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Scene Map 42
# PG SLUGLINE
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Scene Map
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# PG SLUGLINE
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EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY An idyllic landscape unfurls, acres of lush green fading into a forest beneath the bluest of skies. A dirt road winds through the terrain. A lone HORSEMAN charges toward a distant provincial town, his
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EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY Nestled on the fringes of the village of Viterbo, a quaint and endearing cottage awaits. INT. COTTAGE BEDROOM - MORNING The morning sun filters through the window, casting a warm
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EXT. COTTAGE - SOON AFTER Raniero strides out of the house, heading towards the town. Lucida eyes Raniero with a pout as she collects chicken eggs from the ground and drops them in a wicker basket. EXT. VITERBO - DAY
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EXT. STREET - DAY Raniero emerges from the vibrant market area and collides with his father-in-law, DON OFREDO (65), a robust man exuding devotion to tradition. RANIERO
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INT. VITERBO CATHEDRAL - DAY Sunlight filters through stained glass windows, while towering columns cradle the vaulted ceiling adorned with religious art. The townsfolk and city officials fill the wooden pews,
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INT. DINING HALL - EVENING The Cardinals dine at a lavish table, served by an army of attendants. Rival factions exchange wary glances while discussing matters. Pantaleone swirls his wine with practiced elegance, savors it
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EXT. BELL CHAMBER - DAY Federico peers through a small window, aligning the sun’s position with the sundial below. FEDERICO (murmuring)
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EXT. MAIN SQUARE - DAY Many villagers still mill about, but more subdued. 29. Raniero stands near a fountain, his gaze fixed on the Papal Palace where muffled shouts of the Cardinals can be heard.
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INT. DINING HALL - NIGHT The Cardinals eat in silence, adversarial glances darting around the room. Pantaleone scrutinizes the Italians, his expression shifting to distinguish threats from fools.
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EXT. MAIN SQUARE - EARLY MORNING Francesca darts to the cathedral through the sparse crowd. INT. VITERBO CATHEDRAL - EARLY MORNING Francesca bursts in but freezes as she meets the gaze of... Twelve Cardinals stand in line for the confessional booth,
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EXT. PODESTA PALACE - DAY The imposing Palace looms over the bustling cobblestone streets, where soldiers patrol with vigilance. INT. PODESTA PALACE - RANIERO’S QUARTERS - DAY Sparse yet purposeful, a sturdy desk hosts phalanxes of
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EXT. PALACE OF THE PODESTA - DUSK The palace stands adjacent to the Town Hall. Raniero and his family step out to join the crowd. He lifts both girls so they can see better. The Papal Guards escort the Cardinals back to their
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INT. CASTEL NUOVO - GREAT HALL - DAY Daylight pours through tall, arched windows. Rich tapestries hang on the stone walls. Guards keep watch along the walls. A grand throne commands the room with majesty. King Charles parades into the hall and Alard trails behind.
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EXT. MAIN SQUARE - MORNING Raniero navigates through the growing crowd. He scans, sensing something amiss. Locals engage in their morning routines without cheerfulness. OUTSIDERS with lavish attire and entitled demeanor, barge
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EXT. MAIN SQUARE - DAY The Cardinals, faces downcast, emerge from their deliberations flanked by Papal Guards. The townsfolk watch as the Cardinals amble by, now with resentment instead of excitement.
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INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT Under the sheets, Raniero and Madolina entwine themselves in a passionate embrace, bare and vulnerable. Their faces show none of the weariness of the day, only love and desire. A loud THUD against the wall interrupts their passion. The
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EXT. VITERBO TOWN SQUARE - AUTUMN - DAY Autumnal leaves fall from the trees that line the square. Townsfolk engage in their daily routines. An abundance of market stalls overflow with seasonal produce. Laughing children kick up leaves as they chase each other.
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INT. VITERBO CATHEDRAL - MORNING The cathedral stands silent and grandiose. Raniero kneels at the central pew, head bowed and eyes shut tight. RANIERO Father, I am a simple man with
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EXT. DARK ALLEYWAY - NIGHT The Captain General and two Papal Guards secretly escort a hooded figure, cautiously peering around corners. They proceed to a small eastern gate where two local Soldiers lean against the wall, half asleep and slightly intoxicated.
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INT. PAPAL PALACE - MAIN CHAMBER - DAY Each cardinal steps forward in turn to deposit their folded ballots into the receptacle box on the table. 60. EXT. PODESTA PALACE - DAY
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EXT. COBBLESTONE STREETS - MORNING Papal Guards guide the Cardinals in a loose formation. Villagers observe them with a quiet demeanor. EXT. MAIN SQUARE - MORNING Villagers, hawkers, and local Soldiers crowd the square from
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INT. ABANDONED STOREROOM - NIGHT Mayor Montebuono and the city officials huddle around the table, their faces etched with concern. The door is thrown wide open and Raniero storms in, SLAMS the door behind him.
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EXT. SIDE STREET - DAY The Tailor strides with a roll of fine fabric under his arm. Suddenly, the Captain General stands in his way, flanked by two Papal Guards. CAPTAIN GENERAL
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EXT. TOWN HALL - DUSK The Captain General and the Papal Guards stride through the throng. From an open second-floor window, the sharp CRACKS of a whip resonate, accompanied by the Tailor's anguished cries.
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INT. PAPAL PALACE - MAIN CHAMBER - DAY Cardinals gather in small groups in hushed conversations throughout the room. Pantaleone moves toward Ubaldini and Pironti. CARDINAL PANTALEONE
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EXT. THERMAL BATHS - DAY Marble pillars surround luxurious natural pools that send steam into the cool air. Pantaleone, De Bray, and the French faction relax nude in the warm waters, their laughter echoing off the stone walls.
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INT. MONTEBUONO'S QUARTERS - PODESTA PALACE - DUSK Raniero stands in the center of the room while Montebuono, behind his desk, looks fraught with dread. MAYOR MONTEBUONO Have you lost your senses?
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EXT. CITY WALLS - DAY The grappling hooks catch onto the battlements, and the Knights begin their ascent. EXT. CITY WALL - TOP - DAY Sir Guillaume reaches the top of the wall and pulls himself
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INT. PAPAL PALACE - MAIN CHAMBER - NIGHT Cardinals attempt to sleep on cold stone floors. A cataclysmic SNORE echoes through the chamber. The culprit, CARDINAL BANCSA, lies near the center. Pantaleone stands by the window, gazing at the soldiers in
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INT. PODESTA PALACE - RANIERO’S QUARTERS - DAY Inside, Pierre sits behind the desk, eyes scanning one of the secret notes with several others strewn across the desk. A fire burns briskly in the fireplace. The Captain General stands nearby, his foot placed arrogantly
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EXT. VITERBO STREET - DAY Pierre strides ahead towards the gates., Sir Guillaume tugs Raniero along by a rope binding Raniero’s wrists, who has a bloody lip. The two Knights form a rearguard. At the gates stands Montebuono with dozens of soldiers, city
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INT. KING CHARLES’S TENT - NIGHT Oil lamps cast a greasy luster across King Charles as he sits at his table, scribbling furiously on a parchment. Pierre stands to the side, maintaining a respectful distance. 92.
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EXT. PAPAL PALACE - DAY The casket of Cardinal Bancsa is brough out, borne by solemn pallbearers past villagers with impassive expressions. Raniero and Father Luzio observe the procession as it moves along the cobblestone streets.
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EXT. MAIN SQUARE - DUSK A Soldier escorts Pantaleone from the Papal Palace towards the cathedral. He endures the disdainful stares and jeers from villagers. 96.
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EXT. MAIN SQUARE - DAY Local soldiers stand guard around the Papal Palace. Townspeople fill the square. Raniero blends into the crowd. Father Luzio joins him, his gaze drawn to the open side doors of the palace.
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EXT. RANIERO'S COTTAGE - MORNING. Don Ofredo sits solemnly on a horse-drawn carriage, his belongings stowed in the back. The driver urges the horse forward, and they slowly depart. INT. RANIERO'S COTTAGE - MORNING
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INT. PAPAL PALACE - MAIN CHAMBER - DAY On the table, the chalice lays on its side, crumpled ballots strewn about it. The Cardinals wear matching sour faces. They all turn as the heavy door UNLOCKS. Raniero enters with a steely gaze.
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EXT. BELL TOWER - DAY Federico hurries up the narrow stairs, his face radiant with happiness. He reaches the bell chamber and eagerly pulls on the heavy cord. EXT. VITERBO STREETS - DAY
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EXT. MAIN SQUARE - AFTERNOON The storm gradually diminishes, giving way to a gentle drizzle. Puddles shimmer as the dark clouds begin to break, allowing rays of sunlight to pierce through. The townsfolk cautiously emerge from their shelters like
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EXT. MAIN SQUARE - DAY Raniero rushes through town, proclaiming with joy the news to everyone he meets. He stops first at the Episcopal Church. Peering inside, he sees Father Luzio solemnly preparing sacraments.
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EXT. KNIGHTS' ENCAMPMENT - DUSK A radiant Brother Matteo steps out of the tent, guiding Teobaldo out with him. Brother Matteo raises his arms dramatically to gather the attention of the assembled knights.
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EXT. VITERBO CATHEDRAL - DAY Raniero footsteps echo on the quiet cobblestones. DON OFREDO (O.S.) Raniero! Raniero spins to see Don Ofredo at the top of the steps with

