the 5th element


World Building
  • Physical environment: The world depicted in the screenplay is a diverse and fantastical one, with ancient Egyptian elements blended with futuristic technology. The physical environment is often used to create a sense of wonder and awe, as well as to foreshadow the impending danger. For example, the discovery of the temple in the desert and the appearance of the alien spaceship create a sense of mystery and intrigue, while the impending collision with the dark planet creates a sense of urgency and danger.
  • Culture: The screenplay also explores a variety of cultural elements, including ancient Egyptian rituals, futuristic technology, and intergalactic travel. This mix of cultures creates a sense of diversity and richness, and it also allows the screenplay to explore themes of identity and belonging. For example, Leeloo's struggle to understand her own identity and her place in the world is a central theme of the screenplay.
  • Society: The screenplay depicts a complex and hierarchical society, with a President, military generals, and different alien races. This social structure creates a sense of tension and conflict, as the different factions vie for power and control. For example, the conflict between Korben and Zorg is a central plot point in the screenplay, and it reflects the larger social conflict between the forces of good and evil.
  • Technology: The screenplay also features a variety of advanced technologies, including spaceships, weapons, and robots. This technology is used to create a sense of wonder and awe, as well as to foreshadow the impending danger. For example, the appearance of the alien spaceship and the use of advanced weapons create a sense of mystery and intrigue, while the impending collision with the dark planet creates a sense of urgency and danger.
  • Characters influence: The unique physical environment, culture, society, and technology of the world depicted in the screenplay shape the characters' experiences and actions in a variety of ways. For example, the desert setting creates a sense of isolation and danger, which forces the characters to rely on each other for survival. The mix of cultures creates a sense of diversity and richness, which allows the characters to learn from each other and grow. The hierarchical society creates a sense of tension and conflict, which forces the characters to make difficult choices. The advanced technology creates a sense of wonder and awe, which inspires the characters to dream big.
  • Narrative contribution: The world elements contribute to the narrative of the screenplay by creating a sense of wonder, awe, danger, and urgency. The physical environment, culture, society, and technology all play a role in driving the plot forward and creating a sense of suspense. For example, the discovery of the temple in the desert leads to the discovery of the alien spaceship and the impending collision with the dark planet. The mix of cultures creates a sense of diversity and richness, which allows the characters to learn from each other and grow. The hierarchical society creates a sense of tension and conflict, which forces the characters to make difficult choices. The advanced technology creates a sense of wonder and awe, which inspires the characters to dream big.
  • Thematic depth contribution: The physical environment, culture, society, and technology all contribute to the thematic depth of the screenplay. For example, the desert setting reinforces the themes of isolation and survival. The mix of cultures reinforces the themes of diversity and inclusion. The hierarchical society reinforces the themes of power and control. The advanced technology reinforces the themes of progress and innovation. These themes are all explored in depth throughout the screenplay, and they give the film a rich and meaningful message.
Voice Analysis
Summary: The writer's voice in this screenplay is characterized by the blend of wit, imagination, and a touch of absurdity. The unique style of the writer manifests itself through sharp dialogue, paradoxes, dark humor, and a penchant for the unexpected.
Voice Contribution The writer's voice contributes to the script by creating a distinctive atmosphere, where the absurd and the ordinary intertwine. The blend of wit, imagination, and dark humor keeps the audience engaged and intrigued, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
Best Representation Scene Scene 17 -
Best Scene Explanation Scene 17 effectively showcases the writer's unique voice through the intense confrontation between Zorg and Aknot. The scene is filled with sharp dialogue, dark humor, and a touch of the absurd. Zorg's manipulation and Aknot's stubbornness create a dynamic tension that highlights the writer's skill in crafting memorable and engaging confrontations.
Top Correlations and patterns found in the scenes:

Pattern Explanation
High Scores in Plot and Concept Coincide with High Emotional Impact Scenes with higher scores in the Plot and Concept categories tend to also receive higher scores in Emotional Impact. This suggests that the screenplay effectively uses plot and concept to create scenes that resonate emotionally with the audience.
Suspenseful Scenes are Often the Most Intense and Dramatic Scenes tagged as Suspenseful often receive high scores in Intensity and Drama. This indicates that the screenplay successfully builds tension and excitement through suspenseful situations.
Scenes with High Character Change Often Move the Story Forward Scenes with notable Character Changes tend to also receive higher scores in the Move Story Forward category. This suggests that the screenplay effectively uses character development to drive the plot and create meaningful story progression.
Scenes with a Mix of Suspenseful, Dramatic, and Humorous Elements are Well-Received Scenes that blend Suspenseful, Dramatic, and Humorous elements often receive high overall scores. This indicates that the screenplay successfully creates scenes that are both engaging and emotionally resonant.
High Scores in Action-Packed Scenes Coincide with High Stakes Scenes tagged as Action-Packed tend to also receive higher scores in High Stakes. This suggests that the screenplay effectively uses action sequences to create a sense of urgency and heightened stakes for the characters.


Writer's Craft Overall Analysis

Based on the analysis of multiple scenes from the screenplay, it showcases strong writing skills in terms of character development, dialogue, pacing, and tension-building. The writer effectively creates engaging and immersive scenes that drive the narrative forward and keep the audience invested in the story. However, there are a few key areas where further improvement can enhance the overall quality and impact of the screenplay.

Key Improvement Areas

Character Development
While the characters are well-introduced and their motivations are clear, there is room for deeper exploration of their backstories, inner conflicts, and emotional journeys. This will help create more complex and relatable characters that resonate with the audience.
Dialogue
The dialogue is generally engaging and natural, but it could benefit from more depth and nuance. By adding subtext, varying the sentence structure, and incorporating more active verbs, the writer can elevate the dialogue and make it more memorable.
Pacing
The pacing is well-managed overall, but certain scenes could benefit from tighter editing to maintain a brisk and engaging rhythm. This involves trimming unnecessary dialogue or action, streamlining transitions, and ensuring that each scene contributes significantly to the plot or character development.

Suggestions

Type Suggestion Rationale
Book Read 'Story Engineering' by Larry Brooks This book provides a comprehensive framework for developing compelling characters, crafting effective dialogue, and structuring a well-paced screenplay.
Video Watch 'Masterclass: Writing for Television' by Aaron Sorkin Sorkin is renowned for his sharp dialogue and engaging character interactions, and this masterclass offers valuable insights into his writing process and techniques.
Screenplay Read 'The Social Network' screenplay by Aaron Sorkin This screenplay is an excellent example of how to craft engaging dialogue, develop complex characters, and maintain a brisk and impactful pacing.
Exercise Character Backstory Exercise: Write a detailed backstory for one of the main characters, exploring their childhood, formative experiences, and relationships.Practice In SceneProv This exercise will help you develop a deeper understanding of your character's motivations and inner conflicts.
Exercise Dialogue Enhancement Exercise: Take a scene with existing dialogue and rewrite it, focusing on adding subtext, varying the sentence structure, and incorporating more active verbs.Practice In SceneProv This exercise will help you improve the quality and impact of your dialogue.
Exercise Pacing Analysis Exercise: Choose a scene that you feel could benefit from tighter pacing and analyze it carefully. Identify areas where dialogue or action can be trimmed, transitions can be streamlined, or the pacing can be adjusted to maintain a brisk and engaging rhythm.Practice In SceneProv This exercise will help you develop a better sense of pacing and how to effectively manage the flow of your scenes.

