Guardians of the Galaxy Script Breakdown

Dir- James Gunn

Year – 2014

Running Time – 116 Minutes

Screen Writing Genre – Golden Fleece (Epic)

The Film

Picking one of Marvel’s more obscure franchises may have seemed strange but it allowed the studio to venture into a relatively empty area of the market at the time. Guardians of the Galaxy remains one of the most critically acclaimed marvel movies and uses some clever music and a great script to keep things fun and fast moving.

What’s in a name?

It’s not rocket science here. It’s a film about the Guardians of the Galaxy. It does imply the ideas of sci-fi, space and super heroes so job done.

What makes it great?

The core of why the film works so well is a light hearted and consistent script backed up by some excellent performances from the cast. Any time things begin to get too serious there is always a moment of humour around the next corner. It helps the audience to think they are having a great space adventure and it works incredibly well.

Guardians of the Galaxy as an (Epic) Golden Fleece Movie

Though it might seem strange, Guardians of the Galaxy doesn’t really fit into the ‘Super Hero’ movie genre as you need ingredients such as the power being a ‘curse’.

The film is about a rag tag band of rejects crossing the galaxy in search of treasure (either the stone, or the money from selling it).

Of course, along the way they discover there are more important things and after some bumps in the road that stop them from progressing they learn some life lessons. If that’s not an epic Golden Fleece story then I don’t know what is.

Time Line

Opening Image – Earth 1988, a young boy is in a hospital corridor. He looks isolated and alone.

Theme Stated – Our theme is that of finding companionship and not being afraid to believe in people (the right people), and commit. We soon see that Star Lord has been looking for ‘companionship’ with many different alien females throughout the galaxy.

Set-Up – The set up mainly gives us the back story for Star Lord. We also see the infinity stone, Ronan and Thanos. All the future guardians are introduced except for Drax.

Catalyst – Star Lord tries to sell the infinity stone but is rejected when the buyer finds out Ronan is involved and is soon arrested after a scuffle with the other guardians. Now he is locked into the fate of the stone.

Break into Two – The guardians are taken to the Kiln. Once the doors shut there is now no way back.

Debate – It hits outside of traditional structure but once in the Kiln there are So many questions for the group to consider. What is the stone? How can they sell it and to whom? How do they break out of the prison? Should they trust Gamora?

B Story – The B story concerns the characters beginning to trust one another. We see Drax gradually accept Gamora and Star Lord and Gamora’s friendship develop here.

Fun and Games – What’s more fun that a prison break? We get to see all the guardians doing their thing as they break out of the Kiln.

Midpoint – The guardians arrive at Knowhere. The stone explodes and now the team realise just exactly what they are dealing with. The fun and game are over.

Bad Guys Close In – Ronan arrives, shortly followed by the Ravagers. Nebula gets hold of the stone, Drax is left for dead and Gamora drifts into space. It is a crushing defeat for the team.

All is Lost – Star Lord goes through just how much the team has lost.

Dark Night of the Soul – After realising the need for the suicide mission the team recover and decide to fight together to try and save the galaxy.

Break into Three – Now recovered and with a plan, the guardians unite with the Ravagers and Nova Core to try and take down Ronan.

Finale – The battle for Nova begins. The bad guys begin to get knocked off and Nebula is despatched. The guardians unite to channel the power of the stone and Ronan is defeated. Star Lord is finally ready to open the last gift from his mother.

Final image – The guardians are united in friendship. There is a bond of trust between them and Star Lord has now grown up and accepted his role in the universe. The group who were once outcasts and loners are now surrounded by friends. Mirrored with the opening image we’ve gone from Star Lord as an isolated child in a dark corridor to a man surrounded by friends with whole galaxy available to explore.

The Grand Budapest Hotel Script Breakdown

Dir- Wes Anderson

Year – 2014

Running Time – 99 Mins

Screen writing Genre – (Epic) Buddy Love

The Film

Wes Anderson’s 2014 tale of fantasy and whimsy is a refreshing and original story told expertly. The critics loved it and it picked up numerous nominations for best film across the board. Perhaps unfairly overlooked for the best screenplay Oscar, it none the less picked up a host of other awards for its visual style and design.

What’s in a name?

The name gives us a pretty good idea where the film is going to be set and also that it will be a whimsical tale. There isn’t much more to it but it also hints at an older time and place. It’s simple but does the job well.

What makes it great?

A very strong script and some great performances throughout the cast make the story come alive. The beautiful cinematography and the unique way the aspect ratio is changed and used helps the film move along like a series of well-staged and beautiful paintings that our cast move in and out of. The whole things looks like a fairy tale and certainly takes the audience to another place.

The Grand Budapest Hotel as an (Epic) Buddy Love Movie

The Grand Budapest Hotel falls into the Buddy Love genre due to the main relationship between the two lead characters. It’s a tale of friendship as two very different people find friendship during an epic quest that takes them from an old hotel to snow covered fields and mountain peaks. Though not lovers there is even a tragic end for one of our much loved characters.

We also have the key ingredients of an ‘incomplete hero’ and a ‘counterpart’ in our two heroes and a ‘complication’ which draws them together in the tale of the missing Will and painting. 

Time Line

Opening Image – A grey cemetery followed by an author and a book. The book opens and we start the story of the hotel.

Theme Stated – Our theme is based around the idea of age and memories. The hotel is described as an enchanting old ruin. The film is primarily about the experiences we have with the ones we care about and how we remember them.

Set-Up – We see our fantasy land, the hotel and meet our key characters. We are walked around the hotel and a tone of melancholy is also set.

Catalyst – Zero begins to tell his story and his job interview starts around minute 12. It is his choice to enter the world of the GBH.

