Arsenic and old lace
Executive Summary
Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend
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Promo
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USP: This offbeat and darkly comedic play combines murder, humor, and eccentric characters into a unique and captivating theatrical experience. Blending absurdity and wit, it delves into the peculiar Brewster family and their bizarre adventures. The distinct characters, innovative storytelling, and unexpected plot twists keep the audience engaged and entertained throughout the captivating narrative. It is a play that challenges expectations and leaves a lasting impression with its quirky charm and darkly humorous exploration of family dynamics.
Overview
Genres: Comedy, Dark Comedy, Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Crime, Drama
Setting: 1940s, Brooklyn, New York
Overview: The screenplay for "Arsenic and Old Lace" receives an overall score of 8.29, indicating a strong foundation with significant potential for success. The screenplay excels in its character development, unique premise, and effective use of dark humor. However, there are opportunities for improvement in pacing, plot complexity, and emotional depth.
Themes: Insanity, Murder, Family, Love, Identity
Conflict and Stakes: Mortimer's struggle to keep his family's dark secret from Elaine and the police, Mortimer's struggle to protect Teddy from being committed to a mental institution, and Mortimer's struggle to stop Jonathan and Dr. Einstein from killing him.
Comparable Scripts:
Market Analysis
Budget Estimate:$10-15 million
Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 18-49, fans of horror, comedy, and thrillers
Marketability: Its unique blend of horror, comedy, and thrills has the potential to appeal to a wide audience.
While its dark subject matter may limit its appeal to some audiences, its strong cast and compelling storyline should generate interest.
Its lack of star power and potentially offensive content may make it difficult to market to a mainstream audience.
Profit Potential: Moderate, due to its potential to appeal to a niche audience and generate cult status.
Scene Level Percentiles
This screenplay demonstrates originality and dialogue strengths while having room for improvement in plot structure and emotional impact. The writer's intuitive style shines through in character development and dialogue, guiding the way towards an enhanced narrative.
Screenplay Analysis
Key Strengths
Note: The ratings are the averages of all the scenes.
- Originality: With a percentile ranking of 93.5, the screenplay showcases a highly unique and innovative concept.
- Dialogue: The screenplay excels in dialogue, achieving a percentile ranking of 71.95. The writer's ability to create compelling and engaging dialogue brings the characters to life.
- Plot: The plot structure and development received a relatively low percentile ranking of 16.26. This suggests the writer should focus on refining the overall narrative flow and strengthening the cause-and-effect relationships between events.
- Emotional Impact: The screenplay's emotional impact, with a percentile ranking of only 11.38, indicates that the writer could explore more deeply the emotional experiences and motivations of the characters.
The high percentiles in dialogue and character development suggest an intuitive writing style. The writer has a talent for crafting memorable characters and bringing them to life through natural and engaging dialogue.
Balancing Elements- Consider exploring the balance between originality and plot structure. While the screenplay's originality is exceptional, strengthening the plot elements could enhance the overall narrative.
- To enhance emotional impact, delve deeper into the characters' emotional journeys and motivations. This can help connect with the audience on a profound level.
- Maintain the strengths in dialogue and character development while addressing the areas for improvement to create a well-rounded and engaging screenplay.
Intuitive
Overall AssessmentThe screenplay exhibits strong potential, particularly in originality and dialogue. By addressing the areas for improvement, such as plot structure and emotional impact, the writer can elevate the screenplay to a higher level of effectiveness and captivate audiences.
How this was done: 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.
How scenes compare to the Scripts in our Library
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Percentile | Before | After |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.50 | 97 | El Mariachi: 9.25 | fight Club: 9.50 | |
| Originality | 8.97 | 94 | 2001: 8.96 | Arsenic and old lace : 8.97 |
| 8.50 | 88 | Interstellar: 8.25 | the dark knight rises: 8.50 | |
| 8.75 | 85 | The Fabelmans: 8.50 | Erin Brokovich: 8.75 | |
| Unpredictability | 7.86 | 82 | Enemy of the State: 7.85 | face/off: 7.86 |
| Engagement | 9.00 | 77 | Enemy of the State: 8.98 | fight Club: 9.00 |
| 8.29 | 76 | The Founder: 8.25 | the dark knight rises: 8.29 | |
| Dialogue | 8.0 | 73 | Inception: 7.9 | fight Club: 8.0 |
| 8.50 | 70 | Witness: 8.25 | Titanic: 8.50 | |
| 8.25 | 63 | KILLING ZOE: 8.00 | the pursuit of happyness: 8.25 | |
| Characters | 8.2 | 45 | KILLING ZOE: 8.1 | face/off: 8.2 |
| Concept | 8.0 | 42 | Poor Things: 7.9 | a few good men: 8.0 |
| 8.25 | 42 | The Hudsucker Proxy: 8.00 | Erin Brokovich: 8.25 | |
| 11355 | 40 | Mr. Smith goes to Washington: 11354 | Arsenic and old lace : 11355 | |
| Story Forward | 8.0 | 40 | Beetlejuice: 7.9 | severance (TV): 8.0 |
| High Stakes | 6.9 | 29 | Cruel Intentions: 6.8 | Arsenic and old lace : 6.9 |
| 7.50 | 28 | Deep Cover: 7.25 | Casablanca: 7.50 | |
| Conflict Level | 7.1 | 26 | Inside Out: 7.0 | Arsenic and old lace : 7.1 |
| Character Changes | 5.9 | 19 | Charlie and The Choclate Factory: 5.8 | Arsenic and old lace : 5.9 |
| Structure | 8.03 | 18 | Beetlejuice: 8.02 | Arsenic and old lace : 8.03 |
| Overall | 8.1 | 17 | Cruel Intentions: 8.0 | Erin Brokovich: 8.1 |
| Pacing | 8.14 | 16 | Witness: 8.13 | Arsenic and old lace : 8.14 |
| Formatting | 8.00 | 16 | Wild Wild West: 7.98 | Her: 8.00 |
| Plot | 7.5 | 16 | Beetlejuice: 7.4 | Arsenic and old lace : 7.5 |
| Internal Goal | 7.97 | 15 | Bad Boy: 7.95 | Arsenic and old lace : 7.97 |
| Emotional Impact | 6.6 | 10 | Some like it hot : 6.4 | Arsenic and old lace : 6.6 |
| External Goal | 6.98 | 7 | Her: 6.90 | Arsenic and old lace : 6.98 |
| 7.00 | 5 | El Mariachi: 6.50 | Arsenic and old lace : 7.00 |
Writer's Voice
Summary:The writer's voice is characterized by its witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and blend of humor and darkness. The writer's unique style, which is evident in the dialogue, narrative, and direction, contributes to the overall mood, depth, and themes of the screenplay.
Best representation: Scene 5 - Marriage Announcement and Celebration Preparations. Scene 5 is the best representation of the writer's voice because it effectively combines humor, wit, and emotional depth. The dialogue is sharp and witty, the characters are quirky and engaging, and the blend of humor and darkness creates a unique and memorable scene.
Memorable Lines:
- Mortimer: But there's a body in the window-seat! (Scene 7)
- Martha: Well, dear, for a gallon of elderberry wine, I take one teaspoonful of arsenic, then add half a teaspoonful of strychnine. And then, just a pinch of cyanide. (Scene 9)
- Mortimer: Ye gods ! There's another one ! (Scene 19)
- Mortimer: Forget ? Look, my dear aunt Martha, can't I make you realize that something has to be done ? (Scene 8)
- Mortimer: Mister President, I have good news for you. Your term of office is over. (Scene 30)
Writing Style:
The screenplay exhibits a diverse range of writing styles, with a blend of genres and tones. It incorporates elements of dark humor, witty dialogue, and character-driven comedy. The dialogue is often fast-paced and engaging, contributing to the overall comedic effect.