Here are different Tropes found in the screenplay

Trope Trope Details Trope Explanation
Chosen OneOmar is chosen to find the elemental stones and protect the world from an impending evil.The Chosen One is a common trope in fantasy and science fiction, where a specific individual is destined to save the day. Examples include Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker, and Neo from The Matrix.
Ancient PropheciesThe Professor discovers an ancient prophecy that foretells the impending evil and the need to arrange the elements around a human form for protection.Ancient Prophecies are used to create a sense of mystery and foreshadowing. They often reveal a hidden destiny or a future event that will shape the story. Examples include the prophecy of the Chosen One in Harry Potter and the prophecy of the One Ring in Lord of the Rings.
Elemental PowersThe Professor theorizes that arranging the elements of life (water, fire, earth, and air) around a fifth element (a human form) will protect against the impending evil.Elemental Powers are often used to create a sense of wonder and awe. They allow characters to manipulate and control different aspects of the natural world. Examples include the X-Men, who have a variety of elemental powers, and the Avatar, who can control all four elements.
SpaceshipA spaceship appears at the temple entrance and carries the Professor away.Spaceships are often used to create a sense of adventure and excitement. They allow characters to travel to different planets and explore the unknown. Examples include the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars and the Enterprise in Star Trek.
Action SequenceBilly, armed with a machine pistol, enters the chamber and fires, wounding the Kommander and Priest.Action sequences are used to create a sense of excitement and suspense. They often involve fighting, explosions, and other forms of physical conflict. Examples include the action sequences in the Die Hard and Mission Impossible franchises.
Doomed PlanetThe strange planet continues to grow and absorb missiles, and the President ultimately decides to attack it.Doomed planets are often used to create a sense of urgency and hopelessness. They represent a threat to the world and must be destroyed to prevent further harm. Examples include the planet Krypton in Superman and the planet Alderaan in Star Wars.
Chosen One's JourneyKorben is chosen to retrieve the four stones from the Diva on Fhloston Paradise.Chosen One's Journey is a common trope in fantasy and science fiction, where the Chosen One must go on a quest to fulfill their destiny. Examples include Luke Skywalker's journey to become a Jedi in Star Wars and Harry Potter's journey to defeat Voldemort.
MacGuffinThe four stones are the MacGuffin that the heroes must find to save the world.The MacGuffin is an object or goal that the characters must quest for. It is often a source of conflict and intrigue. Examples include the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones and the One Ring in Lord of the Rings.
Damsel in DistressLeeloo is rescued by Korben after she escapes from Zorg's clutches.The Damsel in Distress is a common trope in fiction, where a female character is rescued by a male hero. Examples include Princess Peach in Super Mario Bros. and Lois Lane in Superman.
Final BattleKorben and Leeloo must use the four stones to activate a protective beam and save Earth from the Dark Planet.The Final Battle is a common trope in action and adventure stories, where the heroes must face off against a powerful villain or threat. Examples include the Battle of Helm's Deep in Lord of the Rings and the Battle of Endor in Star Wars.


Memorable lines in the script:

Scene Number Line
17 ZORG: A case with four stones in it. Not one! Not two or three! But four!!! Four stones!!! What the fuck am I supposed to do with an EMPTY case?!!
43 Diva: Leeloo is the Fifth Element, the Supreme Being. She is more than just your wife.
7 Cornelius: The goal of evil is to wipe out life! All forms of life. For all eternity...Life upsets it.
18 Zorg: Life, which you so nobly serve, comes from destruction.
16 ZORG: Never be ashamed of who you are... You're warriors... be proud...
Some Loglines to consider:

A retired special forces major must retrieve four sacred stones to stop an evil force threatening to destroy the universe.
Love blossoms as a retired special forces major and the fifth element meet on a mission to save the universe.
When a major evil force threatens the universe, it's up to Korben Dallas and Leeloo to retrieve the sacred stones and stop the destruction.
Korben Dallas must battle evil forces and retrieve four sacred stones with the help of Leeloo, the fifth element, to prevent the end of the world.
The fate of the universe rests in the hands of Korben Dallas and Leeloo, as they race against time to retrieve the sacred stones and prevent total destruction.