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Showcase: 12 Angry Men 1997

12 Angry Men 1997

Development Notes

Overall Impression

This is an excellent script, the characters are well developed and the premise is intriguing. The tension is palpable and the dialogue is realistic. However, I would recommend that the writer focus on developing the internal struggles of the jurors, particularly the motivations of the dissenting juror. This will add depth and complexity to the story and make it more compelling for the audience.

Scene Analysis

EXT. LONG SHOT - N. Y. - COURT OF GENERAL SESSIONS - DAY 1

Feedback

The opening scene 'EXT. LONG SHOT - N. Y. - COURT OF GENERAL SESSIONS - DAY 1' is a bit generic and could be improved with a more unique visual element to make the setting more memorable.

Suggestion

Consider showcasing a detail that is unique to the courthouse, like a specific architectural feature or a historical monument, to help viewers remember the location.

LONG SHOT - THE LOBBY

Feedback

The scene is well-described but could be more impactful. It's a great opportunity to establish the setting, but the audience might not feel the weight of the situation yet.

Suggestion

Try focusing on a specific detail in the lobby that reflects the tension and gravity of the case, like a lone security guard or a group of people whispering anxiously about the trial.

LONG SHOT - A LONG CORRIDOR UPSTAIRS

Feedback

The "LONG SHOT - A LONG CORRIDOR UPSTAIRS" scene is visually bland. It needs a more distinctive feel to set the tone for the courtroom.

Suggestion

Consider adding architectural details to the corridor, such as ornate moldings, stained glass windows, or even a dramatic mural. This will help viewers visualize the setting's significance.

CLOSE UP - AN EMPTY WATER GLASS ON A TRAY

Feedback

This scene feels a little too static. It doesn't really tell us anything about the atmosphere of the courtroom, or the character of the juror.

Suggestion

Try adding some sound to this scene, such as the sound of a pen scratching on a notepad, or a cough from a juror. This will help to create a more immersive atmosphere and make the scene more interesting.

MEDIUM SHOT - THE JURY

Feedback

This is a very static and unemotional shot. While the script notes provide details about the jurors, this shot doesn't capture any of that.

Suggestion

Try zooming in on a particular juror's face as the judge speaks. Or, even better, pan the camera across the jury box as the judge speaks, highlighting each juror's reaction.

MEDIUM SHOT - THE JURY ROOM

Feedback

The scene lacks tension. The reader can understand the jurors' emotions, but there's no sense of urgency or conflict.

Suggestion

Try adding some physical action to the scene, such as Juror #8 pacing, or a tense moment between Jurors #3 and #10. This will add visual interest and help raise the stakes.

MEDIUM SHOT - CENTERED ON GUARD

Feedback

This shot is very static. Consider adding some more dialogue between the guard and the jurors, or some interesting interaction between the jurors, to make the scene more engaging.

Suggestion

Try giving the guard a more active role, maybe having him check the jurors' IDs or ask them to be quiet, to give the scene some life and movement.

MEDIUM SHOT - THE ROOM FROM #2'S ANGLE

Feedback

This scene does not have the same level of visual detail as the previous scene. It's a bit bland.

Suggestion

Consider adding some visual details to this scene to make it more interesting and engaging.

MEDIUM SHOT - #'S 3, 4, FOREMAN

Feedback

This shot of the jurors is fairly static. While it's good to establish a baseline for the audience, you should consider adding some visual interest by emphasizing a juror's expression or showing a small gesture or movement.

Suggestion

Try adding a subtle pan to the shot, or a slight zoom in on one of the jurors to make the shot more dynamic.

MEDIUM SHOT - CENTERED ON FOREMAN

Feedback

The scene is a little bit slow. Consider adding some more dialogue between the jurors, or some interesting interaction between the jurors, to make the scene more engaging.

Suggestion

Adding dialogue or interaction between the jurors will help create a more dynamic and interesting scene.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

dialogue

The dialogue is snappy and believable, especially the exchanges between Juror #3 and Juror #8. Their exchanges are full of tension and animosity and, through the process of their argument, reveal a lot about their characters.

setting

The setting is well-defined and immediately creates a sense of place. We can easily imagine ourselves in the jury room, in the courtroom and on the streets of New York City.

tone

The tone is serious and suspenseful, but there are moments of humor that help break the tension and make the story more engaging.

symbolism

There is a lot of symbolism in the script that could be further explored in the film. The jurors are all different ages, races, and backgrounds, representing a cross-section of American society. The case itself, involving a young man accused of murdering his father, is a metaphor for the complexities of justice and the human condition.

visual elements

The script is full of visual possibilities. The jury room is a closed-in, claustrophobic space that creates tension, while the streets of New York City are a vast, open world that represents freedom and possibility. The director could use lighting and camera angles to create dramatic visuals and heightened emotions.

emotional impact

While the subject matter of the script is serious, the writing is not heavy-handed. There are moments of humor that break the tension and help the audience connect with the jurors on a more human level.

