12 Monkeys

Executive Summary




Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend
Engine: Claude

Recommend

Explanation: The screenplay for '12 Monkeys' is a well-crafted and thought-provoking exploration of time travel, mental illness, and apocalyptic visions. The central conflict between the protagonist, Cole, and the scientists who have sent him back in time is compellingly portrayed, with strong character development and a visually striking blend of past, present, and future. While some pacing issues and a lack of depth in certain supporting characters could be addressed, the screenplay's overall strengths, including its cerebral themes, effective use of classic films, and suspenseful climax, make it a compelling work that is worthy of consideration for production.

Engine: GPT4

Recommend

Explanation: The screenplay '12 Monkeys' offers a compelling blend of science fiction and psychological thriller elements, with a well-constructed narrative that includes strong character development, particularly for the protagonist, Cole. The plot is enriched by complex themes such as time travel, destiny, and human impact on the environment. The climactic sequences effectively tie together multiple narrative threads, leading to a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion.

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Promo


USP: "This gripping screenplay captivates with an unparalleled blend of dystopian mystery, intricate character dynamics, and provocative themes. Experience a thrilling odyssey that delves into the depths of the human psyche, unraveling a web of deception, redemption, and the poignant search for purpose in a world on the brink of collapse. Its innovative storytelling techniques, distinctively flawed characters, and thought-provoking narrative will resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impact long after the final scene."
Overview

Genres: Thriller, Drama, Sci-Fi, Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Action, Dystopian, Psychological Drama, War, Romance

Setting: Present and past (1995)., United States (primarily Philadelphia and Baltimore).

Overview: The screenplay for 12 Monkeys demonstrates strong potential with a captivating premise, well-developed characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of time travel and mental health. However, there are opportunities for improvement in terms of pacing, plot clarity, and emotional depth to elevate the narrative and enhance audience engagement.

Themes: Time Travel and its Consequences, The Nature of Reality and Identity, The Importance of Memory, The Dangers of Technology, The Power of Love

Conflict and Stakes: The conflict between Cole's desire to prevent the virus and the skepticism of the scientists, and the stakes are the survival of humanity.

Comparable Scripts:

  • 12 Monkeys (1995)
  • La Jetée (1962)
  • The Matrix (1999)
  • Children of Men (2006)
  • Looper (2012)
  • Blade Runner (1982)
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$50-70 million

Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 18-49, fans of science fiction and thrillers.

Marketability: The screenplay has a strong cast, a unique and timely concept, and a lot of action and suspense.

The screenplay may be too complex for some audiences.

The screenplay has a strong cast, but the story may be too slow-paced for some audiences.

Profit Potential: High, due to the strong cast and unique concept.

Scene Level Percentiles
Script Level Percentiles
Writer's Voice

Summary:The writer's voice is characterized by vivid sensory descriptions, atmospheric details, and a focus on internal thoughts and emotions. The writing style is immersive and engaging, drawing the reader into the characters' world and emotional experiences.

Best representation: Scene 12 - Dr. Railly's Lecture on Madness and Apocalyptic Visions. Scene 12 is the best representation of the writer's voice because it effectively combines vivid sensory descriptions, atmospheric details, and a focus on internal thoughts and emotions. The scene immerses the reader in the protagonist's psychological state, creating a powerful and emotionally resonant experience.

Memorable Lines:

  • Cole: Three billion people died in 1995. Three billion, got that? Almost the whole population. Of the world! Only about one percent survived. (Scene 6)
  • Cole: YOU DON'T EXIST, YOU SILLY BOZOS! YOU'RE NOT REAL! HA HA HA! PEOPLE DON'T TRAVEL IN TIME! YOU AREN'T HERE. MADE YOU UP! YOU CAN'T TRICK ME! YOU'RE IN MY MIND! I'M INSANE AND YOU'RE MY INSANITY! (Scene 28)
  • Cole: I love this world! (Scene 26)
  • Cole: I love you, Kathryn. Remember that. (Scene 40)
  • Cole: This is the present. This is not the past. This is not the future. This is right now! (Scene 39)

Writing Style:

The screenplay exhibits a comprehensive and consistent writing style across all scenes, characterized by its complexity, depth, and nuanced exploration of themes and characters. The dialogue is sharp, engaging, and often philosophical, driving the narrative forward while revealing the inner conflicts and motivations of the characters. The scenes are crafted with precision, balancing action, suspense, and introspection to create a compelling and immersive experience for the reader.

Style Similarities:

  • Christopher Nolan
  • David Fincher
  • Charlie Kaufman
  • Quentin Tarantino
Other Similarities: The screenplay also demonstrates a strong attention to detail, with each scene carefully crafted to contribute to the overall narrative arc. The use of symbolism and foreshadowing is evident throughout, adding depth and resonance to the storytelling. Furthermore, the screenplay effectively balances moments of high tension and suspense with quieter, more introspective scenes, creating a compelling rhythm that keeps the reader engaged and invested in the characters' journeys.
Story Shape
Emotions Elicited