Debate – The debate is around whether Zero fits the GBH. Should he be hired? What actually is a lobby boy? He is of course and then Mr Gustave asks him to accompany him to one of his beloved guest’s mansions.

Break into Two – Once the train arrives at the mansion we are beginning to enter the realms of no return. Once the Will is read there is no turning back and Gustave and Zero are now locked in for the duration of the tale.

B Story – The B story is mentioned right on queue and then put off until later. It is of course the story of Zero and Agatha.

Fun and Games – There’s a game of hide and seek going on with the painting and lots of different chases. There’s even a jail breakout to plan to show us some of Mr Gustave’s charm in action.

Midpoint – Our story gets more serious as Zero in the modern day starts to cry. He now begins to tell the story of himself and Agatha.

Bad Guys Close In – Dmitri begins to close in on Gustave and Zero as he goes on the hunt for the painting and people who stand in his way. The stakes are raised in this section as a crucial document is found to be missing. People begin to die thanks to Dmitri’s thug and Gustave breaks out of jail.

All is Lost – All alone and without equipment and supplies Gustave and Zero are lost and in danger. When there is no perfume available Gustave loses his cool properly for the first time.

Dark Night of the Soul – Gustave realises he has lost his cool and gone too far. He apologises and the two friends makeup and continue their journey.

Break into Three – Running across the snow they find the magic phone box and ask for assistance from the society of the cross keys.

Finale – More people die and the thug chases Zero and Gustave to the observatory. Dmitri realises the painting is missing and the mountain section culminates in the ski chase back down. Zero then pushes the thug off the cliff to save the day. (Note, Zero is making things happen here rather than Gustave)

We see the final fate of our characters and the story begins to fade out.

Final image – Zero now older and back in the present. The story is told and we are now wiser to the stories and memories held within the hotel and why it is so important to him.

The Empire Strikes Back Script Breakdown

Dir- Irvin Kershner

Year – 1980

Running Time – 124 Mins

Screen writing Genre – Golden Fleece (Epic)

The Film

The Empire Strikes Back is the most critically popular Star Wars film and also the one with the darkest edge. Our epic space trilogy becomes a bit smaller here and relationships and issues are worked out in place of space battles. It also features one of the best reveals of all time and was nominated for technical awards at the Oscars, Baftas and Golden Globe ceremonies. It picked up wins for sound and music.

What’s in a name?

The second Star Wars movie has a great and fitting title. It is indeed the film where the Empire takes revenge on the Rebel Alliance for the destruction of the Death Star. It hints at a more serious and dangerous film and one where the heroes may be under greater threat than before.

What makes it great?

Aside from all the Star Wars magic the thing that really sets it up as an all-time classic is the atmosphere and tone. The music plays a huge part as sinister scores sweep across the scenes building tension and creating a more sombre and down beat sound. The dramatic opening battle and the epic final light sabre dual between Luke and Vader bookend a strong piece of Sci-Fi where the characters are placed at the forefront.

The Empire Strikes Back as an (Epic) Golden Fleece Movie

It’s a fairly straightforward one here. It’s an epic journey across time and space for our hero Luke which has constant stops and bumps along the way. Friendship and companionship is the key ingredient and the group of heroes all have different skill sets to aid in the quest of our much duller main hero. The key thing to remember is that this is Luke’s film and the others are the supporting cast.

Time Line

Opening Image – A Star Destroyer sends out probe droids looking for the Rebels. We see the Empire is very much still around, strong and looking for revenge.

Theme Stated – The theme throughout the film is one of companionship and friendship. Continual sacrifices and risks are taken by the main characters as the film progresses to save the friends they love.

Set-Up – We see the Rebels on Hoth trying to regroup, The Empire looking for them and the friendship between our main protagonists. The Han and Leia romance is hinted at and we see Luke showing some new Jedi powers.

Catalyst – When Luke lies in the snow and sees a vision of Ben Kenobi he is given a new direction to head in. Luke now knows what the next step is he must take.

Break into Two – The Rebels evacuate Hoth after the Empire assault and Luke heads to his new destination away from the fleet. We are now entering a new and strange world unlike what we have experienced before.

Debate – This happens later than usual but concerns Luke’s faith in his Jedi training. Numerous times he ponders on what he is doing and why he is there. The debate section keeps recurring throughout Luke’s training as he doubts his abilities, culminating in the ‘All is Lost’ Moment later on.

B Story – Hiding in the asteroid Han and Leia’s love story begins properly and they kiss before being interrupted by C3PO

Fun and Games – We have a game of follow the leader between Luke and Yoda and the Millennium Falcon crew play hide and seek with the Empire.

Midpoint – The Emperor reveals himself for the first time and the plot to convert or kill Luke gets underway. Luke gets Yoda to agree to train him and says “I’m not afraid” to which Yoda replies “You will be”. Everything just got even more serious.

Bad Guys Close In – The Falcon runs from the asteroid as it’s revealed to be a big worm thing and immediately back into danger. Luke encounters the Vader phantom in the dark hollow. Things are beginning to fall apart.

All is Lost – Luke can’t lift the X-Wing, loses faith and considers it an impossible task.

Dark Night of the Soul – Yoda lifts the X-Wing and Luke now understands the power of the force. He also senses his friends in danger.

Break into Three – We arrive in another new environment – Cloud City. All the pieces are in, or heading to the same place and we are set for our final run down to the end of the movie. C3PO is blasted to add a bit of danger and Luke runs to save his friends.

Finale – Luke fights Vader and barely escapes with his life and the big secret is revealed. The rescue mission to save Han fails and our heroes are in a bad place. As the film acts as the run in to the ‘All is Lost’ moment across the trilogy this is to be expected.

Final image – The Rebel fleet, now back together, with Luke and friends damaged but recovering. The Rebellion is preparing for the final assault and has re-gathered their strength. The ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ moment of the trilogy has now passed.

