendable overall score, demonstrating strong potential with its complex characters, intriguing premise, and exploration of relevant themes. However, opportunities for improvement exist in refining the central conflict, enhancing pacing, and further developing supporting characters to maximize impact and marketability.
Themes: Alienation and Loneliness, Identity and Reality, Technology and Power, Revolution and Rebellion, Mental Illness, Love and Loss
Conflict and Stakes: Elliot's struggle with mental illness and his mission to take down E Corp, a corrupt multinational corporation that controls the world economy.
Overall Mood: Dark and suspenseful, with moments of humor and social commentary
Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:
- Scene 1: Elliot's paranoia and hallucinations are introduced.
Standout Features:
- Unique Hook: The protagonist is a mentally ill hacker who hallucinates his deceased father as a revolutionary figure.
- Plot Twist : The protagonist's therapist is revealed to be a member of the anarchist group he has joined.
- Distinctive Setting : The story is set in the world of technology and cybercrime.
- Innovative Idea : The story explores the dangers of technology and the power of individuals to make a difference.
- Unique Character : The protagonist is a complex and relatable character who struggles with mental illness and social alienation.
- Genre Blend : The story blends elements of psychological thrillers, technology-themed dramas, and social commentaries.
Comparable Scripts:
Market Analysis
Budget Estimate:$40-50 million
Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 18-35, fans of psychological thrillers and technology-themed dramas
Marketability: It has a unique and timely premise, a well-developed and relatable protagonist, and a talented cast.
unique blend of genres and explores compelling themes with a diverse cast...
Compelling characters and a gripping storyline, relevant social themes...
Profit Potential: High, due to its strong appeal to a wide adult audience and potential for award nominations
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
- **Originality (98.78%):** The screenplay presents a highly unique and innovative concept that sets it apart from the norm.
- **Emotional Impact (50%):** The screenplay effectively evokes emotions and resonates with the audience on a personal level.
- **Story Forward (72.38%):** The screenplay maintains a strong pace, propelling the narrative forward and keeping the audience engaged.
- **Internal Goal Score (78.66%):** The characters' internal motivations are well-developed and drive the plot in a meaningful way.
- **Plot (39.34%):** The plot structure could be refined to enhance pacing, create stronger narrative tension, and resolve conflicts more effectively.
- **Character Development (35.25%):** The characters would benefit from additional depth and complexity to make them more relatable and memorable.
- **Structure (64.02%):** The screenplay's overall structure could be improved by refining transitions, ensuring a logical flow of events, and clearly defining the screenplay's beginning, middle, and end.
- **Unpredictability (95.37%):** While the high unpredictability score is a strength, it is important to balance it with logical storytelling and avoid introducing twists solely for the sake of surprise.
The screenplay exhibits a balance between intuitive and conceptual elements. While dialogue and character development are strong, the writer also demonstrates proficiency in crafting a unique and engaging plot and concept.
Balancing Elements- While the screenplay has strong elements in originality and emotional impact, focusing on plot development and character depth would create a more compelling narrative.
- The screenplay's high unpredictability score should be complemented by a clear and logical structure to sustain the audience's engagement.
Integrated
Overall AssessmentThe screenplay has promising elements, particularly in originality and emotional impact. By addressing areas such as plot, character development, and structure, the writer can elevate the screenplay's overall potential.