A Conclave Of Scoundrels

When a prolonged Papal election plunges the Italian town of Viterbo into crisis, the Captain of the town, Raniero Gatti, must navigate a web of political intrigue, power struggles, and the resilience of his community to bring about a resolution.

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Overview

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Unique Selling Point

The screenplay's unique selling proposition lies in its historical setting and the intricate political and personal dynamics of the papal conclave. It offers a compelling look at a lesser-known historical event, enriched with well-developed characters and moral dilemmas, making it appealing to fans of historical dramas and political intrigue.

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Claude
 Recommend
GPT4
 Consider
Story Facts
Genres:
Drama 50% Comedy 20% Thriller 25% Action 10% War 15% Romance 15%

Setting: Medieval era, Viterbo, Italy

Themes: Power and Politics, Family and Tradition, Religion and Faith, Community and Unity, Betrayal and Loyalty, Conflict and Resolution, Identity and Purpose, Justice and Order

Conflict & Stakes: The primary conflicts revolve around the Papal election, the town's reputation, and personal struggles of the characters. The stakes include the future leadership of the Church, the well-being of the town, and the characters' relationships and beliefs.

Mood: Tense, dramatic, and reflective

Standout Features:

  • Character-driven Narrative: The screenplay focuses on complex characters facing moral dilemmas and personal struggles.
  • Political Intrigue: The intricate power dynamics and political maneuvering add depth and tension to the story.
  • Historical Setting: The medieval era backdrop provides a rich and immersive environment for the narrative to unfold.

Comparable Scripts: The Crown, The Borgias, The Young Pope, The Name of the Rose, The Tudors, The Two Popes, The Pillars of the Earth, The Borgias

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Overall Score: 7.61
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