Mean Girls Script Breakdown

Dir- Mark Waters

Year – 2004

Running Time – 94 Minutes

Screen writing Genre –Rites of Passage (Adolescent)

The Film

Not the most complex of films, Mean Girls gives some young talent a chance to impress with some great comedic performances. It captures the spirit of American High School well and is both fast paced and well structured.

What’s in a name?

A fairly straight forward one here. Means Girls not only refers to the three main plastics but also the idea that all girls can be mean to each other.

What makes it great?

The key strength of the film is a smart and pacey script which moves along well. The film is structured excellently and hits all the beats pretty much spot on. It’s a great example of a simple premise raised up a level by the performances and writing.

Mean Girls as an (Adolescent) Rites of Passage Movie

I was toying with that as an ‘Institutionalised’ movie but really it’s the story of Cady’s emotional growth from being a ‘child’ to a more mature and wise teen (if that’s possible). We see her struggles and the ‘wrong way’ she chooses to undertake her passage. By the end of the film she has accepted certain things about herself and worked out the puzzle of high school. By the end of the film she has successfully moved from child to a more adult state and is rewarded with a relationship.

Time Line

Opening Image – We start with camera making it look like parents talking to a child going for her first day at school. It is revealed that it is in fact Cady who is going to a ‘real’ school for the first time. She is emotionally green and naïve.

Theme Stated – We see Cady eating lunch in the toilets on her own and various different factions around the college. Our theme is about the question of fitting in. How do you do it? And what should you compromise?

Set-Up – Throughout this section we get the different elements of the school set up. We see all the different factions and are introduced to the ‘plastics’. We see Cady starts as a social outcast.

Catalyst – When Cady chooses to sit at the ‘plastics’ table she has decided to start the journey to a new world.

Debate – Cady debates what to do. Should she have lunch with the plastics? Should she spy on them for her other friends?

Break into Two – When Cady lets slip a comment about one of her friends that ends up in the Burn Book there is no going back and we have moved into the upside down world of high school politics.

B Story – Our love story is fairly straight forward as Cady begins to fall for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron. Here Cady begins to change herself (such as faking being dumb) to make Aaron notice her and to place her within his vicinity. She will realise this is not a good idea by the end of the film.

Fun and Games – The full on high school life kicks in. The plastics act out various bitchy plans, there are parties and Cady starts plotting after Regina tricks her about Aaron. We even have a talent show.

Midpoint – Things begin to escalate but the real serious moment which stops all the fun is when Cady blurts out to Aaron that Regina is cheating on him dead on minute 46.

Bad Guys Close In – The bad guys in this case are actually Cady herself. She begins to lose herself in the role of a plastic and becomes meaner and meaner. She eventually takes over the role of Queen Bee of the plastics.

All is Lost – Cady’s own party signals her downfall. She throws up on Aaron, her real friends disown her and Regina sets a trap with the Burn Book that throws the entire school into chaos.

(incidentally there's a nice line at Cady's party - when Aaron says to her "I've been looking everywhere for you" she replies "Yeah, me too" which highlights her inner journey and confusion about who she is).

Dark Night of the Soul – Cady realises she has lost herself and through a long scene in the gym all the girls begin to recover themselves. Cady is now all alone.

Break into Three – Cady returns to school and is now the outcast and along again – but this time for very different reasons.

Finale – Cady recovers herself, apologises and begins to rebuild bridges. She wins the Mathletes title and attends the school dance wearing her medal. When she wins Queen of the dance she completes her recovery by breaking the plastic tiara and handing it out to everyone.

Final image – Cady gets the guy and has fully returned to being herself. She is now wiser and more mature and the rest of the girls have evolved as well. At least most of them have.

Drive Script Breakdown

Dir- Nicolas Winding Refn
Year – 2011
Running Time – 100 Mins
Screen writing Genre – Whydunnit (Noir)

The Film

Drive, based on the novel of the same name is a visually visceral film set in the neon glitz of LA. The visual style and iconic soundtrack help to elevate a stunning performance from Ryan Gosling as he makes his way through a dark and dangerous Noir world by working as a stunt driver in the day, and a getaway man at night.

What’s in a name?

The title doesn’t give us much to go on. It hints at the cheap and nasty Noir novels of old but gives very little away about anything else. The name like the film contains a large amount of mystery (Our hero is never named throughout). The poster line of “Get in. Get Out. Get Away” hints at the no nonsense and somewhat blunt nature of the movies tone and style.

What makes it great?

In a word – style. The music used is unique in that it creates a new wave synth soundtrack that hints at the eighties. The slow electro blends beautifully with the high definition neon tinged visuals to create a rich and vibrant colour palette. Drive is a feast for the eyes and ears and leaves many memorable images. If you want to work with sound, light and image in film then you need to study this closely.

The Performances of Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan are also exceptional. The understated, often quiet, approach is used to masterful effect throughout. Gosling often juxtaposes scenes of immense calm that are broken by shocking and loud violence. This all helps to keep the audience hooked and tension high from start to finish. Every scene is handled perfectly so that it never becomes self-indulgent.

Drive as a (Noir) Whydunnit? Movie

Though not set in the classic noir period Drive is every bit the Neo Noir film. Only this time the bright neon only exists to cast the shadowy reflections of corrupt and dangerous character that inhabit the world.

The Driver is a classic broken gumshoe in that he is damaged goods and has the fault of being capable of extreme violence. This is made apparent when our hero changes and takes his ‘Dark Turn’ (after the botched heist), which is one of the key ingredients of any noir. As the Driver loses his cool he abandons his strict set of rules which have seen him through until this point. As the Driver searches for who set him up and why, he gradually ‘Turns over cards’ which will lead him to what he seeks.