Style Similarities:
- The Coen Brothers
- Quentin Tarantino
- Woody Allen
Story Shape
Engine: Gemini
Screenplay Rating:
Recommend
Executive Summary
Arsenic and Old Lace is a highly entertaining screenplay with a unique blend of dark comedy and murder mystery. Its strengths lie in its intriguing premise, charming romance, witty dialogue, and well-developed comedic characters. While there are opportunities to tighten the pacing and further explore character development, the screenplay's overall narrative strength and comedic value make it a highly recommendable project.
Strengths
- The screenplay boasts a unique and darkly comedic premise, blending murder mystery with screwball comedy elements. high
- The romantic relationship between Mortimer and Elaine is charming and provides a strong counterpoint to the darker elements of the story. high ( Scene 1 Scene 2 Scene 5 Scene 6 )
- The dialogue is witty and fast-paced, contributing significantly to the comedic tone and overall entertainment value. high
- The character of Teddy Brewster, with his delusion of being Theodore Roosevelt, provides consistent humor and adds to the overall absurdity of the situation. high ( Scene 3 Scene 4 Scene 7 )
- The contrast between the seemingly innocent and sweet Brewster sisters and their murderous activities creates a darkly humorous and intriguing dynamic. high ( Scene 8 Scene 9 Scene 13 Scene 22 )
Areas of Improvement
- The pacing could be tightened in the middle section, particularly during scenes with Jonathan and Dr. Einstein, to maintain a consistent level of engagement. medium
- Mortimer's character development could be further explored, particularly his internal conflict between his love for his aunts and his moral objections to their actions. medium ( Scene 14 Scene 18 Scene 19 )
- Jonathan and Dr. Einstein's motivations and backstory could be elaborated upon to provide a deeper understanding of their characters and actions. low ( Scene 24 Scene 25 )
MissingElements
- The screenplay could benefit from a stronger exploration of the ethical and psychological implications of the Brewster sisters' actions, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. medium
NotablePoints
- The use of dramatic irony, where the audience is aware of the murders while other characters remain oblivious, effectively enhances the comedic and suspenseful elements. high
Engine: GPT4
Screenplay Rating:
Consider
Executive Summary
Arsenic and Old Lace is a dark comedy with strong character development and witty dialogue. While it effectively employs dramatic irony and plot twists, it could benefit from improved pacing and a more developed subplot. The unique blend of comedy and thriller elements makes it a compelling read.
Strengths
- The screenplay opens with a strong and engaging setup that introduces the main characters and the central premise effectively. high ( Scene 1 )
- The dialogue is sharp and witty, providing both humor and depth to the characters, which engages the audience. high ( Scene 10 )
- The plot twist with Jonathan's character adds an element of surprise and maintains audience interest. medium ( Scene 22 )
- The use of dramatic irony, especially in scenes where the audience knows more than the characters, is effectively employed to build tension. medium ( Scene 17 )
- Character development is strong, particularly with Mortimer, whose reactions and decisions drive the plot forward. high ( Scene 26 )
Areas of Improvement
- Some scenes, particularly in the middle of the screenplay, could benefit from tighter pacing to maintain momentum. medium ( Scene 5 )
- The motivations of secondary characters like Dr. Einstein could be more developed to enhance their believability and depth. medium ( Scene 18 )
- The transitions between some scenes are abrupt and could be smoothed to ensure a more cohesive narrative flow. low ( Scene 20 )
- The subplot involving the police and Jonathan's criminal activities sometimes overshadows the main plot, which could be balanced better. medium ( Scene 15 )
- The ending feels somewhat rushed and could be expanded to provide a more satisfying resolution to all character arcs. high ( Scene 25 )
MissingElements
- The screenplay could benefit from a stronger emotional arc for Elaine to enhance the romantic subplot. medium
NotablePoints
- The screenplay effectively uses dark comedy elements, which is a unique aspect that sets it apart from typical comedies. high ( Scene 12 )
Screenplay Insights:
Characters: 8.25, The screenplay showcases a captivating cast of eccentric and complex characters who undergo transformative journeys throughout the narrative. While the depth and complexity of character development is generally strong, some characters could benefit from further refinement to enhance their relatability and consistency. The compelling character arcs and the exploration of themes through character development drive the narrative forward and create a strong connection with the audience. See More
Premise: 8.75, The screenplay for "Arsenic and Old Lace" presents a unique and darkly comedic premise with strong potential for audience engagement. The juxtaposition of seemingly innocent elderly women with their penchant for murder creates a compelling hook. However, the initial scenes could be further refined to establish a clearer connection between the opening cartoons and the main narrative, enhancing the overall intrigue and thematic depth. See More
Structure: 8.5, The screenplay exhibits a solid structure and plot development, effectively engaging the audience with its blend of suspense, humor, and family drama. However, certain areas could be refined to enhance its narrative flow and character development. See More
Theme: 8.5, The screenplay effectively explores the themes of family, mental health, morality, and mistaken identity in a darkly comedic manner. The themes are woven into the narrative through the Brewster sisters' eccentric behavior, Teddy's delusions, Mortimer's struggle to maintain his sanity, and Jonathan's sinister presence. While the screenplay successfully conveys its messages about the complexities of familial relationships and the dangers of unchecked mental illness, it could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of morality and a clearer resolution to Jonathan's storyline. See More
Visual Impact: 8.25, This screenplay showcases a strong foundation for visual storytelling, effectively capturing the chaotic and suspenseful atmosphere of the narrative. The vivid descriptions and creative use of visual elements provide a strong base for translating the screenplay into a visually engaging film experience. See More
Emotional Impact: 7.0, The screenplay effectively elicits emotional responses from the audience, particularly through its eccentric and intriguing characters and the use of dark humor. However, there is room for improvement in deepening the emotional depth and broadening the range of emotions explored. See More
Conflict: 7.5, The screenplay effectively employs conflict and stakes to generate tension and engage the audience. The central conflict of the Brewster family's dark secrets and the consequences of their actions provides a solid foundation for the narrative. However, there are opportunities to further enhance the clarity and impact of the stakes, as well as the integration of the conflict within the plot and character development. See More
Originality: 9.5, Arsenic and Old Lace exhibits remarkable originality in its blend of dark comedy and suspense. The play's eccentric characters, witty dialogue, and unexpected plot twists set it apart from other works in the genre. See More
Premise: 8.75, The screenplay for "Arsenic and Old Lace" presents a unique and darkly comedic premise with strong potential for audience engagement. The juxtaposition of seemingly innocent elderly women with their penchant for murder creates a compelling hook. However, the initial scenes could be further refined to establish a clearer connection between the opening cartoons and the main narrative, enhancing the overall intrigue and thematic depth. See More
Structure: 8.5, The screenplay exhibits a solid structure and plot development, effectively engaging the audience with its blend of suspense, humor, and family drama. However, certain areas could be refined to enhance its narrative flow and character development. See More
Theme: 8.5, The screenplay effectively explores the themes of family, mental health, morality, and mistaken identity in a darkly comedic manner. The themes are woven into the narrative through the Brewster sisters' eccentric behavior, Teddy's delusions, Mortimer's struggle to maintain his sanity, and Jonathan's sinister presence. While the screenplay successfully conveys its messages about the complexities of familial relationships and the dangers of unchecked mental illness, it could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of morality and a clearer resolution to Jonathan's storyline. See More
Visual Impact: 8.25, This screenplay showcases a strong foundation for visual storytelling, effectively capturing the chaotic and suspenseful atmosphere of the narrative. The vivid descriptions and creative use of visual elements provide a strong base for translating the screenplay into a visually engaging film experience. See More
Emotional Impact: 7.0, The screenplay effectively elicits emotional responses from the audience, particularly through its eccentric and intriguing characters and the use of dark humor. However, there is room for improvement in deepening the emotional depth and broadening the range of emotions explored. See More
Conflict: 7.5, The screenplay effectively employs conflict and stakes to generate tension and engage the audience. The central conflict of the Brewster family's dark secrets and the consequences of their actions provides a solid foundation for the narrative. However, there are opportunities to further enhance the clarity and impact of the stakes, as well as the integration of the conflict within the plot and character development. See More
Originality: 9.5, Arsenic and Old Lace exhibits remarkable originality in its blend of dark comedy and suspense. The play's eccentric characters, witty dialogue, and unexpected plot twists set it apart from other works in the genre. See More
Screenplay Story Analysis
Note: This is the overall critique. For scene by scene critique click here
Summaries
- In the heart of Brooklyn, where the unexpected is commonplace, a dramatic critic named Mortimer Brewster seeks to conceal his identity. Amidst the chaos of a baseball brawl and the search for celebrity sightings, Mortimer and Elaine Harper embark on a journey to obtain their marriage license at the Marriage License Bureau. As the clerk sings a cheerful tune, Mortimer and Elaine approach the counter, setting the stage for a peculiar and amusing adventure.
