September 5

Executive Summary





Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend
Engine: Gemini

Recommend

Explanation: September 5 is a compelling and well-structured screenplay that masterfully recreates the tension and drama of the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis. While the pacing is excellent and the character development is strong, particularly for Geoff Mason, the narrative occasionally veers into melodrama and needs some tightening. However, the unique perspective and the focus on the television production aspect make this script stand out. With minor revisions to address pacing and thematic consistency, this screenplay has strong commercial potential.

Engine: Claude

Recommend

Explanation: The screenplay "September 5" is a captivating and emotionally charged drama that takes the audience on a gripping journey through the tragic events that unfolded during the 1972 Munich Olympics. With its strong character development, compelling narrative, and masterful incorporation of real-world events, the screenplay showcases the writer's ability to craft a powerful and thought-provoking story. While there are a few areas for improvement, the overall strengths of the screenplay, including its consistent themes, well-paced structure, and unique stylistic choices, make it a strong contender for adaptation and production.

See Full Analysis
Promo


USP: The screenplay's USP lies in its ability to artfully blend real-world historical events with a deeply personal and emotionally resonant story. By focusing on the experiences of the ABC Sports crew, the writer creates a unique perspective that allows the audience to witness the unfolding tragedy through the eyes of those tasked with reporting on it. The screenplay's strong character development, particularly the journey of Geoff Mason, and its exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the crew, make it a compelling and thought-provoking piece of storytelling that sets it apart from other sports-related dramas.
Overview

Genres: Drama, Thriller, Sports, Historical, Comedy

Setting: 1972, Munich, Germany during the Summer Olympics

Overview: The overall score of 8.14 reflects a strong screenplay with effective character development, engaging dialogue, and a compelling premise. However, areas such as pacing and character depth in secondary roles present opportunities for enhancement.

Themes: The ethical dilemmas of live broadcasting during a crisis., The contrast between the carefree atmosphere of the Olympics and the horrific reality of the terrorist attack., The cultural clash between German and American perspectives on the event., The personal toll of witnessing trauma and the human cost of conflict., The power of live television to shape public perception and influence events.

Conflict and Stakes: The primary conflict revolves around the urgent and chaotic situation of the hostage crisis during the Olympics, with the stakes being the safety of the hostages and the ethical implications of broadcasting the events live.

Overall Mood: Tense and urgent, with moments of somber reflection.

Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:

  • Scene 1: The mood is exhilarating and tense as the live broadcast begins amidst the chaos of the Olympics.
  • Scene 15: The mood shifts to somber and heavy as the crew grapples with the devastating news of the hostages' fate.
  • Scene 30: The mood is filled with urgency and anxiety as the team prepares for a live broadcast during the escalating crisis.

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: The real-time coverage of a hostage crisis during a major international sporting event, blending sports and journalism.
  • Major Twist : The unexpected escalation of the hostage situation, leading to tragic outcomes that challenge the characters' moral compasses.
  • Distinctive Setting : The backdrop of the 1972 Munich Olympics, a historically significant event that adds depth and urgency to the narrative.
  • Innovative Ideas : Exploration of the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in crisis situations, highlighting the impact of media on real-world events.

Comparable Scripts:

  • The Killing Fields
  • All the President's Men
  • Spotlight
  • The Report
  • The Day the Clown Cried
  • The Newsroom
  • The Munich Massacre
  • The Siege
  • The Bourne Ultimatum
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$20-30 million

Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 25-54, particularly those interested in historical dramas, political thrillers, and sports.

Marketability: The screenplay has strong historical relevance and dramatic tension, appealing to audiences interested in real-life events and ethical dilemmas.

The unique blend of sports, journalism, and political drama can attract a diverse audience, including sports fans and those interested in historical narratives.

The emotional depth of the characters and the high stakes of the situation can resonate with viewers, though it may face competition from other high-profile projects.

Profit Potential: High, due to the potential for critical acclaim, award nominations, and a strong audience draw from both sports and historical drama enthusiasts.

Scene Level Percentiles
Script Level Percentiles
Emotions Elicited Percentiles
Writer's Voice

Summary:The writer's voice is characterized by a compelling blend of realism and high stakes drama, particularly within the context of live television broadcasting during a crisis. It's marked by sharp, authentic dialogue that reveals character dynamics and internal conflicts, detailed scene descriptions that immerse the reader in the technical aspects and tense atmosphere of a newsroom, and a focus on the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in high-pressure situations. The voice is both witty and serious, capable of capturing both the camaraderie and the intense pressure of the environment.

Best representation: Scene 3 - Technical Turmoil in the Control Room. Scene 3 best encapsulates the writer's unique voice because it masterfully blends several key elements: the sharp, witty dialogue that captures the characters' personalities and the high-stakes environment; the detailed scene description that establishes the setting and atmosphere; and the implied tension and pressure that informs the characters' interactions. It perfectly showcases the writer's ability to create a realistic and engaging portrayal of a high-pressure situation without sacrificing the nuances of character or the underlying dramatic tension.

Memorable Lines:

  • HOWARD: These Israeli athletes are leaving the Olympic Village -- not as free and proud competitors of their country -- but as victims of a brutal act of terror. (Scene 48)
  • McKay: Our worst fears have been realized tonight. They’ve now said there were eleven hostages; two were killed in their rooms this morn-- yesterday morning, nine were killed at the airport tonight. They're all gone. (Scene 58)
  • BADER: If you screw this up, I’m the one in trouble with Roone. (Scene 3)
  • ROONE: Ask him how it feels to win Gold in Hitler’s backyard... Walk with me... (Scene 5)
  • Roone: Not politics, Bader. Drama. Emotions. (Scene 6)

Writing Style:

The screenplay demonstrates a consistent style characterized by fast-paced, sharp dialogue, high-stakes situations, and a focus on complex character interactions within intense, often professional, settings. Ethical dilemmas and moral ambiguities are frequently explored, adding layers of depth to the narrative. While action and suspense are present, the driving force of many scenes is the dialogue itself, revealing character motivations and power dynamics.

Style Similarities:

  • Aaron Sorkin
  • David Mamet
Other Similarities: While Sorkin and Mamet are the most dominant influences, other screenwriters like Christopher Nolan, Tony Gilroy, and David Simon make appearances, suggesting subtle shifts in style throughout the screenplay. These shifts might involve a greater emphasis on suspenseful pacing (Nolan), meticulous plotting and complex character arcs (Gilroy), or realistic portrayals of specific settings (Simon). The presence of Bergman and Kieslowski in one scene suggests a potential for more introspective and philosophically driven moments, contrasting with the generally fast-paced and dialogue-heavy nature of most scenes. The overall effect is a screenplay that is stylistically consistent while showing occasional variation in tone and emphasis.
Story Shape
Emotions Elicited