Noir films also need a mystery and in this instance the mystery is about why has our hero been setup to take the fall at the robbery?

We also have our femme fatale, though in classic neo noir style she is cleverly subverted and merged with the Noir stock character of the innocent girl. It is in fact the relative innocence of Carey Mulligan’s character that draws our broken hero to her. The merging of the two characters is nicely illustrated in scene where Driver visits her at work and she is wearing a uniform consisting of the white of the innocent girl and the red of the femme fatale.


Time Line

 Opening Image – There are effectively two starts to the film. The first mini prologue section to set the mood and then the after credit sequence. We open on a neon lit LA. Our driver is introduced to us, we know within minutes that he means business.

As the titles roll we see our hero moving with little emotion and entering his apartment. Framed against the shadow of his window is an image of him being caged.

Theme Stated – at Minute 12 we see our Driver doubling for the hero of an action movie. This sets our theme into play. Is the Driver a real hero or a fake one? Is there anything he can’t do?

Catalyst – The first elevator meeting with Carey Mulligan starts our hero (unknowingly) on the road to trouble.

Debate – Is mainly internal throughout the film. However, at minute 16 our Driver and Irene talk. In reply to the question of what the Driver does he reply “I Drive”. Irene responds with “Is that dangerous?” This is setting up our hero as he is in daylight and how he is after dark. This distinction will blur and merge before the end.

Set-Up – Finishes late, but by minute 21 our driver has pulled a job and met all the important characters of the film. Things are now in place for our mystery to start.

Break into Two – We break into the upside down world of Drive in minute 26 as the Driver travels along the storm drain with Irene and her child. They stop at the water, the sun is shining, and it is clear there is a link between the two characters here.

B Story – The love story between the Driver and Irene really kicks in as we see them driving together at night and she holds his hand on the gear stick. Irene has now crossed into his night time world and the boundaries have blurred again.

Fun and Games – The Driver plays with the child and also plays at being in a family unit. We know it can’t last.

Midpoint – Comes at minute 46 and is a massive down as Irene’s husband returns to the scene. Our Driver is back in the dark and he has lost his smile.

Bad Guys Close In – A musical change and the Driver being semi-forced into doing a heist in the middle of the day signal bad things are going to happen. Our driver would normally only do this at night but has been seduced by Irene’s innocence and thus is vulnerable. The husband is killed and things are beginning to go wrong. Our Driver’s once pristine appearance is now blood splattered. The beast is coming out of the cage.

All is Lost – At minute 70 we have the lift scene. The Driver loses control and in an act of shocking violence loses everything he has been fighting for.

Dark Night of the Soul – The girl now lost, the Driver screams at Shannon about what has happened. After a heated exchange the Driver knows the only option left is to eliminate everyone connected with him and Irene.

Break into Three – The elevator doors shut and we are back in the Drivers night time world. He is bloodied but in control again and this will only end one way.

Finale – The bad guys begin to fall one by one. There is no stopping the Driver as he executes anyone who is a threat to himself or Irene.

Final image – Our Driver drives away into the night with ‘A Real Hero Playing’ He has sacrificed everything for the girl.

Aladdin Script Breakdown

Dir- Ron Clements and John Musker
Year – 1992
Running Time – 90 minutes
Screen writing Genre – Out of the Bottle (Angel)

The Film

Aladdin is one of the last great Disney movies and is a nice film that appeals to everyone. It was nominated for Four Oscars and won two of them (Best Original song and best original Score). While the film may not have the added depth of some of Pixar’s later work it certainly has a clear message and it is easy to see why it remains fondly remembered.

What’s in a name?

Fairly straight forward this one. The film being based on the Arabian Nights story of Aladdin which most people are already familiar with means all we need is a simple reference to our main character. It tells us Aladdin is our main man and, as nothing else has been added, we know this is going to be a fairly traditional telling of the tale.

What makes it great?

The real thing that makes Aladdin great is the sense of fun that remains throughout. The animation and music are exception and really set the scene of the time and locations out in the Arabian sands (incidentally, Aladdin is based in the country we now call Jordan). It is also very easy to watch and has a clear structure and some sharp dialogue. The Short running time also means we are never in danger of become bored.


The ‘Angel’ Out of the Bottle Movie

Again, this is fairly straight forward. The notion of letting something out of the bottle is fed into by the original Aladdin story. It requires that a wish is made and something magical happens. Obviously, in this case the genie is let out of the bottle to grant Aladdin wishes. We refer to this story as an ‘Angel’ Out of the Bottle, because in these types of tales a magical being appears, or is sent, to help out our hero and guide them to their goal.


Time Line

Opening Image – Barren sand and a lone merchant singing “Arabian Nights” sets us up for the tale that unfolds.

Theme Stated –Our theme which will be reinforced throughout the film is that “it’s not what is on the outside but what is on the inside that matters” which our helpful merchant tells us right at the start.

A little later we will get a second theme relating to freedom and what it is to be free.

Set-Up – Jafar tries to get the lamp from the cave of wonders but he can’t as he needs the “Diamond in the Rough.”

Catalyst – Aladdin’s confrontation with the prince tells us that he wants more from his life. The prince then meets Jasmine who, after their meeting, sneaks out of the castle which sets the chain of events in motion that will lead Aladdin to the lamp.

Debate – Aladdin and Jasmine discuss their dreams and their problems.

Break into Two – When Aladdin is captured and thrown into the dungeon he has crossed into an unfamiliar world and we are in act two.

B Story – Our B story comes when Aladdin meets the genie. It is with the Genie that our theme(s) will be discussed.

Fun and Games – Aladdin plays with his new magic powers. He also takes on a disguise and new name just like a fool triumphant would. The rules about the magic are stated here and we even get a discussion of the theme when he says the lamp looks “old and worthless”.