- Elaine Harper and Mortimer Brewster go to the marriage license bureau to get married. Mortimer tries to keep his marriage a secret but the clerk and two journalists try to get information about it. Mortimer gets frustrated and yells his name, then grabs Elaine's hand and runs out of the room, with the journalists chasing after them.
- Police officers collect toys for underprivileged children from the Brewster sisters. Eccentric Teddy Brewster, who believes he is President Roosevelt, charges upstairs pretending to be a soldier. Officer O'Hara is initially uncomfortable but goes along with it. Abby Brewster offers the officers refreshments and agrees to make beef broth for Officer Brophy's wife.
- In the Brewster sisters' living room, Teddy, who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt, plays the bugle on the balcony. Visitors Brophy and O'Hara are startled, and Teddy is scolded. He retreats with toys, including a model warship bound for Australia. Reverend Harper inquires about Teddy's 'blockhouse.' Martha explains Teddy's delusion, and they avoid challenging it. As Brophy and O'Hara depart, Teddy salutes O'Hara. Harper questions their approach, but Abby insists they not intervene.
- After Reverend Harper leaves, Abby reveals to Martha that she moved the clock's minute hand back while he was distracted. They discuss their plans for Teddy to go to a sanitarium after they die and their belief that Reverend Harper is becoming more supportive. Teddy pretends to prepare for a trip to Panama, while Elaine surprises the sisters by kissing them through the window. Mortimer arrives and flirts with Elaine, eventually chasing her around a tree despite her initial reluctance.
- Mortimer and Elaine reveal their marriage to Mortimer's aunts, Abby and Martha, who are overjoyed. Mortimer plans a honeymoon to Niagara Falls and orders flowers, while the aunts offer to celebrate with wine and a wedding cake.
- Teddy, dressed in colonial attire, shares his excitement about the Panama project. Mortimer brings news of national support. Teddy leaves for the cellar. Abby finds a childhood picture of Teddy's troubled brother, Jonathan. Mortimer recalls a play featuring a similar character and speculates about Jonathan's fate. Searching for a note, Mortimer discovers a body in the window seat but keeps it secret. When he reveals it, his aunts calmly explain the man, Adam Hoskins, died before ending up in the window seat and his presence is unrelated to Teddy.
- Mortimer confronts his aunts about a dead body in the window-seat. The aunts nonchalantly confess to poisoning the man and hiding his body, revealing they have buried multiple bodies in the cellar. Mortimer, shocked and horrified, attempts to process the situation.
- After a rude phone call, Mortimer realizes he's sitting in the chair where his aunts' first victim died. Whispering reveals they poisoned victims with arsenic, strychnine, and cyanide. As the aunts leave to frost a cake, Mortimer gets entangled in a chair. Elaine interrupts his attempt to hide in the window seat.
- Mortimer Brewster, on his wedding day to Elaine, orders her to leave the house after something mysterious occurs. Despite Elaine's pleas, Mortimer pushes her out and locks the door. He then calls Judge Cullman to discuss Teddy's situation. Meanwhile, Gibbs, an elderly gentleman, arrives seeking to rent a room. Abby and Martha answer the door and show Gibbs in as Mortimer continues his phone conversation.
- Abby and Martha invite Gibbs to dinner, but he declines. They offer him wine, but he initially refuses. Mortimer, who has been trying to reach the Happy Dale Sanitarium on the phone, finally gets through and asks to speak to Mr. Witherspoon. Gibbs tries the elderberry wine and seems to enjoy it. Mortimer warns Gibbs to get out as he realizes Gibbs is about to drink poisoned wine, frightening Gibbs who runs off.
- Mortimer Brewster calls Dr. Witherspoon to arrange for his brother Teddy's commitment to Happy Dale. However, Witherspoon informs him that he has several Theodore Roosevelts at the moment and it would lead to trouble unless Teddy believed he was Napoleon Bonaparte. Brewster agrees to the plan and ends the call. He then instructs his aunts, Abby and Martha, to not let anyone into the house and leave Mr. Whosit where he is, before leaving to arrange the paperwork. Abby and Martha agree, despite their concerns about Mortimer's strange behavior. Mortimer realizes he is wearing Mr. Hoskins' hat and throws it away before leaving in a taxi. Meanwhile, Abby and Martha discuss Mortimer's odd behavior and decide that it must be due to his recent marriage. There is a knock at the door, and Abby and Martha see two unfamiliar men outside through the frosted window-panels.
- Unsettling strangers posing as kin seek refuge, sparking suspicion and fear. A dead body's mention ignites tension, leaving the Brewster sisters eavesdropping in uncertainty.
- Judge Cullman initially orders Teddy Brewster's commitment but relents after realizing the error. Meanwhile, Mortimer confronts the judge and warns him against drinking. Teddy's delusions persist as he prepares to explore the 'Panama Canal' in the cellar with Dr. Einstein. Jonathan Brewster threatens his aunts to provide them shelter, creating tension.
- Dr. Einstein and Jonathan plan to dispose of Mr. Spenalzo's body through a window. The aunts are suspicious and hesitant, but Jonathan asserts his authority and the body is secretly brought into the room.
- In the depths of the Brewster house, the bodies of Mr. Hoskins and Mr. Spenalzo are hastily hidden by Jonathan and Dr. Einstein. Amidst the chaos, Elaine arrives, unaware of the sinister secrets lurking within. Jonathan's question to her about his reputation casts an ominous shadow over the scene.