How scenes compare to the Scripts in our Library
|
|
Percentile | Before | After |
---|---|---|---|---|
Scene Originality | 9.00 | 98 | Beetlejuice: 8.98 | severance (TV): 9.00 |
Script Premise | 8.90 | 95 | Interstellar: 8.80 | Titanic: 8.90 |
Scene Unpredictability | 7.97 | 93 | Midsommar: 7.95 | Mr Robot: 7.97 |
Script Characters | 8.60 | 89 | Women talking: 8.50 | Spy kids: 8.60 |
Scene Engagement | 9.00 | 81 | The Addams Family: 8.99 | fight Club: 9.00 |
Script Theme | 8.60 | 79 | Witness: 8.50 | Mr. Smith goes to Washington: 8.60 |
Scene Internal Goal | 8.13 | 75 | Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon: 8.12 | Her: 8.13 |
Scene External Goal | 7.53 | 75 | The Pianist: 7.49 | The usual suspects: 7.53 |
Script Structure | 8.25 | 74 | Schindler's List: 8.24 | Mr Robot: 8.25 |
Scene Concept | 8.3 | 70 | Parasite: 8.2 | the 5th element: 8.3 |
Scene Formatting | 8.25 | 66 | The Sweet Hereafter: 8.24 | Mr Robot: 8.25 |
Scene Story Forward | 8.3 | 65 | The Brutalist: 8.2 | Titanic: 8.3 |
Scene Pacing | 8.34 | 64 | Ex-Machina: 8.33 | the boys (TV): 8.34 |
Script Visual Impact | 7.90 | 63 | Pirates of the Caribbean: 7.80 | Titanic: 7.90 |
Script Originality | 8.10 | 62 | A Complete Unknown: 8.00 | Titanic: 8.10 |
Scene Conflict Level | 7.8 | 59 | Birdman: 7.7 | Spy kids: 7.8 |
Scene High Stakes | 7.7 | 57 | Stranger Things: 7.6 | Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde : 7.7 |
Overall Script | 8.15 | 56 | September 5: 8.14 | Breaking bad: 8.15 |
Script Structure | 7.90 | 54 | Argo: 7.80 | Black mirror 304: 7.90 |
Scene Plot | 7.9 | 42 | Manchester by the sea: 7.8 | the 5th element: 7.9 |
Scene Overall | 8.3 | 41 | The Umbrella Academy: 8.2 | fight Club: 8.3 |
Scene Character Changes | 6.8 | 36 | Midnight in Paris: 6.7 | True Blood: 6.8 |
Scene Emotional Impact | 7.6 | 34 | Fleabag: 7.5 | True Blood: 7.6 |
Scene Dialogue | 7.5 | 26 | The Umbrella Academy: 7.4 | Titanic: 7.5 |
Scene Characters | 8.1 | 26 | Memento: 8.0 | the pursuit of happyness: 8.1 |
Script Emotional Impact | 7.20 | 14 | Inception: 7.10 | Her: 7.20 |
Script Conflict | 7.10 | 14 | Belfast : 7.00 | Mr Robot: 7.10 |
Writer's Voice
Summary:The writer's voice is characterized by a blend of introspective voiceover narration, dark and mysterious atmosphere, and a focus on themes of technology, power, and conspiracy.
Best representation: Scene 1 - Elliot Confronts Phil. This scene is the best representation of the author's voice because it establishes the tone, themes, and character of the series.
Memorable Lines:
- Elliot: It's happening. It's happening. It's happening. It's happening. (Scene 16)
- Elliot: Fuck society. (Scene 5)
- Elliot: The key to doing morphine without turning into a junkie is to limit yourself to 30mg a day. (Scene 7)
- Mr. Robot: My dad was a petty thief. Never could hold down a job. So, he just robbed, convenience stores, shops, small-time stuff. (Scene 10)
- Elliot: Sometimes I dream of saving everyone from the invisible hand. (Scene 6)
Writing Style:
The screenplay exhibits a blend of psychological depth, suspenseful storytelling, and exploration of complex moral dilemmas. It often delves into dark and introspective themes, capturing the internal struggles and external conflicts of its characters. The writing style is characterized by sharp dialogue, intense character dynamics, and an atmospheric setting that immerses the audience in the narrative's emotional depth.
Style Similarities:
- Christopher Nolan
- David Fincher
- Sam Esmail
Story Shape
Emotions Elicited
Engine: GPT4
Recommend
Executive Summary
The screenplay of 'Mr. Robot' is a compelling narrative that effectively combines elements of psychological drama and thriller with a strong focus on cybersecurity. The character development, particularly of Elliot, is well-executed, with a deep dive into his psychological state. The plot is engaging with several twists that maintain suspense. However, improvements could be made in pacing and clarity of some technical aspects.