Midpoint – Our midpoint is an ‘up’ or false victory after the down of Aladdin being in the dungeon at the break into two. Here Aladdin, now Prince Ali, marches down the street and enters the palace.

Bad Guys Close In – Jafar’s scheme to marry the princess continues and he is also onto Aladdin’s disguise.

All is Lost – Aladdin is dumped into the Ocean and almost drowns (Whiff of Death).

Dark Night of the Soul – At minute 65 Aladdin thinks that he is nothing without the genie. He recovers and realises he has to tell the truth.

Break into Three – Having had an ‘up’ at the midpoint we about to hit a ‘down' as we break into three with the royal wedding being crashed by Jafar.

Finale – Jafar steals the lamp and now Aladdin must ‘Do without the Magic’ to win the day and show he has it inside him all along. He will also realise that he should have kept his word and let the genie go when he said he would.

Final image – Jafar vanquished, we see Aladdin and Jasmine together in an open star lit sky, both free, both knowing the true worth of the other.

Finding Nemo Script Breakdown

Dir – Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich (co-director)
Year – 2000
Running Time – 100 Mins
Screen Writing Genre – Golden Fleece (Buddy)

The Film

Finding Nemo marks the moment that animated films managed to cross the divide and show that just because something is animated it can still be taken seriously as a film. The cute aesthetics mask what is actually a pretty horrific and mature story line. If the story of a man’s family being slaughtered then his only remaining son being kidnapped, imprisoned and then given away as a slave was presented with real people it would make for a harrowing movie.

What’s in a Name?

Finding Nemo is a great name for the film. It not only plays on the name of Captain Nemo but sets the tone of the film well and we know pretty much what we are in for. The title is also memorable which has helped keep the film in peoples minds to this day.

What makes it Great?

The mature storyline and stunning visuals are backed up by an exceptional script and it is this which really makes the film a classic. The dialogue between all the main characters portrays a subtlety and sensitivity that is hard to find. This all helps the characters become memorable and shows that even when your leading protagonists are small fish they can still fill a screen.

The score and framing of the scenes is also exceptional and portrays the feeling of two small fish alone in a very big ocean to perfection. It all comes together to portray a living breathing underwater world.

Finding Nemo as a ‘Golden Fleece Buddy’ Movie.

Finding Nemo is a fairly straightforward Golden Fleece movie. Our main character is Marlin, he is searching for his son (who is the fleece), and on the way he will meet Dory (the Buddy), along with others. These friends will help him to learn lessons that will change him for the better by the end of the film.

Opening Image (1) – We start with Marlin and Coral moving into the neighbourhood with their kids.

We have the ‘kill the cat’ moment when Marlin finds the one remaining egg and we side with him due to his commitment and horrific loss.

Theme stated (5) – The theme comes on 4 minutes and revolves around the line “I promise I won’t let anything happen to you”. Out theme is about knowing when to let go and it is this Marlin will discuss and consider as he searches for Nemo.

Catalyst (12) – Around minute 12 the boat comes into play and Nemo and his friends start seeing how close they can get. Nemo then swims out to sea and gets captured after discussing the theme again with Marlin.

Debate (12-25) – The debate comes mainly with him asking other fish for directions so he can find the ‘right way to go’. He also finds Dory here and discusses what he is looking for. This also starts the running gag about Dory and her bad memory.

Break into two (25) – You can argue where the break into two comes. It is either at minute 15 when Marlon leaves the reef to go into the ocean or, I would suggest, at minute 19 when Bruce the shark takes Marlin and Dory through the mine field as we are now in a more dangerous world.

B Story (30) – At minute 24 Nemo is put in the fish tank the ‘rites of passage’ B story begins.

Fun and Games (30-55) – So now we get the promise of the premise as we have our two little fish fighting through the ocean in comedic Buddy movie style and Nemo and his rag tag gang of fish trying to break out of the tank. Darla is introduced and acts as the ‘time clock’ as we now know Nemo must be found or escape within a few days.

Midpoint (55) – Dory is hurt by the jelly fish. Now the fun and games are over, Dory being hurt acts as a very short ‘bump in the road’ and we get a new thing added at minute 49 with the introduction of the turtles.

There is more theme discussion at minute 52 between Marlin and Crush.

Bad Guys Close In (55-75) – Nemo’s escape attempt fails and Darlo draws ever closer. Marlin and dory are trapped in a whale.

Inside the whale there is more discussion of the theme between Marlin and Dory with Marlin eventually trusting her. With the acceptance of the words “It’s time to let go” Marlin is ready to continue with his adventure.

Nigel acts as our booster rocket when he meets Marlin.

All is Lost (75) – The all is lost moment comes on minute 76 when Marlin thinks Nemo is dead.

Dark night of the Soul (75-85) – Marlon mourns Nemo and decides to split from Dory.

Break into Three (85) – Marlon enters the fishing ground.

Finale (85-110) – The finale is the tuna fish net. Here Marlin has faith in Nemo and Nemo uses the knowledge he has learned to save the day in a wonderful piece of A/B story synergy.

Final image (110) – We are back at school with Marlin a now much transformed character. We end on the image of an open ocean for to be explored. This is the opposite of the confided reef we started with.

The Dark Knight Script Breakdown

Dir – Christopher Nolan
Year – 2008
Running Time – 145 minutes
Screen writing genre – Monster in the House (Nihilistic)

The Film

As well as being one of highest grossing films in cinematic history the Dark Knight is also a landmark movie in many other ways. For what is normally considered a blockbuster movie genre it shows a level of competence and sophistication that really raises the bar. Heath Ledger deservedly winning both an Oscar and Bafta for his role as the Joker further cements the films place as something far more than Hollywood fluff.

What’s in a name?