- Elaine is interrogated by Jonathan, who mistakes her for someone else. Amidst the chaos, Teddy mistakes Elaine for his daughter. Elaine attempts to escape but is captured by Jonathan and Einstein, who drag her to the cellar. As Mortimer arrives, Jonathan reveals his true identity, surprising his unsuspecting brother.
- In the Brewster residence's sitting room, Mortimer, Jonathan, Dr. Einstein, Elaine, Abby, and Martha experience a tumultuous night filled with forgetfulness, violence, and revelations. Despite being threatened by Jonathan, Mortimer remains distracted and neglects to obtain a doctor's signature. Elaine, furious at Mortimer's disregard for her safety, leaves in anger. Meanwhile, Abby and Martha whisper about the shoe Jonathan possesses, hinting at another layer of tension. The scene concludes with Mortimer's realization of his mistake and desperate plea for Witherspoon's assistance to remove Jonathan.
- Mortimer discovers another dead body, hidden in the window seat, and confronts his aunt Abby about it. Abby insists that the body is an impostor, but Mortimer remains suspicious. As Jonathan and Doctor Einstein enter the room, Mortimer realizes that the body in the window seat is actually Jonathan's accomplice. Mortimer confronts Jonathan, who threatens him with a gun. Abby opens the door to find Officer O'Hara, who has come to investigate a disturbance. Jonathan and Doctor Einstein leave with the body, and Mortimer calls the police.
- Officer O'Hara is invited into the kitchen, leaving Jonathan and Einstein alone. Jonathan insists they stay and confront Mortimer, who returns to the sitting room and opens the window seat to speak to the corpse.
- Jonathan and Einstein confront Mortimer about the dead bodies, leading to Mortimer's attempt to call the police. However, Jonathan threatens to expose the cellar body, giving him an advantage. Mortimer leaves to meet O'Hara, providing time for the sisters to reveal their murder of twelve people and the burial of their bodies in the cellar.
- Dr. Einstein shocks Jonathan by revealing Abby and Martha's body count, prompting Einstein's ominous suggestion to match Jonathan's. Meanwhile, Mortimer's attempt to commit Teddy backfires, leaving Elaine longing for Mortimer's affections amidst the chaotic Halloween night.
- Mortimer confesses to Elaine that he cannot marry her due to his family's history of insanity. Elaine insists she does not care, but Mortimer is adamant and runs away to sign commitment papers. Abby and Martha discover Jonathan's plan to bury two corpses together and threaten to involve the authorities.
- Mortimer Brewster, oblivious to the danger posed by his brother Jonathan, dismisses warnings from Dr. Einstein about Jonathan's violent mood. Despite Einstein's pleas, Mortimer confiscates his schnapps, leaving the audience with a sense of foreboding as Jonathan plans to confront and potentially harm Mortimer.
- Mortimer pours himself a drink and mocks characters in plays for their lack of intelligence, unaware of his brother Jonathan's presence. Jonathan silently cuts the curtain cords behind Mortimer and, with Einstein's help, subdues him. Jonathan reveals his plan to operate on Mortimer, while Einstein is torn between wanting a quick death and the artistic achievement Jonathan seeks.
- Dr. Einstein and Jonathan are about to operate on Mortimer when they realize he can move and decide to kill him instead. Officer O'Hara arrives, and Einstein tries to distract him, but Jonathan stabs him. Einstein knocks out Jonathan, and O'Hara recognizes him, but Einstein claims he's from his play. O'Hara leaves to investigate a knock at the door.
- Einstein alerts Jonathan about the police presence outside. Jonathan, still asleep, is unaware of the situation. O'Hara engages in a tense confrontation with Brophy and Saunders, informing them that Mortimer is assisting with his play. Brophy reveals that complaints about the Colonel's bugle have prompted the arrest of Jonathan. Mortimer, untied but gagged, unsuccessfully tries to communicate. Jonathan awakens and overhears his imminent detention. O'Hara reluctantly agrees to accompany Jonathan to the cellar, but Brophy insists. Amidst confusion and panic, Jonathan attacks O'Hara, sparking a brawl among the officers, Mortimer, and Saunders. Einstein cautiously observes the chaos from above. Mortimer frees himself from his restraints, adding to the turmoil.
- Amidst the chaos of a battle, Mortimer observes the absurdity from the sidelines. Jonathan, an escaped prisoner from Indiana, is subdued and revealed to be Mortimer's brother. O'Hara, who identified Jonathan, is suspended. As the scene ends, a mysterious hatted figure is seen outside the frosted glass door.
- As Teddy Brewster declares himself President Roosevelt, Lieutenant Rooney investigates his accomplice. Mortimer intervenes with fabricated documents while Witherspoon arrives to take Teddy to Happy Dale Sanitarium. Mortimer unravels a coded message involving Brewster and Roosevelt, resolving Rooney's doubts. The chaotic scene culminates with Teddy surrendering his bugle to Mortimer, leading to his eventual departure.
- Teddy Brewster prepares to leave for Happy Dale, a mental asylum, as per legal requirement. Mortimer Brewster, Teddy's brother, expresses concern and asks the director of Happy Dale, Witherspoon, to ensure Teddy's well-being. Witherspoon assures Mortimer but declines his request to visit Happy Dale. Teddy's sisters, Abby and Martha, protest his departure and wish to accompany him, but Witherspoon refuses. Despite Mortimer's suggestion, Witherspoon insists that Happy Dale only admits patients with mental illness. The scene ends with Witherspoon expressing concern about Teddy's behavior and the presence of staircases at Happy Dale.
- Lieutenant Rooney arrives at the Brewster house to investigate alleged murders and buried bodies. Mortimer claims his aunts are crazy, but Rooney remains skeptical. Elaine eavesdrops and confirms her suspicions. The aunts sign commitment papers, and Elaine discovers a trapdoor to the cellar.
- Dr. Einstein is forced to sign papers before leaving the Brewster residence. As Rooney and Saunders enter, Einstein overhears his wanted description and almost gets caught. Witherspoon intervenes, allowing Einstein to escape. Mortimer learns he's not a Brewster, initially shocked but then embraces the news. The scene ends with Mortimer passionately kissing Elaine.
- Elaine tries to tell Mortimer something, but he keeps kissing her. He carries her to the front door, opens it, and rushes outside with her still in his arms. Elaine's sisters wave goodbye, and Lieutenant Rooney is confused by the situation. Outside, Mortimer and Elaine continue kissing. The cab driver offers to call them a cab, but Mortimer tells him they are going to Niagara Falls. Mortimer carries Elaine away on his shoulder, and the cab driver realizes he is not a cab driver. Mortimer and Elaine enter Reverend Harper's house, and the cab driver mimes being a coffee pot.
CharacterInconsistencies
-
Character Mortimer Brewster
Description Mortimer's behavior swings dramatically between being appalled by his aunts' actions and being flippant about the murders. This inconsistency could be explored further to reveal his inner conflict and coping mechanisms.
( Scene 2 Scene 5 ) -
Character Elaine Harper
Description Elaine's reaction to Mortimer's erratic behavior is initially understanding, but later turns to anger and frustration. This shift could be better explained by her emotional journey and growing concerns.
( Scene 9 Scene 10 )
StoryInconsistencies
-
Description The Brewster sisters' motivation for taking in lonely old men is portrayed as an act of charity. However, their methods and the ease with which they commit murder raise questions about their true intentions and the nature of their 'charity'.