- The scene where Elliot decides to swap the envelopes, choosing to frame Colby, showcases a pivotal moment of character development and plot progression. high ( Scene 14 )
- The introduction of the character Elliot and the mysterious Mr. Robot are intriguing and effectively set up the psychological and mysterious tone of the screenplay. high ( Scene 1 Scene 11 )
- The screenplay effectively uses voice-over narration to provide insight into Elliot's thoughts and motivations, enhancing the psychological depth of the character. medium
- The final scenes build suspense and intrigue, leaving the audience eager for more, effectively setting up for subsequent episodes or sequels. high ( Scene 16 )
- The dialogue is sharp and realistic, contributing to strong character development and maintaining a gripping narrative pace. medium
- Some scenes may benefit from a clearer connection to the main narrative to avoid confusion, particularly in the subplot involving Krista and Michael. medium
- The pacing in the middle sections could be tightened to maintain momentum and keep the audience engaged throughout. medium ( Scene 5 Scene 6 )
- The screenplay could explore more diverse backgrounds and motivations for the supporting characters to enhance depth and relatability. low
- Increase clarity around the technical aspects of hacking to ensure they are accessible and understandable to viewers without background knowledge. medium
- Some of the transitions between scenes are abrupt and could be smoothed to improve narrative flow. low
- There is a need for more explicit connections between Elliot's actions and the broader implications on the society, to enhance the thematic depth. medium
- The screenplay's portrayal of mental health through the protagonist provides a nuanced and compelling exploration of the subject. high
- The use of technology and cybersecurity as central themes is timely and relevant, appealing to contemporary audiences interested in these topics. high
Engine: Claude
Recommend
Executive Summary
The screenplay for 'Mr. Robot' is a compelling and tightly-plotted narrative that follows the journey of Elliot, a socially-isolated cyber security engineer with a dark past. The story skillfully blends techno-thriller elements with psychological drama, exploring Elliot's complex relationship with technology, society, and his own demons. The screenplay features strong character development, particularly in Elliot's interactions with Mr. Robot and his close friend Angela, and showcases a strong grasp of hacking and cybersecurity concepts. While there are a few areas that could be further developed, such as the background of the fsociety group and Elliot's personal history, the screenplay overall demonstrates a high level of technical expertise and narrative sophistication. The unique premise, compelling protagonist, and timely themes make this screenplay a strong candidate for production and potential commercial success.
- The confrontation scene between Elliot and Phil is a standout, showcasing Elliot's technical prowess and manipulation skills, as well as highlighting his emotionally damaged backstory. high ( Scene 2 (INT. PHIL'S COFFEE (FLASHBACK) - NIGHT) )
- The Ferris wheel sequence is a powerful character moment that delves into Elliot's psyche and reveals his motivation for potentially joining Mr. Robot's plan, tying it to his past trauma with Evil Corp. high ( Scene 13 (EXT. CONEY ISLAND - FERRIS WHEEL - DAY) )
- The therapy scenes provide valuable insight into Elliot's mental state and his strained relationships, adding depth to his character arc. medium ( Scene 5 (INT. PSYCHOLOGIST'S OFFICE - DAY) )
- The scene in Angela's apartment showcases the strong bond between the two friends and sets up potential future conflict as Elliot's actions have unintended consequences. medium ( Scene 16 (INT. ANGELA'S APARTMENT) )
- Elliot's hacking into Michael's accounts and the subsequent blackmail sequence demonstrates his technical abilities and moral grey areas, adding complexity to his character. medium ( Scene 14 (INT. ELLIOT'S LOFT - NIGHT) )
- The introduction of the fsociety group and their mission could be fleshed out more to better establish their motivations and provide a clearer sense of their overall plan. medium ( Scene 11 (INT. FSOCIETY ARCADE - CONTINUOUS) )
- The conversation between Gideon and Elliot in the private jet could be expanded upon to further develop their relationship and Gideon's internal struggles, which are only briefly touched upon. medium ( Scene 10 (INT. PRIVATE JET (MOVING) - DAWN) )