Weaknesses

dialogue

Sometimes the dialogue can be a little too expositional, with characters explaining things that are obvious to the audience. There could be more subtext to the dialogue, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions.

setting

While the setting is well-defined, it's not particularly original. It's a typical jury room and courtroom setting.

tone

The tone can be a little too predictable and predictable. There could be more unexpected twists and turns in the story to keep the audience guessing.

symbolism

The script is a little light on symbolism. There is a lot of potential to explore the symbolism of the characters and the case itself, but this is not fully realized in the script.

visual elements

The script could be more visually appealing. There is a lot of potential to use the setting of the courtroom and the streets of New York City to create visually arresting and memorable images.

emotional impact

The script could be more emotionally engaging. The audience is given a glimpse of the jurors' personal lives, but there is not enough depth to their emotions.

Scores Overview

Average Score

55.50

Authenticity & Credibility
65
Casting Potential
70
Character
65
Character Distinctiveness
50
Character Originality
40
Cinematic Moments
40
Clarity of Genre Positioning
70
Clarity of Theme Exploration
50
Cliché Avoidance
55
Dialogue
65
Dialogue Distinctiveness
40
Empathy Generated
50
Market Potential
60
Marketing Capability
65
Match for the Genre
70
Originality
50
Originality of Setting
40
Originality of Structure
50
Originality of Themes
45
Pace
60
Premise
60
Relevance
60
Scene Flow
55
Sequence Flow
65
Setting
45
Sophistication of Theme
55
Structure
60
Succinct
65
Themes
60
Visual Flair
40

Recommendations

Recommendation 1

Recommendation

Develop the characters' backstories and personal motivations, exploring their individual relationships to the concept of justice and the themes of the film. This will create more emotional depth and relatable conflict.

Explanation

The story currently feels too heavily focused on the legal proceedings, and the characters are primarily defined by their professions. This gives the story a sense of being stale and formulaic.

Recommendation 2

Recommendation

Expand upon the character notes, providing more detailed descriptions of their personalities, beliefs, and personal histories. Explore their individual biases and how they might influence their decision-making in the jury room.

Explanation

The character notes provided are brief and lack depth. This makes it challenging to envision the characters as complex individuals with their own unique perspectives.

Recommendation 3

Recommendation

Introduce suspense into the narrative by adding dramatic elements such as unexpected twists, hidden agendas, and personal conflicts among the jurors. This will create a more captivating and unpredictable story.

Explanation

The story lacks suspense and tension. The focus on legal technicalities and arguments feels dry and predictable.

Recommendation 4

Recommendation

Enhance the dialogue by making it more conversational and authentic. Focus on creating realistic interactions between the jurors, allowing their personalities and opinions to emerge naturally through their conversations.

Explanation

The dialogue feels somewhat artificial and lacking in natural flow. This makes it difficult to engage with the characters on an emotional level.

Recommendation 5

Recommendation

Develop the thematic core of the story more explicitly. Show how the characters grapple with complex moral questions and the weight of their responsibility in the jury room. This will create a more meaningful and thought-provoking narrative.

Explanation

The story currently lacks a clear focus on its central themes, such as justice, guilt, and the nature of human decision-making.

Summary

Overall Assessment

This script presents a strong foundation with engaging dialogue and a balanced tone. However, it needs further development to explore character motivations and elevate the visual elements to create a more captivating and impactful story.

Key Strengths

Compelling Dialogue

The script features compelling dialogue, especially between Juror #3 and Juror #8, which effectively reveals character and creates tension.

Effective Tone

The script effectively balances serious subject matter with moments of humor, creating a more engaging and relatable experience for the audience.

Key Weaknesses

Lack of Character Depth

The script could benefit from a more developed exploration of the jurors' internal struggles and motivations, particularly the dissenting juror, to add depth and complexity.

Limited Visual Potential

The script could be more visually appealing and cinematic, leveraging the setting of the courtroom and the streets of New York City to create more memorable images.

Recommendation Status

Consider