( Scene 11 ) -
Description The fight scene between Jonathan and the police officers seems unnecessarily drawn out, especially considering the urgency of Mortimer's situation and the impending arrival of Mr. Witherspoon.
( Scene 28 )
PlotHoles
-
Description It's unclear how Jonathan and Dr. Einstein found their way back to the Brewster residence after 20 years, especially considering Jonathan's mental state and criminal background.
( Scene 13 )
DialogueAuthenticity
-
Description Dr. Einstein's use of theatrical language and references to plays when trying to warn Mortimer seems out of character and a bit forced.
( Scene 25 )
Redundancies
-
Element Teddy's bugle blowing and the subsequent reaction of the grandfather clock
( Scene 3 Scene 4 )
Suggestion The repetitive nature of this gag could be reduced or altered to maintain its comedic effect while avoiding redundancy. -
Element Mortimer's attempts to explain the situation to Elaine
( Scene 9 Scene 10 )
Suggestion Streamlining these interactions could improve the pacing of the story and build suspense.
Characters in the screenplay, and their arcs:
| Character | Arc | Critique | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abby Brewster | Abby Brewster starts off as a supportive and nurturing figure, but as the story progresses, her darker side is revealed as Martha's partner in crime. She becomes more complex and conflicted, torn between her love for her family and her involvement in criminal activities. Ultimately, Abby must confront her own moral compass and make a difficult decision that will impact her relationships and her own sense of self. | The character arc for Abby Brewster is intriguing and adds depth to her character. However, it could benefit from more foreshadowing and development of her darker side earlier in the screenplay. This would create a more gradual and believable transformation for Abby, making her internal conflict more impactful for the audience. | To improve the character arc for Abby Brewster, consider adding subtle hints or clues throughout the screenplay that foreshadow her involvement in criminal activities. This could include ambiguous dialogue, mysterious behavior, or subtle actions that hint at her true nature. By building up to the reveal of her darker side, Abby's transformation will feel more organic and surprising for the audience. |
| Reverend Harper | Reverend Harper starts off as a traditional and conservative figure who is wary of Mortimer's views on marriage. However, as he interacts more with the Brewster family, he becomes intrigued by their eccentricities and develops a deeper understanding and compassion for them. By the end of the screenplay, Reverend Harper has learned to appreciate the uniqueness of the Brewster family and has become a trusted confidant and friend to them. | The character arc for Reverend Harper is well-developed, but it could benefit from more specific moments or scenes that show his transformation from a conservative figure to a compassionate and understanding friend. Additionally, his interactions with the Brewster family could be further explored to deepen his connection with them. | To improve the character arc for Reverend Harper, consider adding scenes where he actively engages with the Brewster family members individually to show his growing understanding and compassion for each of them. This could include moments where he offers advice or support to the sisters, or where he has heart-to-heart conversations with Mortimer. By delving deeper into Reverend Harper's relationships with the Brewster family, his character arc can be more impactful and meaningful. |
| Martha Brewster | Martha Brewster starts off as a loving and caring matriarch of the Brewster family, but as the story progresses, her dark secret is revealed, leading to a dramatic shift in her character. She becomes more conflicted and torn between her love for her family and her twisted sense of justice. Ultimately, she must face the consequences of her actions and decide where her loyalties truly lie. | The character arc for Martha Brewster is intriguing and adds depth to her character. However, the transition from a loving grandmother figure to a poison-mixing murderer could be more gradual and nuanced. It would be beneficial to explore Martha's motivations and inner turmoil more thoroughly to make her transformation more believable and impactful. | To improve the character arc for Martha Brewster, consider adding flashback scenes or moments of internal monologue to delve deeper into her past and the events that led her to become a poisoner. This will help the audience understand her actions and sympathize with her internal conflict. Additionally, show more moments of vulnerability and guilt to humanize Martha and make her transformation more complex and compelling. |
| Teddy | Teddy starts off as a delusional and eccentric character who firmly believes he is President Roosevelt. Throughout the screenplay, he goes on a journey of self-discovery where he learns to embrace his unique personality and quirks. As he faces challenges and obstacles that test his beliefs, he begins to question his identity and eventually comes to terms with who he truly is, finding confidence and acceptance in his own skin. | The character arc for Teddy is well-developed and engaging, allowing for growth and transformation. However, it could benefit from more specific challenges and conflicts that push Teddy out of his comfort zone and force him to confront his delusions in a more impactful way. | To improve the character arc, consider introducing external conflicts that directly challenge Teddy's belief in his presidential identity. This could include situations where his delusions put himself or others in danger, leading to moments of introspection and growth. Additionally, explore deeper emotional layers within Teddy, showcasing his vulnerabilities and insecurities beneath his eccentric facade to create a more nuanced and relatable character. |
| Mortimer | Mortimer's character arc in the screenplay involves him starting off as a carefree and humorous individual, but as he delves deeper into his family's dark secrets, he undergoes a transformation. He becomes more determined, protective, and quick-thinking, using his wit and resourcefulness to confront the challenges thrown at him. Ultimately, Mortimer emerges as a complex character who balances humor with vulnerability and a strong sense of responsibility towards his family. | The character arc for Mortimer is well-developed, showcasing his growth and evolution throughout the screenplay. However, to enhance the arc further, it would be beneficial to explore Mortimer's internal struggles and emotional depth in response to the shocking revelations about his family. This could add more layers to his character and make his journey even more compelling for the audience. | To improve the character arc, consider incorporating moments of introspection and vulnerability for Mortimer as he grapples with the dark secrets of his family. Show his internal conflict and emotional turmoil more explicitly, highlighting the weight of his responsibilities and the impact of the revelations on his psyche. This will deepen Mortimer's character development and make his transformation more impactful and resonant. |
| Abby | Abby's character arc follows her transformation from a seemingly sweet and innocent elderly woman to a deceptive and sinister individual with a hidden dark side. As the story progresses, Abby's calm demeanor and composed facade begin to crack, revealing the true extent of her darkness and the depths of her deception. Ultimately, Abby's arc culminates in a chilling confrontation where her true nature is fully exposed, leading to a dramatic and unsettling resolution. | The character arc for Abby is intriguing and effectively showcases her transformation from a seemingly sweet elderly woman to a sinister and deceptive individual. However, there could be more emphasis on the internal conflict and struggle within Abby as she grapples with her dark secrets and the consequences of her actions. Additionally, exploring Abby's motivations and backstory in more depth could add layers to her character and make her arc even more compelling. | To improve the character arc for Abby, consider incorporating flashback scenes or moments of introspection that delve into her past and reveal the events that shaped her into the deceptive individual she has become. This could provide insight into Abby's motivations and add complexity to her character, making her transformation more nuanced and impactful. Additionally, exploring the emotional toll of Abby's actions on her psyche and relationships with other characters could further enhance her arc and create a more compelling narrative. |
| Martha | Martha's character arc in the screenplay involves a journey from appearing sweet and innocent to revealing her involvement in the dark deeds of the family. As the story progresses, her nurturing and caring nature is juxtaposed with her sinister side, leading to a climax where her true intentions are unveiled. This revelation adds depth to her character and creates a sense of suspense and intrigue for the audience. | The character arc for Martha is well-developed and adds complexity to her character. However, there could be more foreshadowing of her dark side earlier in the screenplay to build anticipation for the reveal. Additionally, Martha's transition from sweet and innocent to sinister could be more gradual and nuanced to make it feel more organic and believable. | To improve Martha's character arc, consider adding subtle hints or clues throughout the screenplay that foreshadow her involvement in the dark deeds. This could be done through her interactions with other characters or through subtle changes in her behavior. Additionally, focus on developing Martha's internal conflict as she grapples with her dual nature, adding depth to her character and making her arc more compelling. |
