Finding Jean Ratelle
BIOGRAPHICAL COMEDY DRAMA MEMOIR FANTASY ROMANCE
2000s,Contemporary
Don Paul Martin
Logline
Snakebit from a lifetime of loss, a man confronts the ghosts of his past in a familiar setting: the imaginary version of a bar in which he's become lost. The story he writes for a continuing education class not only pits him against his demons, but also his heroes and loved ones.
Genre
Biographical,Comedy,Drama,Memoir,Fantasy,Romance
Short Summary
Having waited until the last night to complete an assignment for class, Ray takes his story to an imaginary version of his favorite escape: a bar filled with his exes, his abusers, and perhaps worst of all, his writing professor.
Forced by his mind's representations of his best friends to re-live the worst moments of his life -- and thus to face his true demon -- Ray must say goodbye to the two central figures of his life, and choose to keep or let go of one more.
Setting
New York City
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain,Internal Journey/Rebirth,Quest
Plot - Other Elements
Meaningful Message,Philosophical Questions,Twist,Happy Ending,Coming of Age
Mature Audience Themes
Language/Profanity,Sexual Abuse
Main Character Details
Name: Ray Sarazen
Age: Early 30s
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Empathetic,Aspiring,Insecure,Funny,Underdog,Selfless,Complex
Additional Character Details
Name: Greg
Age: Early 30s
Gender: Male
Role: Logical
Key Traits: Funny,Blunt,Charming,Sarcastic,Unapologetic,Faithful
Additional Character Details
Name: Nicholas
Age: Late 40s
Gender: Male
Role: mentor
Key Traits: Educated,Charming,Funny,Aggressive,Sophisticated
Additional Character Details
Name: Michelle
Age: Late 20s
Gender: Female
Role: emotional
Key Traits: Faithful,Selfless,Sexy
Development Pitch
Written for the stage, I've always imagined Finding Jean Ratelle as being even better presented on film. Set almost entirely in one room - a bar in New York City - the director would be free to move the "scenes" which take place there to other locales or keep Ray's memories in the bar as well, with effects enhanced by other devices other than just lighting and simple props. The main goal is the emotional roller coaster ride release of the audience.
Genre
DRAMA, COMEDY, MATURE AUDIENCE
Brief
A man regularly visits an imaginary bar where all the patrons and bartender are people from his real life that represent his hopes, dreams and fears
Overall Rating
EXCELLENT
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: EXCELLENT
Characterization: EXCELLENT
Commerciality: FAIR
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: GOOD
Premise: EXCELLENT
Structure: GOOD
Theme: EXCELLENT
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, but it's vague.
Draw of Story
It's a intriguing premise.
Possible Drawbacks
No. It was an interesting read.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
Can a man’s imaginary life point his real life in the right direction?
Fanbase Potential
No. This doesn't fit neatly into a genre so there would not be a built in fanbase.
Awards Potential
There are a lot of places an actor could shine in this so there could be potential for acting awards.
Envisioned Budget
LOW BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
BARFLY, THE TWILIGHT ZONE, TREES LOUNGE
What’s New About the Story
It's an interesting take on introspection. It needs to be more expanded for a full length feature film.
Lead Characters
They are smart and authentic.
Uniqueness of Story
It's pretty unique.
Possible Formats
Film - Studio, Film - Streaming, Film - Indie
Analyst Recommendation
WORK IN PROGRESS
Justification
While the story has many positive points, it has room for improvement (see possible paths below). If you can't change the story at this point, my suggestion is using your notes as a guide to highlight the best aspects of it when taking the next steps, either putting a pitch page together, a treatment, or a presentation.
Tips for Improvement
With some reimagining (more visual elements and life scenarios) and more characters it might make a decent TV series on a cable or streaming network.