- The brief scene with Tyrell Wellick could be expanded to provide more insight into his character and his potential motivations, as he seems to be an important figure in the larger narrative. medium ( Scene 9 (INT. TYRELL WELLICK'S SUBURBAN HOME - NIGHT) )
- The screenplay would benefit from more background information on the fsociety group and their past activities, as well as a clearer explanation of their overall plan and how Elliot fits into it. medium ( Scene 12 (EXT. CONEY ISLAND STREETS - LATER) )
- The screenplay could delve deeper into Elliot's past and his relationship with his father, as this appears to be a significant factor in his current mental state and motivations. medium ( Scene 7 (INT. ELLIOT'S LOFT - NIGHT) )
- The sequence depicting Elliot and the team's efforts to resolve the Evil Corp hack is a high-tension, technically-driven set piece that showcases the screenplay's attention to detail and Elliot's hacking expertise. high ( Scene 8 (INT. ALLSAFE OFFICES - NIGHT) )
- The revelation of Terry Colby's arrest at the end of the sequence is a compelling twist that sets up further developments in the overarching narrative and Elliot's potential involvement. high ( Scene 16 (INT. ANGELA'S APARTMENT) )
- The subtle shift in Elliot's mindset and emotional state as he witnesses the impact of the Evil Corp scandal is a well-executed character moment that sets the stage for his potential transformation. medium ( Scene 15 (INT. NYC SUBWAY (MOVING) - DAY) )
Screenplay Insights:
Premise: 8.9, The screenplay's premise effectively establishes a compelling narrative centered around a morally conflicted hacker and his fight against a corrupt corporation. The blend of technological intrigue, social commentary, and psychological exploration promises strong audience engagement. However, further clarity regarding Elliot's mental state and the true nature of Mr. Robot could enhance the long-term intrigue and hook. See More
Structure: 7.9, The screenplay demonstrates a strong foundation in its structure and plot development, effectively engaging the audience through a blend of intrigue, conflict, and character dynamics. However, certain areas could be refined to enhance narrative clarity, pacing, and the resolution's impact. See More
Theme: 8.6, The screenplay effectively conveys its themes and messages, delving into topics such as the perils of unchecked capitalism, the importance of personal responsibility, and the power of collective action. It deftly explores these themes through its compelling narrative and well-developed characters, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. See More
Visual Impact: 7.9, The screenplay presents a compelling visual narrative, capturing the dark, mysterious, and introspective world of Elliot Alderson. Its visual descriptions effectively convey the film's gritty and psychological atmosphere, providing a strong foundation for visual storytelling. See More
Emotional Impact: 7.2, The screenplay has a strong foundation for emotional impact, effectively drawing the audience into Elliot's world of paranoia, social anxiety, and a desire for justice. However, there are opportunities to enhance the emotional depth and relatability of certain characters and delve deeper into the complexities of their inner struggles. See More
Conflict: 7.1, The screenplay presents compelling conflicts and stakes that drive the narrative and engage the audience. However, there are opportunities to enhance the clarity and integration of the central conflict, as well as further escalate the stakes to heighten tension. See More
Originality: 8.1, The screenplay demonstrates originality and creativity in its exploration of mental health, the shadowy world of hacking, and the complexities of human relationships. The protagonist's unique mental state, personal struggles, and journey towards self-discovery provide a refreshing and compelling narrative. See More
Screenplay Story Analysis
Note: This is the overall critique. For scene by scene critique click here
Summaries
- Elliot, a young man struggling with insomnia, finds himself on a subway train with mysterious Men Dressed in Black. He questions his own sanity as he believes he may be followed by a shadowy group of elites. The scene ends with Elliot feeling regret over missing Angela's birthday party the night before.
- In a tense coffee shop confrontation, Elliot accuses Phil of running the illegal website Lolita City. Elliot threatens to expose Phil's activities unless he pays up, revealing his true motive: setting Phil up for the FBI. As the FBI arrives to arrest Phil, Elliot walks away, leaving Phil facing the consequences.