| Elaine | Elaine starts off as a caring and devoted partner to Mortimer, trying to understand his family's eccentricities and dark history. As the story progresses, she is thrust into a dangerous situation with Jonathan and Dr. Einstein, where she must confront her fears and show courage and resilience. Through the chaos and revelations about the Brewster family, Elaine grows in strength and determination, ultimately emerging as a grounded and supportive presence for Mortimer. | The character arc for Elaine is well-developed, showcasing her growth from a loving and supportive partner to a courageous and resilient individual. However, there could be more emphasis on her own agency and decision-making throughout the story, rather than solely reacting to the chaos around her. Additionally, exploring Elaine's own motivations and desires beyond her relationship with Mortimer could add depth to her character. | To improve the character arc for Elaine, consider giving her more agency and autonomy in her actions and decisions. Show her taking proactive steps to navigate the dangerous situation she finds herself in, rather than solely reacting to events. Additionally, delve deeper into Elaine's backstory, motivations, and desires to create a more well-rounded and complex character. |
| Abby And Martha | Abby and Martha start off as quirky and eccentric aunts who initially appear welcoming but show a sense of unease and concern towards Jonathan and Dr. Einstein. As the story unfolds, their dark secrets are revealed, leading to a climax where their true nature is exposed. Ultimately, they must confront their past actions and make a decision that will impact their family's future. | The character arc for Abby and Martha is well-developed, but it could benefit from more depth and complexity. The transition from quirky and eccentric to dark and mysterious could be more gradual, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of their characters. Additionally, the resolution of their arc feels somewhat rushed and could be expanded upon to provide a more satisfying conclusion. | To improve the character arc for Abby and Martha, consider adding more scenes that delve into their past and motivations. This will help to create a more layered and compelling portrayal of their characters. Additionally, allow for more moments of internal conflict and growth as they grapple with their dark secrets. Finally, extend the resolution of their arc to give them a more satisfying and impactful conclusion. |
| Jonathan Brewster | At the beginning of the screenplay, Jonathan Brewster is introduced as a menacing and mysterious figure with a dark past. As the story progresses, his interactions with the other characters reveal his ruthless and dangerous side, culminating in a climactic confrontation where his true nature is fully exposed. In the end, Jonathan meets his downfall as his past catches up with him, leading to his ultimate demise. | The character arc for Jonathan Brewster is well-developed, showcasing his descent from a mysterious and menacing figure to his ultimate downfall. However, there could be more depth added to his motivations and inner conflict to make his character more compelling and relatable to the audience. | To improve the character arc for Jonathan Brewster, consider delving deeper into his backstory and exploring the reasons behind his desire for power and control. Show moments of vulnerability or internal struggle to humanize him and make his eventual downfall more impactful. Additionally, consider adding more complexity to his relationships with the other characters to create a more dynamic and engaging narrative. |
| Dr. Einstein | Dr. Einstein starts off as a loyal but fearful accomplice to Jonathan, using his skills to aid in their criminal activities. As the story progresses, he becomes increasingly conflicted between his loyalty to Jonathan and his own moral compass. This internal struggle leads him to make risky decisions and ultimately betray Jonathan in order to redeem himself and find his own path. | The character arc for Dr. Einstein is compelling and adds depth to his character. However, it could benefit from more specific moments or events that highlight his internal conflict and eventual decision to betray Jonathan. This would make his arc more impactful and emotionally resonant for the audience. | To improve the character arc for Dr. Einstein, consider adding scenes that delve deeper into his past and motivations, showing the audience why he is torn between loyalty and morality. Additionally, focus on building up the tension and stakes of his internal struggle throughout the screenplay, leading to a more satisfying resolution when he ultimately chooses to betray Jonathan. |
| Jonathan | Jonathan starts off as a menacing and mysterious character with a dark past, creating tension and intrigue. As the story progresses, his manipulative and violent nature is revealed, leading to a climax where he resorts to extreme measures to achieve his goals. Ultimately, Jonathan meets his downfall as his dark and dangerous actions catch up to him, resulting in his demise. | The character arc for Jonathan is well-developed, showcasing his menacing and unpredictable nature effectively. However, there could be more depth added to his backstory to provide further insight into his motivations and actions. Additionally, the resolution of his arc could be more impactful by exploring the consequences of his violent behavior in a more profound way. | To improve the character arc for Jonathan, consider delving deeper into his past to reveal the root causes of his menacing behavior. This could add layers to his character and make his actions more understandable to the audience. Furthermore, explore the emotional impact of his downfall on the other characters in the screenplay, highlighting the ripple effects of his actions throughout the story. |
| Doctor Einstein | Doctor Einstein starts off as a nervous and reluctant accomplice to Jonathan, easily swayed by his threats. As the story progresses, he becomes more quirky and slightly eccentric, showing a sense of humor and wit. However, his inner conflict intensifies, leading to moments of desperation and fear. In the climax, he must make a difficult decision that ultimately reveals his true character and resolves his internal conflict. | The character arc for Doctor Einstein is well-developed, showing a clear progression from a nervous accomplice to a conflicted individual with a sense of humor and wit. However, there could be more depth added to his inner turmoil and the reasons behind his loyalty to Jonathan. Additionally, his resolution in the climax could be more impactful and satisfying for the audience. | To improve the character arc, consider delving deeper into Doctor Einstein's backstory and motivations for his loyalty to Jonathan. Show more moments of internal struggle and conflict to highlight his complexity. In the climax, make his decision more pivotal and impactful, showcasing his growth and resolution of his inner turmoil. |
| Theme | Theme Details | Themee Explanation | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insanity | Multiple characters display symptoms of mental illness, including delusions, hallucinations, and homicidal tendencies. | The screenplay explores the nature of insanity and its impact on individuals and families. | ||||||||||||
Strengthening Insanity:
| ||||||||||||||
| Murder | Several characters are murdered throughout the screenplay, and the disposal of their bodies becomes a central plot point. | The theme of murder highlights the dark side of the characters and the lengths they are willing to go to protect their secrets. | ||||||||||||
| Family | The Brewster family is at the heart of the screenplay, and their dysfunctional relationships drive the plot. | The theme of family explores the complex dynamics of family love, loyalty, and betrayal. | ||||||||||||
| Love | Mortimer and Elaine's love story provides a contrast to the darkness surrounding them, but it is ultimately tested by the events of the screenplay. | The theme of love demonstrates the power of human connection and the ability of love to overcome adversity. | ||||||||||||
| Identity | Several characters struggle with their own identity, including Mortimer, who discovers that he is not a Brewster. | The theme of identity explores the nature of self and the search for belonging. | ||||||||||||
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 revolved around maintaining normalcy, uncovering dark secrets, and navigating chaotic situations. |
| External Goals | The protagonist's external goals focused on handling the immediate challenges, avoiding legal trouble, and protecting his family. |
| Philosophical Conflict | The overarching philosophical conflict in the screenplay revolves around the morality of the characters' actions, the clash between tradition and individual beliefs, and the acceptance of one's family history. |
Character Development Contribution: The protagonist's goals and the philosophical conflict contribute to his growth by challenging his beliefs, forcing him to confront dark truths, and leading to a shift in his perception of his family.
