The Gatekeeper of Lies
ACTION POLITICAL SUSPENSE/THRILLER HISTORICAL FICTION
1980s & '90s
Anthony (Tony) Bruce
Submision Type
book
Logline
This is a story of a man betrayed who refuses to betray those he loves. A story of friendship born in great danger and the obligations of honor over duty and patriotism. A story of loss and belonging, of second chances and the price that must be paid to hold to the only true values in life. . .
Genre
Action,Political,Suspense/Thriller,Historical Fiction
Short Summary
Hiding from his previous employer the DGSE (French Secret Service) Tomas Molnar builds a new life over time on a small island in Western Canada. The CIA wish to question Molnar on a joint operation he did with the CIA in Bosnia but the DGSE are unhelpful. A CIA colleague is sent to find Tomas
Setting
Washington, Ottawa, Rwanda, Paris
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Other
Plot - Other Elements
Happy Ending,Twist
Mature Audience Themes
Information not completed
Main Character Details
Name: Tomas Molnar (Thomas DuPlessis)
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Educated,Honorable,Leader,Skillful,Secretive,Lone Wolf,Decisive
Additional Character Details
Name: Dan Quarry
Age: 45
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Educated,Aggressive,Confident,Decisive,Strong Moral Code,Patriotic
Additional Character Details
Name: Marianne Boucher
Age: 29
Gender: Female
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Charming,Complex,Confident,Sexy,Skillful,Secretive,Seductive
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Genre
DRAMA, SUSPENSE
Brief
Tomas is an ex-agent from a government agency trying to live a normal life with his wife and daughter. He is targeted because of a past job and some information he become privy to. Thomas' main goal is to keep his family safe as more pieces come together to see who is behind everything. Thomas gains the upper hand, protecting his family and their future.
Overall Rating
FAIR
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: FAIR
Characterization: FAIR
Commerciality: FAIR
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: FAIR
Premise: FAIR
Structure: FAIR
Theme: FAIR
Accuracy of Book Profile
The book profile reflects on the idea of the book but doesn't touch on the actual story. It needs to preview some of the events of the story not just describing the themes.
Draw of Story
The story deals with a covert organization like the CIA. It details Tomas' time in this organization and his life outside of it.
Possible Drawbacks
The book jumps between time and events frequently. It felt like I couldn't get a grasp of the story, the timelines and characters until well into reading the book. It does not need to be linear but an establishing of the characters and present day timeline would be helpful.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
This is a classic 'agent living a normal life, but pulled back in' story. Tomas changed his name and left the life of espionage behind to live a normal life. That is threatened by because of some information that could threaten the world. It is interesting enough to be a good film.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a large fanbase. There are many films like this that have been successful. It has the family factor and gives a more well rounded view of Tomas while he was an agent.
Awards Potential
This does not have awards potential. There is not much in character development. It is not breaking ground in storytelling. This book sticks to the formula of its genre.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
JOHN WICK, EQUALIZER, TAKEN
What’s New About the Story
The story is not original. Most of the events are predictable and have been done before. It could be more unique by making the cast more diverse and placing the characters in a different part of the world. There are other government organizations than the CIA.
Lead Characters
The lead character does not stand out. He is a former agent trying to protect his family. He has secrets and uses his wits to outsmart the agency out to destroy him. This character has been seen many times before.
Uniqueness of Story
This is an average story. It is very predictable and could use more diversity and a location change. This espionage story with the US and France as a backdrop has been done before.
Possible Formats
Film - Studio, Film - Streaming, TV Series - Streaming
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
This story could be made more unique by having a diverse cast and setting it in location outside of Europe or the US. The main character could be from an African, South American or Native nation as oppose to a white male running around the streets of a foreign location. There would be more cultural depth that would set it apart from the norm.