- Elliot awakens from a nap on a crowded subway and notices he's being followed. Despite his unease, he ignores a disheveled man, Mr. Robot, who tries to introduce himself. At work, Gideon assigns Elliot to investigate a RUDY attack, but Elliot's casual attire and aloofness draw criticism from Gideon and Angela, respectively. Angela confronts him about his absence at a bar the previous night, revealing her disappointment and financial struggles. As they exit, Angela's smoking habits concern Elliot, but she dismisses his question. Ali, who's dating Angela, confronts Elliot about his behavior and expresses his dislike for him.
- At Angela's birthday party at work, Elliot overhears a news report emphasizing cybersecurity, which heightens his paranoia. Despite initially declining Ali's lunch invitation, he later agrees to meet. As he walks through the streets, he experiences intense feelings of paranoia while snacking on McDonald's fries.
- Elliot meets with his psychologist Krista to discuss his anger issues and feelings towards society. Despite Krista's efforts to get him to address his emotions, Elliot remains closed off. The scene includes a flashback to a party where Elliot struggles to socialize and ends with a tense encounter between Elliot and Ali.
- Ali and Elliot reconcile, but Elliot remains annoyed. Elliot spots suits including Angela and sees Tyrell from *BEEP* Corp, who compliments his Linux skills, but Elliot finds him socially awkward. Elliot reflects on societal control.
- Elliot's struggles with loneliness and addiction lead him to use drugs and stalk Michael and Krista. He discovers Michael's abusive nature and obtains his personal information. The scene ends with Elliot receiving a call from Angela while smoking a joint in the subway.
- In the middle of the night, Angela calls Elliot to Allsafe because Evil Corp, their client, is under a DoS attack. Elliot quickly realizes the attack is more sophisticated than a simple DoS and that the attackers have installed a rootkit on Evil Corp's firewall, giving them complete control over their network. Elliot warns the Allsafe team, and they realize it will be difficult to stop.
- Tyrell Wellick ignores a major outage on Evil Corp's network. At Allsafe, Angela reports the outage leading Gideon to order a firewall swap. Elliot discovers the rootkit is self-defending and proposes crashing the system. Tyrell and Gideon find fsociety's message instructing them to leave the rootkit, and Elliot hesitates to delete it.
- Array
- Elliot meets Mr. Robot's elusive hacking crew, learning about their strict anonymity rules and the mysterious 'project' they're working on. Angela's unexpected visit complicates his life, while Elliot's investigation into Fsociety raises suspicions. Despite gathering evidence to report them, he ultimately succumbs to the allure of joining the group, setting the stage for future conflicts.
- Elliot walks through the slums of Coney Island back to the fsociety arcade where Marlene sits outside and asks him for the password. Confused, Elliot is unsure what she is referring to. Marlene, frustrated, reveals she wrote the rootkit and needs to trace back to Colby's laptop. She calls Elliot a dickhead and leaves. Mr. Robot enters, offering Elliot a twinkie and asking about Ferris wheels, leaving Elliot questioning Marlene's insult.
- Elliot and Mr. Robot confront each other on a Ferris Wheel, with Mr. Robot threatening to jump unless Elliot agrees to join his plan to take down Evil Corp. Elliot reluctantly agrees, and Mr. Robot instructs him to put the IP trace in the diagnostic report tomorrow.
- Elliot presents the diagnostics to the FBI and Evil Corp executives, hoping to help Angela with her student loan debt. Gideon moves Angela off the Evil Corp account, resolving the conflict between her and Terry Colby.
- Elliot searches for Mr. Robot in various locations in NYC, including the subway and an abandoned arcade. He then goes to Allsafe offices where he sees Angela with black hair. Unable to crack a password, he confronts Michael about cheating and blackmails him into breaking up with Krista. The scene ends with Elliot knocking on Angela's door and entering her apartment.