Our first clue to what lies ahead is the name of the film. Batman’s name doesn’t appear in the title and instead we are left with the ambiguous term ‘The Dark Knight’. At first glance this is obviously a reference to our caped hero but it also goes much deeper. The title refers to Gotham city’s dark night, (as referenced by characters saying "it’s always darkest before dawn") and the trouble the city is about to face.


What makes it great?

Aside from Heath Ledger , the film is full of strong performances from the likes of Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhal, Morgan freeman, Michael Caine and  Gary Oldman. The cast alone is not one you would normally associate with a big budget blockbuster.

The Dark Knight also has some of the best use of sound around. Anyone wanting to know how to score a film should pay extra special attention to how atmosphere, pacing and tension are handled through the use of seemingly simple pieces of music.

Above all the film is built on the basis of an incredibly strong and tight script. The writing is such that it allows its expert cast to show off their skills to maximum effect.

The Dark Knight as a ‘Nihilistic Monster In The House’ Movie

At first glance you could easily say that ‘The Dark Knight’ is a member of the Superhero genre. On looking closer though we find that the A story of the piece is far closer to that of the Nihilistic Monster.

In this instance the ‘Monster’ is the Joker and Gotham City is the ‘House’. This idea is affirmed heading into the films third act break when the Joker effectively cuts off all ways out of the city which leaves its inhabitants trapped inside with him. The third act also reveals Harvey Dent, through his transformation into ‘Two-Face’, to be the ‘Half-man’ we often find in the monster in the house genre.

Now we know we are in the ‘Monster in the House’ genre it is easier to see the Joker as the Nihilistic creature. A Nihilistic monster is a creature that rejects society’s rules and ideals and often has no real moral center. The monster is created by the sin of others – even if they don’t know what their sin is. Another good example of this is the character of ‘Jigsaw’ from the ‘SAW’ movies.

The major sin on show is not only committed by Batman, but also by the mobsters and Gotham City as a whole. The sin in question is the sin of ignorance and arrogance. The Joker is allowed to flourish and grow in power by being ignored as a serious threat for much of the film. Even the gangsters who hire him don’t see him as any kind of problem. Through a series of false victories we see the good guy’s confidence grow, only for their plans to be exposed by the Joker at almost every turn.

Slowly the Jokers influence grows on Gotham until by the third act break he has complete control of the city which, ironically, leads to his own sin of ignorance and his eventual downfall. The only real way to defeat a Nihilistic monster is through personal sacrifice and Batman will come to learn this by the end of the film.

Other examples of ‘Nihilistic Monster in the House’ Movies – SAW, American Psycho, The Others

The Time Line

Opening Image – We open on a calm, light filled Gotham City.

Theme stated – We are presented with a theme for all three main characters in the film. We will learn which one is the real theme by the end as two of these characters will fail to learn from their own words.

Joker’s Theme – Control is an Illusion
Batman’s Themes – Know your limits (13 minute)
Harvey Dent’s Theme – Die the hero or live long enough to become the villain. (20 minutes)

Set up – The bank raid by the Joker is followed by an introduction to all the major characters doing what they do best. Batman’s first ‘Save the Cat’ moment is at minute 10 when he doesn’t kill someone. There is another at minute 18 when he refuses to sign with a shady company.

Catalyst – At minute 21 the police decide to raid the mob banks. This is what starts the chain of events that leads to the Joker taking control of the city.

Debate – This event is followed by a debate between the mob and the Joker and Harvey, Gordon and Batman. Both debates discuss joining forces. We also see Batman discussing new equipment he needs.

Break into Two – Happens at minute 30. Batman leaves for Hong Kong and returns to a ‘new’ Gotham. We are now in the upside down version of Gotham being terrorised by the Joker.

At minute 38 the cops have a false victory as they arrest a large amount of crooks. They are still unaware of the threat of the Joker.

Fun and Games – At minute 44 the fun and games start. We see the Joker kill off a number of high ranking Gotham officials as his games begin. At minute 47 the Joker crashes Wayne’s party looking for Harvey Dent. Here we get the ‘promise of the Premise’ as Batman and the Joker engage each other for the first time.

B story – Though it has been hinted at already the real B story kicks in a minute 43. Here we begin to learn about the developing relationship between Wayne, Rachel and Harvey.

At minute 51 Batman begins to realise his sin of ignorance after Alfred relays the tale of the jewel thief.

At minute 55 the short C story starts when a Wayne employee tries to black mail him with evidence that will prove he is Batman.

At minute 60 there is a false defeat as Gordon is ‘killed’

Between minutes 63 and 66 the theme is discussed between Batman and the mob boss and then Batman and Rachel.

Midpoint – The midpoint hits at minute 70 and ‘Batman’ is arrested. This represents both a ‘false defeat’ and a ‘false sacrifice’ on the real Batman’s part. He will need to sacrifice more to win the day.

Bad Guys Close in – The Joker attacks the convoy leading Harvey Dent to jail. This leads to a false victory at minute 80 when the cops plan is revealed and they arrest the Joker.

All is Lost – The sin of ignorance is revealed again when the Joker’s plan comes to light and he escapes. The ‘Whiff of Death’ here is a full blown explosion as Rachel is killed and Harvey Dent begins his transformation into ‘Two-Face’ it all happens at minute 92. This is also another false defeat.

Dark night of the Soul – At minute 94 we are presented with Bruce questioning if it’s worth being Batman. He is now worse off than when he started.

Here he learns that he must break some of his rules to win the day, but not the one the Joker wants. The B story ends with the burning of Rachel’s letter. The C story will also end shortly with Wayne rescuing the employee trying to blackmail him.

At minute 97 ‘Two-Face’ appears and acts as both a ‘Half-Man’ and ‘Booster Rocket’ for our story. Harvey has forgotten his own words and has indeed lived long enough to become the villain.

