Research & Planning

Music/drama

Music/Drama Genre Synopsis…• Inside Llewyn Davis“In 1961 New York City, folk singer Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is at a crossroads. Guitar in hand, he struggles against seemingly insurmountable obstacles to make a name for himself in the music world, but so far, success remains elusive. Relying on the kindness of both friends and strangers, Llewyn embarks on an odyssey that takes him from the streets of Greenwich Village to a Chicago club, where awaits a music mogul who could give him the big break that he desperately needs.”

-Synopsis focuses on most of the criteria, sets the scene in terms of time and place. Explains what the conflict is and how the character hopes to resolve it. The fact that the narrative generally resolves around one character is emphasized by only one actor being named in the synopsis.

Red= whoGreen= whatBlue= whereBrown = whenPurple= how

• Behind the Candelabra“World-famous pianist Liberace (Michael Douglas) takes much-younger Scott Thorson (Matt Damon) as a lover, but the relationship deteriorates when Liberace takes other bedmates and Thorson becomes addicted to drugs.”

-Lacks where and when in the synopsis.-Two main actors named-Most interesting aspects of the narrative focused on instead rather than go into greater detail (enigma? Audience want to know more?)-Doesn’t state a solution for the conflict, maybe there isn’t one?

Synopsis cont…• CBGB“Though originally conceived as a country and bluegrass venue, Hilly Kristal's (Alan Rickman) New York club becomes the birthplace of underground and punk music, and helps launch the careers of such bands as Blondie, the Ramones and the Police”

-Doesn’t state specifically when but era is implied by the bands mentioned.-Succeeds in channeling the main aspects of the narrative, the main character and the desired solution for the conflict.

Red= whoGreen= whatBlue= whereBrown = whenPurple = How

• Grace Unplugged“Musically gifted, teenage Grace (AJ Michalka) wants to do more than perform in her father's church band. She longs for pop stardom, but her father, a former music idol, warns her that fame often comes with a high price and that using her gift in the service of God is a loftier goal. When his former manager pays a visit, Grace decides to take his offer of a shot at the big time. But, the more successful she becomes, the more she feels pressure to compromise her religious values.”

-Synopsis focuses more on narrative, fails to set the scene in terms of where and when.- Obvious that the narrative centers around

one major character- Solution to conflict is evident

Summary• In conclusion, 2/4, or half, of the chosen film synopsis’ I discovered had

effectively channeled to their audience: who, what, where, when and how.

• Synopsis’ that did not deliver across this spectrum failed to engage the audience due to either prolonged focus on narrative or failure to set the scene in terms of where and when.

• A successful synopsis is therefore one that is one that is short but from the beginning introduces when, where (“In 1961 New York City…”) and who within the first couple sentences. There is then subsequent room for narrative to establish what the conflict is within 1-2 sentences. After the conflict is established, the resolution can be implemented (1-2 sentences) but does not have to be if the development narrative is desired to be enigmatic.