- Elliot visits Angela to confront her about their embarrassing incident at the Evil Corp meeting, but she refuses to engage. She asks him to let her lose without intervening, and he agrees. As they hug, Angela expresses regret, and they share an almost-kiss. However, Elliot sees Terry Colby's arrest on TV, implicating him in the hack. He then goes outside and sees news reports about Evil Corp's downfall. As he celebrates in Times Square, he is apprehended by Men in Black and taken to a top-floor conference room, where he is met with silence from shadowy figures.
Elliot - Score: 82/100
Character Analysis Overview
Angela - Score: 64/100
Character Analysis Overview
Gideon - Score: 73/100
Character Analysis Overview
Mr. - Score: 84/100
Character Analysis Overview
Ali - Score: 54/100
Character Analysis Overview
Michael - Score: 66/100
Role
Antagonist
Character Analysis Overview
Theme | Theme Details | Theme Explanation | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alienation and Loneliness (25%) | - Elliot is isolated and alone, with few close relationships. - He struggles to connect with others and often feels like an outsider. - His only true companion is his cat, Qwerty. | Elliot's sense of alienation and loneliness is a key part of his character. It drives him to seek out connections with others, even if those connections are ultimately unsatisfying. | ||||||||||||
Strengthening Alienation and Loneliness:
| ||||||||||||||
Identity and Reality (20%) | - Elliot's perception of reality is often unreliable. - He suffers from delusions and hallucinations. - He is unsure of who he is and what his purpose is. | Elliot's struggles with identity and reality are a central part of the series. They raise questions about the nature of truth and the limits of human understanding. | ||||||||||||
Technology and Power (15%) | - Technology is a powerful force in Elliot's life. - He uses it to hack into systems and manipulate people. - He is aware of the dangers of technology, but he is also drawn to its power. | Technology is a double-edged sword in Mr. Robot. It can be used for good or for evil, and it is up to the individual to decide how to use it. | ||||||||||||
Revolution and Rebellion (15%) | - Elliot is a revolutionary who wants to change the world. - He is part of fsociety, a group of hackers who are trying to take down Evil Corp. - He believes that violence is sometimes necessary to achieve change. | Revolution and rebellion are important themes in Mr. Robot. The series explores the different ways that people can fight against oppression and injustice. | ||||||||||||
Mental Illness (10%) | - Elliot suffers from mental illness, including depression and anxiety. - He takes medication and sees a therapist, but he struggles to control his symptoms. - His mental illness affects his relationships and his ability to function. | Mental illness is a serious issue that affects many people. Mr. Robot does not shy away from depicting the challenges that people with mental illness face. | ||||||||||||
Love and Loss (10%) | - Elliot has lost many people in his life, including his father and his sister. - He has difficulty forming close relationships. - He is drawn to people who are damaged and vulnerable. | Love and loss are powerful forces in human life. Mr. Robot explores the different ways that people deal with loss and how it can shape their lives. |
Screenwriting Resources on Themes
Articles
Site | Description |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|
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 | |
---|---|
internal Goals | The protagonist's internal goals revolve around navigating his mental health, confronting illegal activities, maintaining a dual identity, managing relationships, and seeking justice and understanding. |
External Goals | The protagonist's external goals include protecting himself, exposing illegal activities, handling cybersecurity threats, maintaining professional reputation, and uncovering the truth behind a hack. |
Philosophical Conflict | The overarching philosophical conflict revolves around power and control, morality of hacking and vigilantism, and the balance between personal relationships and professional obligations. |
Character Development Contribution: The protagonist's evolving goals and internal conflicts shape his journey towards self-discovery, growth, and a deeper understanding of the world around him.
Narrative Structure Contribution: The protagonist's internal and external goals drive the plot forward, creating tension, conflict, and resolution within the narrative structure of the screenplay.
Thematic Depth Contribution: The protagonist's goals and philosophical conflicts contribute to the exploration of themes such as power, morality, justice, identity, and the human connection, adding depth and complexity to the screenplay's narrative.