Break into Three – At minute 100 we are now in Gotham City under the complete control of the Joker.

Finale – At minute 110 we are now fully trapped in with the monster. The Joker continues his game but is undone, like Harvey, by not sticking to his own theme. Through him we know control is an illusion and he has forgotten this. He has now committed the sin of ignorance and arrogance.

The Jokers plan unravels as the people on the boat don’t do what he expects at minute 127 and Batman, working under slightly different rules, apprehends him. To finally save Gotham, Batman now realises what needs to be done to save the day and commits the ultimate sacrifice by metaphorically ‘killing’ himself for the city.

Final Image – The film ends at night and with Batman being chased by the police. Gotham is entering its dark night and though safe, is now even more chaotic than before.

UP! Script Breakdown

Dir- Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson
Year – 2009
Running Time – 96 Mins
Screen writing Genre – Golden Fleece (Buddy Fleece)

The Film
The current darling of the animated world UP cleared up at the BAFTA awards and also picked up a number of  Oscars as well. UP is a genuine classic and a film that has finally seen the animated movie fully mature, proving it can handle adult themes in a touching and fully credible way.

The story of Carl is brilliantly told and contains a number of strong images and messages. One thing that really stands out is the ironic take on the biblical tale of the man and his burden. Here Carl is weighed down emotionally by having to get the house to paradise falls but the actual burden is floating above him.

What’s in a name?

The title of the film seems deliberately cryptic. It tells us nothing about the characters or setting and nothing about the genre. I have to say this isn’t the strongest of titles and lacks the knack Pixar have for summing up their films with the title.

What makes it great?

So many things make UP a classic film. The animation is exceptional, the originality in the tale is brilliant and the script and camera shots are of the highest quality. Even the music is scored excellently. UP really is a film it's hard to fault, a master class in storytelling and film making that everyone can learn something from.



UP as a Golden Fleece Buddy Movie

The Golden Fleece covers films where our hero goes on a journey seeking something. Along the way he learns life lessons and grows as a person. Normally the hero starts by seeking one, normally false, prize but ends finding another true, prize along the way.

The Buddy fleece is where our hero is helped along the way by a group of (normally oddball), friends. UP fills the bill perfectly as our hero is helped by a colourful cast of characters, all who have their flaws, but who succeed by working together.

Time Line

Opening Image – The ‘Lost world of South America’

Theme Stated – Our theme revolves around the idea that ‘Adventure is out there’. Adventure is out there but it is also right on your doorstep and it is important not become obsessed with one goal.

Set-Up – The life of Ellie and Carl, we see how they meet, fall in love and what happens up to her death.

Catalyst – Carl hits the workman at minute 17.

Debate – Carl asks “What do I do now Ellie”.

B Story – Carl finds Russell on the porch, which starts the ‘Love Story’

Break into Two – Carl floats the house to South America and on minute 26 we emerge from the clouds in the new world.

Fun and Games – We meet new characters such as Kevin the bird and Doug. Russell and Carl explore the forest and Carl reveals there is enough helium to last fro three days (time clock).

This is a good example of fun and games as the characters literally play games. Kevin plays hide and seek and imitates, Doug chases after the ball and tries to capture Kevin.

Midpoint – Carl and Russell talk and our story takes a more serious turn as we learn about Russell’s circumstances. It is also raining and dark.

Bad Guys Close In – The dogs appear and take the group hostage. We meet Muntz and learn he has not given up on his obsession to find the bird.

All is Lost – Muntz takes Kevin at minute 63. There is a great whiff of death here as well as Doug makes the joke about the squirrel.

Dark Night of the Soul – Carl gets angry and walks alone to the falls. Sitting in his chair in the grey palette house he realises it's not quite what he imagined. He recovers when he reads Ellie’s adventure book.

Break into Three –Carl, having learned it's all about the journey and that family can be the greatest adventure, sets out to save Kevin and Russell.

Finale – Carl throws everything out of the house and flies off to save the day. Doug and Russell win their individual battles. Carl beats Muntz (ironically with Carl’s burden) and house disappears. The final remnants of his obsession have been overcome.

Final image – the ‘Spirit of Adventure’ at home and the house on the cliff.

Crocodile Dundee Script Breakdown

Dir- Peter Faiman

Year – 1986

Running Time – 94 minutes

Screen writing Genre – Fool Triumphant (Fool out of water)

The Film

Crocodile Dundee made a major impact upon release. It may seem hard to believe but it is one of the highest grossing films of all time. The film was made for around $9 million and went on to gross over $328 million. It was also nominated for an Oscar in the best screenplay category and Hogan picked up a golden globe for best actor. Adding to the onscreen chemistry is the fact that Paul Hogan and His co-Star Linda Kozlowski actually married in real life.

What’s in a name?

This is another straightforward one. It clearly refers to the main character with the “Crocodile” and poster image adding the humorous touch. The film must be considered from a slightly different point of view as it is a star vehicle for Hogan and thus would have been designed around his comic ability.

What makes it great?

Like many a stars vehicle the film hangs on the leads performance. Luckily for us Hogan does a great job of carrying the film. The structure is a little wayward in places but it hangs together on the strength of the script and humour. I feel the nomination for best screenplay is well warranted and the film remains timeless due to its good nature.

However, for me the screenplay is missing something at the start. It also has a twisting structure where the emphasis moves from Mick to Sue and back with regards to who is driving the narrative. The film mirrors itself at the midpoint as well.

Crocodile Dundee as a “Fool out of water” Movie

The “Fool out of Water” or fish out of water genre is the perfect description for Crocodile Dundee. It refers to films where someone is taken out of their natural environment and dropped into another. Another example would be Legally Blond.