Narrative Structure Contribution: The protagonist's internal and external goals drive the plot forward, adding complexity and tension to the narrative. The philosophical conflict adds depth and moral ambiguity to the storyline, creating suspense and intrigue.
Thematic Depth Contribution: The goals and philosophical conflict in the screenplay explore themes of morality, family loyalty, deception, and the acceptance of one's past. These elements contribute to the thematic depth by delving into the complexities of human nature, the consequences of one's actions, and the struggle between right and wrong.
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? |
What's going on here? - Scenes are rated on many critreia. The goal isn't to try to maximize every number; \
It's to make you aware of what's happening in your scenes. You might have very good reasons to have character development but not advance the story, or have a scene without conflict. Obviously if your dialogue is really bad, you should probably look into that.
| 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 - A Witch's Brew in Brooklyn | Humorous, Light-hearted, Romantic | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 2 - Mortimer's Secret Wedding | Humorous, Whimsical, Romantic | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
| 3 - Officers Visit Eccentric Household | Light-hearted, Whimsical, Charming | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 4 - Teddy's Bugle Call | Humorous, Whimsical, Light-hearted | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
| 5 - Flirtatious Encounters | Humorous, Light-hearted, Whimsical | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 6 - Marriage Announcement and Celebration Preparations | Light-hearted, Playful, Romantic | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 7 - Preparations and a Mysterious Discovery | Humorous, Suspenseful, Quirky | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 8 - The Poisoned Wine | Humorous, Dark, Absurd | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 9 - Mortimer's Horror Unveiled | Humorous, Dark, Sarcastic | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 10 - Secrets and Suspicions | Light-hearted, Whimsical, Suspenseful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 11 - Poisoned Wine | Humorous, Suspenseful, Dark | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 12 - A Strange Request | Humorous, Suspenseful, Quirky | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 13 - Sinister Visitors | Dark, Humorous, Suspenseful | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 14 - Turbulent Confrontations and Delusions | Humorous, Menacing, Erratic | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 15 - Disposal of Mr. Spenalzo's Body | Dark, Suspenseful, Humorous | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 16 - Hidden Horrors in the Brewster House | Suspenseful, Darkly Humorous, Mysterious | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 17 - Unexpected Homecoming | Menacing, Suspenseful, Darkly Humorous | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
| 18 - Chaotic Night at the Brewster Residence | Humorous, Suspenseful, Dark | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 19 - The Unmasking | Humorous, Suspenseful, Dark | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 20 - Confrontation in the Sitting Room | Humorous, Suspenseful, Dark | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 21 - Confrontation and Dark Secrets | Dark, Humorous, Suspenseful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 22 - Murderous Madness at the Brewster House | Humorous, Menacing, Suspenseful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
| 23 - Insanity Unveiled | Humorous, Suspenseful, Dark | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 24 - Mortimer's Ignorance and Impending Danger | Suspenseful, Darkly Humorous, Tense | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7.5 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | |
| 25 - The Betrayal in Mortimer's Cellar | Suspenseful, Dark, Humorous | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 26 - Murder Interrupted | Dark, Suspenseful, Humorous | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 27 - Turmoil in the Brewster House | Humorous, Suspenseful, Chaotic | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | |
| 28 - Chaos on the Staircase | Dark, Humorous, Suspenseful | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 29 - Ted's Presidential Delusions | Humorous, Suspenseful, Absurd | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 30 - Teddy's Departure | Humorous, Suspenseful, Absurd | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 31 - The Brewster House Investigation | Humorous, Suspenseful, Absurd | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
| 32 - Mortimer Discovers His True Identity | Humorous, Suspenseful, Surprising | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
| 33 - Romantic Getaway to Niagara Falls | Light-hearted, Whimsical, Playful | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 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
- Engaging dialogue
- Effective blend of humor and suspense
- Well-developed characters
- Intriguing plot twists
- Sharp dialogue
Scene Weaknesses
- Limited character development
- Some confusion for the audience
- Lack of high stakes
- Some elements may be too dark for some audiences
- Minimal plot progression
Suggestions
- Focus on developing the characters further to increase emotional investment and connection with the audience
- Ensure clarity in key plot points and avoid overcomplicating the storyline
- Increase the stakes and tension to create a more engaging and captivating story
- Balance the darker elements with lighter moments to maintain a cohesive tone and appeal to a wider audience
- Work on creating impactful and witty dialogue to enhance the story's humor and further engage the audience
World Building
- Physical environment: The script's scenes are set in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, including a baseball game, a marriage license bureau, a cemetery, and a suburban home. The physical environment is often used to create a sense of atmosphere and mood, and to reflect the characters' inner states.
- Culture: The script presents a mix of American and European cultural elements. The characters celebrate Halloween and drink elderberry wine, and they reference historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Napoleon Bonaparte. The mix of cultures creates a sense of the world's diversity, and it also reflects the characters' own eclectic personalities.
- Society: The script depicts a society that is both traditional and modern. The characters live in a close-knit community, but they are also aware of the outside world. The film explores the tension between these two worlds, and it examines the ways in which society can both support and constrain individuals.
- Technology: The script's use of technology is minimal. The characters use telephones and radios, but these devices are not central to the story. The script's focus on human interaction and relationships suggests that technology is not as important as human connection.
- Characters influence: The world elements in the script shape the characters' experiences and actions in a number of ways. The characters' physical environment, for example, can affect their mood and their behavior. The cultural elements can shape their values and beliefs, and the societal elements can affect their opportunities and choices.
- Narrative contribution: The world elements in the script contribute to the narrative in a number of ways. They provide a setting for the story, they create a sense of atmosphere, and they help to develop the characters. The world elements also contribute to the film's overall tone and mood.
- Thematic depth contribution: The world elements in the script contribute to the film's thematic depth in a number of ways. They explore the tension between tradition and modernity, the importance of human connection, and the power of love. The script's world elements help to create a complex and nuanced story that resonates with audiences on a deep level.
| Voice Analysis | |
|---|---|
| Summary: | The writer's voice is characterized by its witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and blend of humor and darkness. The writer's unique style, which is evident in the dialogue, narrative, and direction, contributes to the overall mood, depth, and themes of the screenplay. |
| Voice Contribution | The writer's voice contributes to the script by creating a distinct and engaging tone that draws the audience into the story. The witty dialogue and humorous situations keep the audience entertained, while the eccentric characters and blend of humor and darkness add depth and complexity to the screenplay. |
| Best Representation Scene | 5 - Flirtatious Encounters |
| Best Scene Explanation | Scene 5 is the best representation of the writer's voice because it effectively combines humor, wit, and emotional depth. The dialogue is sharp and witty, the characters are quirky and engaging, and the blend of humor and darkness creates a unique and memorable scene. |
Top Correlations and patterns found in the scenes:
| Pattern | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Tonal Consistency and High Emotional Impact | |
| Suspense and Character Changes | |
| Absurdity and Concept Scores | |
| Emotional Impact and High Stakes | |
| Humorous Dialogue and Light-Hearted Tone | |
| Suspenseful Tone and Conflict Scores |
Writer's Craft Overall Analysis
The writer demonstrates a strong command of storytelling techniques, including character development, dialogue, pacing, and structure. The scenes showcase a unique and engaging voice, blending humor, tension, and depth. The writer effectively creates compelling characters and situations, keeping the reader engaged throughout.
