.
The Structure of 'Consequence'
This is a non-linear film so it does not follow the usual 3 act structure. The film has a circular narrative so the 3 acts in the film but are shown in a completely different order. The film opens with the new equilibrium of the story, Act 2. This is then followed by the equilibrium, Act 1. Then finishes with the disequilibrium, Act 3. Act 2 is actually continuous throughout the whole film, overlapped by the other parts of the story.
In order the acts would be:
Act 1 - 'The Senator' partakes in a deal, which is ripping off 'The Boss'. He believes that it has gone well but 'The Pilot' goes on to tell 'The Boss'.
Act 2 - 'The Boss' calls 'The Senator' to meet him. He gives a long speech explaining that he knows what he's done and how he should never try and rip him off. Then 2 girls working for him take 'The Senator' away.
Act 3 - The 2 girls, who have taken 'The Senator' into the woods, release him and force him to run for his life. They chase him, eventually catching him and shooting him in the head.
'Consequence' Characters
The characters in 'The Consequence' are very vague and do not have a lot of depth as it isn't needed to tell the story. It is a very story driven film.
The Boss - An overlord type character, in charge of everyone and everything.
The Senator - Thinks he is in charge and feels he has all the power. Does what he wants without caution. Leads to him getting in trouble with The Boss and killed. Ends up labelled 'The Fool'
The Boyfriend - Abusive boyfriend and drug addict. Also involved in the deal. He is the first to be killed by the girls. Ends up labelled 'The Addict'
The Pilot - Assists 'The Senator' in the drug deal, screws him over by telling 'The Boss'. Ends up labelled 'The Traitor'
'Memento' Script Analysis
This is the first page of the 'Memento' screenplay by Christopher Nolan. I've chose to analyse this script since its non-linear, like my short film script is. In the layout of this extract there are two clearly different fonts used for the narratives which take place in a non-linear order. This is something I think I could transfer over to my script to help make it clearer to the reader that it doesn't happen chronologically. This method could also make it easier for me to write the script. Also, something I have already used in my script, the script is clearly marked 'CUT TO:' whenever the scene changes. This, again, makes cuts between scenes easier to follow, especially when frequent.
The stage directions Nolan uses are very descriptive and paint a clear picture of the scene. Detail is used for the smallest things which makes it easier for the reader to see the scene how the writer pictures it. This is very helpful if the writer of the script isn't the one directing, which is often the case. (However this wasn't the case with 'Memento')
The use of dialogue is minimal on this page but what is used is set out in the typical way it would be in scripts; the name of the character in all capitals centred above and the dialogue underneath. The only difference is that the dialogue is a voice over, represented by '(V.O.)'. By marking the dialogue with this the reader instantly knows Leonard isn't actually speaking. Also, being able to write just 'V.O' makes it easier and quicker when writing the script.
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