The “Fool out of water” genre does break a number of conventions on occasion as the tension comes from seeing our hero being himself or herself in a new surrounding. As such we sometimes don’t get the name change and assuming of a new identity we often get in other fool triumphant genres.

Time Line

Opening Image – The New York skyline.

Theme Stated – Right from the start we know our theme is survival. It’s properly introduced when Sue says “And I will see where he was attacked and how he survived.”

Set-Up – Sue follows up on the crocodile man story and we meet Mick and his ‘mate’.

Catalyst –you can argue two catalysts. Right at the start we have Sue looking at the crocodile man story that stops her coming home when she should. Once in Australia it is the idea that she can’t survive in the outback that sets the real journey into motion.

Debate – Mick and Sue discuss if a city girl could survive the outback?

Break into Two – We break a little early but it is clear once we are in the outback and the boat has left we have crossed over into the special world of act 2. A little later we have a new dawn and the adventure can begin.

B Story – When Mick saves Sue from the crocodile the B story and love story starts.

Fun and Games – Mick and Sue adventure in the outback and we get to meet some aborigines, see our characters eat some bush food and Mick considers going to the city.

Midpoint – Mick enters New York and our fish is now out of water. Mick will go on to show the New Yorkers as savages through his friendliness.

Bad Guys Close In – Mick has to adapt, plus Sue’s boyfriend is on the scene and trying to make Mick look like am idiot. There is also a marriage proposal on the horizon.

All is Lost – Richard proposes and Mick is humiliated.

Dark Night of the Soul – Mick walks the streets, drinks and gets beaten up. He is saved by his ‘mate’ and recovers. He decides to see the rest of the country and find more friends.

Break into Three –

Mick leaves the hotel to go to the train station and travel America.

Finale – Sue starts the ‘Chase to the airport scene’ and races to the train station which culminates in the iconic scene where Mick is literally held up by the people of the city as he walks over them.

Final image – Sue and Mick together, surrounded by New Yorkers who are now much friendlier having been changed by their meeting with Mick.

Casino Royale Script Breakdown

Dir- Martin Campbell
Year – 2006
Running Time – 144 mins
Screen writing Genre – Super Hero (People’s Super Hero)

The Film

Casino Royale marked the re-launch of the James Bond franchise and made a massive impact in the process. Very cleverly the film takes many aspects from the Super Hero block busters that were flavour of the month at the same time. The critics adored the film and Daniel Craig became the first Bond in history to be receive a best actor nomination at the Baftas.

What’s in a name?

Casino Royale is a quite straightforward name. Belonging to a well established franchise means we already know who the film is about and now we have an idea where it is set as well. The simple name also tells us that we are in for a more low key and serious film than other Bond movies.

What makes it great?

So many things stand out in Casino Royale. The music is exceptional, the action sequences are amazing and the script is incredible. The film is also paced well and the fact the writers manage to hold your attention through a card game is very clever. However, the biggest highlight is the performance of Daniel Craig which brings a gravity and credibility to Bond that has been missing for a very long time. It’s hard to think how the franchise could have been re-launched any better.

Casino Royale as a Super Hero of the People Movie

Super Hero movies deal with the burden of power and being so much more than the everyday man. They also deal with the trouble super heroes have with us lowly normal people. James Bond is a now mystic figure who can get out of any situation and deal with anything due to his brilliance at just about everything. This more than qualifies him as a super hero.

Super Hero of the People films deal with characters that rise from the ranks of the ordinary man due to their great skill. This covers James Bond and other films such as Robin Hood and Gladiator. Casino Royale charts James’ journey to full super hero the same as many other origin movies. By the end of the film he will have full control over his ‘powers’.


Time Line

 Opening Image – A shady organisation in Prague set in black and white. This is our introduction to a new, more brutal, Bond who shoots first and asks questions later. This is followed by a shady organisation in Uganda and our introduction to Mr White.

Theme Stated – As we have seen in the opening scene our new bond is a man who keeps tight control on his emotions and is a cool calm customer, he is also arrogant. This will continue throughout the movie and our theme is based around questions of emotional detachment. Our theme is simply- what do you need to be a true hero and a man? Bond will develop as the story goes on and by the end will emerge as more than the simple number 007. At the minute he lacks the emotion to be anything more than a super robot.

Set-Up – We get to know Bond and the fact he means business, is emotionally detached and cold. During this part of the film we also meet the main bad guys and get to see Bond in action.

Catalyst – Bond finds the bombers phone and uses it to track his next contact. (18)

Debate – Bond and M talk in her apartment about his conduct.

Break into Two – Bond is in the Bahamas to follow his lead. (25)

Fun and Games – Bond is following clues, playing cards in the Bahamas and seducing women. It all culminates in a chase to the airport scene to catch the bad guy.

B Story – Bond meets Vesper and the ‘love’ story starts. (55)

Midpoint – The card game begins.

Bad Guys Close In – The good guys may be closing on La Chiffre but so are the even badder guys from Uganda. The bad guys are also onto James and he is poisoned

All is Lost – This leads to our ‘whiff of death’ moment when he dies and is revived by Vesper. Bond then loses the card game after being outsmarted by La Chiffre

Dark Night of the Soul – Having lost the card game James loses his cool and is about to act rashly and try and take La Chiffre by force. Felix stops him and gives him a way to recover. Bond returns wiser, less arrogant and realising he is not invincible.

Break into Three – Vesper is taken and Bond chases after her. He wakes up in the boat after the car overturns and we are now in act 3.

Finale – Bond recovers from his injuries and decides it’s not worth it. He softens and wants to leave the service. All is going well until Vespers betrayal is revealed.  He then follows her to the tragic end.

Final image – James has now become our fully formed Super Hero, not soft and weak or hard and uncaring but a mixture of the two.  We end with the line “the names James Bond”. Our hero is now more than a simple three digit number.