Key Improvement Areas
Character Development
The writer's characters are generally well-developed and relatable. However, a few scenes suggest that the writer could delve deeper into the motivations, backstories, and inner conflicts of certain characters to add more layers and complexity.
Dialogue
The dialogue in the scenes is engaging and often humorous. However, in a few instances, the dialogue could be more concise and impactful. The writer could focus on trimming unnecessary lines and refining the language to maximize the impact of each line.
Scene Structure
While most scenes have a clear structure and progression, a few could benefit from a stronger sense of purpose and direction. The writer could consider revisiting these scenes to ensure they contribute effectively to the overall narrative and character development.
Suggestions
| Type | Suggestion | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Screenplay | Read 'The Coen Brothers: This Book Really Ties the Room Together' by Jeff Goldsmith | This book provides insights into the unique storytelling techniques and character development approach of the Coen Brothers, who are known for their quirky characters and engaging narratives. |
| Video | Watch 'No Country for Old Men' (2007) directed by the Coen Brothers | This film showcases masterful character development, particularly in the portrayal of the antagonist, Anton Chigurh. Studying the film's character dynamics and dialogue can provide valuable lessons for creating compelling characters. |
| Exercise | Practice writing character sketchesPractice In SceneProv | Character sketches help writers flesh out their characters' motivations, backstories, and inner conflicts. By regularly practicing this exercise, the writer can improve their ability to create complex and well-rounded characters. |
| Screenplay | Read 'Writing Dialogue That Pops' by Laurie Halse Anderson | This book offers practical techniques for writing dialogue that is both natural and engaging. It provides exercises and examples to help writers improve their dialogue-writing skills. |
| Video | Watch 'The Social Network' (2010) written by Aaron Sorkin | This film is known for its fast-paced dialogue and witty exchanges. Analyzing the screenplay can help the writer learn how to write sharp, concise, and memorable dialogue. |
| Exercise | Practice dialogue reductionPractice In SceneProv | Dialogue reduction involves removing unnecessary lines and refining the language to make the dialogue more impactful. This exercise helps writers improve their ability to convey meaning and emotion in a concise and effective way. |
| Screenplay | Read 'Scene & Structure' by Robert McKee | This classic book provides a comprehensive guide to scene structure and storytelling techniques. It helps writers understand how to create scenes that are both engaging and meaningful in the context of the overall narrative. |
| Video | Watch 'The Dark Knight' (2008) written by Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan | This film demonstrates a strong sense of scene purpose and direction. Analyzing the screenplay can help the writer learn how to craft scenes that effectively advance the plot, develop characters, and build tension. |
| Exercise | Practice scene outliningPractice In SceneProv | Scene outlining involves breaking down a scene into its key elements, such as the inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This exercise helps writers plan their scenes more effectively and ensure they have a clear structure and purpose. |
Additional Notes:
The writer should continue to trust their unique voice and approach to storytelling. The scenes analyzed showcase a lot of creativity, humor, and potential. By embracing feedback, experimenting with different techniques, and engaging in regular practice, the writer can further refine their craft and create even more compelling and engaging screenplays.
Here are different Tropes found in the screenplay
| Trope | Trope Details | Trope Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| MacGuffin | The grandfather clock chimes once and the minute hand falls off, startling O'Hara, but Brophy and Reverend Harper remain unfazed. | A MacGuffin is an object, idea, or event that is necessary to the plot but is not in itself important. |
| Red Herring | Teddy, dressed in a colonial costume, greets Mortimer and shares his excitement about going to Panama for the canal project. | A Red Herring is a clue or piece of information that is intentionally misleading. |
| Deus Ex Machina | Judge Cullman signs the papers to commit Teddy Brewster to Happy Dale Sanitarium. | A Deus Ex Machina is a sudden and unexpected event that resolves a seemingly impossible situation. |
| Chekhov's Gun | Dr. Einstein reveals that Abby and Martha have killed 12 people and buried them in their cellar, just like Jonathan. | Chekhov's Gun is a plot device in which an object or event is introduced early in a story and is later used for a significant purpose. |
| Foreshadowing | Teddy Brewster, who is dressed and acts like President Theodore Roosevelt, joins the group and behaves erratically. | Foreshadowing is a literary device in which an author hints at future events. |
| Character Foil | Abby and Martha Brewster are two sisters who are very different in personality. | A Character Foil is a character who contrasts with another character in order to highlight their differences. |
| Flat Character | Teddy Brewster is a character who is very one-dimensional. | A Flat Character is a character who is not fully developed and has few, if any, complex traits. |
| Round Character | Mortimer Brewster is a character who is very complex and well-developed. | A Round Character is a character who is fully developed and has many complex traits. |
| Stock Character | Dr.Einstein is a character who is based on a common stereotype. | A Stock Character is a character who is based on a common stereotype. |
| Symbolism | The grandfather clock is a symbol of the passage of time. | Symbolism is a literary device in which an object, person, or event is used to represent something else. |
Memorable lines in the script:
| Scene Number | Line |
|---|---|
| 7 | Mortimer: But there's a body in the window-seat! |
| 9 | Martha: Well, dear, for a gallon of elderberry wine, I take one teaspoonful of arsenic, then add half a teaspoonful of strychnine. And then, just a pinch of cyanide. |
| 19 | Mortimer: Ye gods ! There's another one ! |
| 8 | Mortimer: Forget ? Look, my dear aunt Martha, can't I make you realize that something has to be done ? |
| 30 | Mortimer: Mister President, I have good news for you. Your term of office is over. |
Some Loglines to consider:
| Mortimer's wedding day takes a deadly turn when he discovers his aunts' sinister hobby of murder and body storage. |
| Mortimer's attempts to control the chaos as bodies pile up on his wedding day are hilarious and thrilling. |
| The Brewster family's secrets are exposed when Mortimer uncovers his aunts' deadly hobby and his brother hides a corpse. |
| Mortimer struggles to balance his anti-marriage beliefs and his engagement to Elaine, all while dealing with a family of murderers. |
| An uproarious wedding day turns deadly as Mortimer tries to keep his family's secrets hidden and his wedding on track. |
Help & FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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After that, the high-level menu will offer insights into the story, themes, and characters.
The scene-by-scene analysis will demonstrate how each scene performs across various criteria, summarized in the column headings.
Click on any scene title to view the full analysis, including critiques and suggestions for improvement.
'Other Analyses' provides various insights into your writing and different perspectives, although it might not lead to significant rewrites of your script.
After that, the high-level menu will offer insights into the story, themes, and characters.
The scene-by-scene analysis will demonstrate how each scene performs across various criteria, summarized in the column headings.
Click on any scene title to view the full analysis, including critiques and suggestions for improvement.
'Other Analyses' provides various insights into your writing and different perspectives, although it might not lead to significant rewrites of your script.
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Engine: Gemini
Recommend
Explanation: Arsenic and Old Lace is a highly entertaining screenplay with a unique blend of dark comedy and murder mystery. Its strengths lie in its intriguing premise, charming romance, witty dialogue, and well-developed comedic characters. While there are opportunities to tighten the pacing and further explore character development, the screenplay's overall narrative strength and comedic value make it a highly recommendable project.
Engine: GPT4
Consider
Explanation: Arsenic and Old Lace is a dark comedy with strong character development and witty dialogue. While it effectively employs dramatic irony and plot twists, it could benefit from improved pacing and a more developed subplot. The unique blend of comedy and thriller elements makes it a compelling read.