Enemy of the State

Executive Summary





Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend

Recommend

Explanation: Enemy of the State is a compelling thriller that delves into the themes of privacy, surveillance, and government overreach. The screenplay is well-structured with strong character development, particularly for the protagonist, Robert Dean. The narrative is engaging and maintains a consistent pace, making it a gripping read from start to finish. However, there are areas that could benefit from further refinement, such as the clarity of certain plot points and the depth of some secondary characters.

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Promo
Overview

Genres: Thriller, Drama, Action, Mystery, Crime

Setting: Contemporary, Various locations including Washington D.C., a university campus, a hotel, a restaurant, and a rural highway

Overview: This screenplay earns a 7.8, signifying its strong foundation and captivating premise. Its fast-paced plot, unpredictable twists, and exploration of timely themes like government surveillance contribute to its high marketability potential. However, to elevate it from a gripping read to a truly impactful film, focusing on deepening character complexities, emotional resonance, and visual storytelling will be crucial.

Themes: Government Surveillance and Violation of Privacy, Corruption and Abuse of Power, The Importance of Individual Action, The Danger of unchecked power, The importance of truth and transparency

Conflict and Stakes: The primary conflict revolves around Dean's fight to clear his name and expose government corruption and surveillance. The stakes are high as lives are at risk, and the truth could lead to political upheaval.

Overall Mood: Tense, suspenseful, and thought-provoking

Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:

  • Scene 1: The scene is tense and confrontational as Dean and Reynolds face off over government surveillance and corruption.
  • Scene 15: The mood is intense and action-packed as Dean and Brill engage in a high-stakes chase to evade capture.
  • Scene 23: The tone is suspenseful and dramatic as Dean confronts Senator Albert with incriminating evidence, revealing the truth behind the surveillance.

Standout Features:

  • Government Surveillance Theme: The exploration of government surveillance and corruption adds depth and relevance to the storyline.
  • Intense Action Sequences : The high-stakes action scenes and thrilling chases keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
  • Character Dynamics : The complex relationships and moral dilemmas faced by the characters provide depth and emotional resonance.
  • Twists and Turns : The screenplay is filled with unexpected plot twists and revelations that keep the audience engaged and guessing.
  • Timely Themes : The exploration of privacy, ethics, and power in the digital age resonates with contemporary audiences.
  • Genre Blending : The blend of political thriller, espionage drama, and action elements creates a unique and compelling narrative.
  • Strong Emotional Core : The emotional depth and character development add layers of complexity to the storyline, engaging the audience on a personal level.

Comparable Scripts:

  • The Conversation
  • All the President's Men
  • The Bourne Identity
  • Enemy of the State
  • The Net
  • The Thin Red Line
  • The Parallax View
  • The Manchurian Candidate
  • JFK
  • The Pelican Brief
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$40-50 million

Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 25-54, fans of political thrillers, espionage dramas, and suspenseful action

Marketability: The screenplay offers a gripping storyline with relevant themes that resonate with a wide adult audience. The blend of political intrigue and suspenseful action makes it highly marketable.

The unique characters, intense conflicts, and timely themes make this screenplay stand out in the market. It has the potential to attract a diverse audience and generate buzz.

The strong emotional core, complex characters, and suspenseful plot twists make this screenplay a compelling choice for audiences seeking a thought-provoking and thrilling experience.

Profit Potential: High, due to the screenplay's appeal to a broad adult audience, potential for critical acclaim, and strong word-of-mouth marketing

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Writer's Voice

Summary:The writer's original voice manifests in the screenplay through intense, sharp dialogue that reveals conflicting values and motivations among characters. The narrative is laced with tension and power dynamics, creating a sense of urgency and moral complexity.

Best representation: Scene 1 - Deadly Mountain Chase. This scene is the best encapsulation of the writer's unique voice as it showcases the use of sharp, confrontational dialogue to create tension and explore complex moral issues through character interactions.

Memorable Lines:

  • Brill: Forget me, forget what I did for you. Don't ever mention my name or try to contact me again. Get it? (Scene 22)
  • Dean: Go fuck yourself. (Scene 25)
  • Dean: That's gonna end tonight. (Scene 39)
  • Dean: I love you. And I love our son. So just believe me anyway. Please. (Scene 26)
  • SENATOR ALBERT: America is under assault, and this time it's from within. The gangs, the terrorists, the drug lords, the cults... (Scene 17)

Writing Style:

The screenplay exhibits a blend of sharp dialogue-driven scenes, complex character dynamics, and suspenseful storytelling. It delves into moral ambiguities, political intrigue, and high-stakes situations, creating a captivating and engaging narrative.

Style Similarities:

  • David Mamet
  • Aaron Sorkin
  • Christopher Nolan
  • David Fincher
Other Similarities: Other notable influences include Tony Gilroy's intricate plotting and espionage themes, Christopher McQuarrie's suspenseful action sequences and complex characters, and Quentin Tarantino's sharp dialogue and unpredictable plot twists. The screenplay seamlessly combines these diverse writing styles to create a unique and captivating cinematic experience.
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