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 |
---|---|
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 | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 - Elliot's Paranoid Awakening | Dark, Introspective, Paranoid | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
2 - Elliot Confronts Phil | Tense, Suspenseful, Emotional, Confrontational | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
3 - Subway Paranoia and Workplace Tensions | Suspenseful, Intense, Serious, Tense | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7.5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | |
4 - Birthday and Cybersecurity Concerns | Paranoia, Suspense, Tension, Anxiety | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
5 - Elliot's Therapy Session | Suspenseful, Introspective, Confrontational | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
6 - Unwelcome Reconciliation | Anxious, Paranoid, Reflective | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
7 - Elliot's Descent and Michael's True Colors | Loneliness, Drug use, Paranoia, Emotional turmoil | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
8 - The DoS Attack | Tense, Suspenseful, Serious | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
9 - Network Meltdown | Tense, Suspenseful, Dramatic | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
10 - Uneasy Alliance | Tense, Mysterious, Intense, Suspenseful | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
11 - Introducing Fsociety | Suspenseful, Intense, Mysterious, Reflective | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
12 - Confusion and Tension at the Arcade | Suspenseful, Mysterious, Tense | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
13 - The Ferris Wheel Confrontation | Intense, Conspiratorial, Emotional, Philosophical | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
14 - Elliot's Plan for Angela's Debt | Anxiety, Tension, Suspense, Disappointment, Dread | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
15 - Elliot's Manipulative Confrontation | Suspenseful, Intense, Emotional, Confrontational | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
16 - Unresolved Confrontation and Mysterious Arrest | Tense, Suspenseful, Emotional | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
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
- Intriguing concept
- Deep exploration of character
- Effective tension-building
- Emotional depth
- Well-developed characters and relationships
Scene Weaknesses
- Limited external conflict
- Some dialogue may feel forced or cliched
- Limited character development
- Potential for stronger emotional impact
- Some ambiguity in character motivations
Suggestions
- Consider adding more external conflict to elevate stakes
- Work on refining and naturalizing dialogue to avoid feeling forced or cliched
- Focus on character development to create more well-rounded and relatable characters
- Continuously strive for stronger emotional impact throughout the screenplay
- Clarify character motivations to avoid any ambiguity or confusion
Scene 1 - Elliot's Paranoid 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 2 - Elliot Confronts Phil
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 - Subway Paranoia and Workplace Tensions
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 - Birthday and Cybersecurity Concerns
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 - Elliot's Therapy Session
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 - Unwelcome Reconciliation
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 - Elliot's Descent and Michael's True Colors
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 DoS Attack
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 - Network Meltdown
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 - Uneasy Alliance
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 - Introducing Fsociety
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 - Confusion and Tension at the Arcade
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 - The Ferris Wheel Confrontation
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 - Elliot's Plan for Angela's Debt
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 - Elliot's Manipulative Confrontation
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 - Unresolved Confrontation and Mysterious Arrest
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.
Engine: GPT4
Recommend
Explanation: The screenplay of 'Mr. Robot' is a compelling narrative that effectively combines elements of psychological drama and thriller with a strong focus on cybersecurity. The character development, particularly of Elliot, is well-executed, with a deep dive into his psychological state. The plot is engaging with several twists that maintain suspense. However, improvements could be made in pacing and clarity of some technical aspects.
Engine: Claude
Recommend
Explanation: The screenplay for 'Mr. Robot' is a compelling and tightly-plotted narrative that follows the journey of Elliot, a socially-isolated cyber security engineer with a dark past. The story skillfully blends techno-thriller elements with psychological drama, exploring Elliot's complex relationship with technology, society, and his own demons. The screenplay features strong character development, particularly in Elliot's interactions with Mr. Robot and his close friend Angela, and showcases a strong grasp of hacking and cybersecurity concepts. While there are a few areas that could be further developed, such as the background of the fsociety group and Elliot's personal history, the screenplay overall demonstrates a high level of technical expertise and narrative sophistication. The unique premise, compelling protagonist, and timely themes make this screenplay a strong candidate for production and potential commercial success.