SURVIVING CORRUPTION
BIOGRAPHICAL CRIME FAMILY YOUNG ADULT OTHER MEMOIR FUNNY
1960s & '70s,1980s & '90s
Pseudonym Dick Richards.
Submision Type
book
Logline
My life, abusive mother, loving father, bad behavior, corruption addict on every job but never caught. Left home early, slept on commercial roof until sympathetic cop let me stay with him, PTSD victim due to the horrible deaths witnessed. My wife and I raised 6 kids, all have done well. Stable now.
Genre
Biographical,Crime,Family,Young Adult,Other,Memoir,Funny
Short Summary
In charmingly addictive anecdotes spanning six and a half decades, the author chronicles his life as a mischievous youth, emboldened by grade school antics like shoplifting and fighting.
Setting
Canada
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Other
Plot - Other Elements
Happy Ending,Other,Twist
Mature Audience Themes
Language/Profanity,Extreme Violence
Main Character Details
Name: Dick Richards
Age: From 4 to 73
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Masculine,Badass,Crazy,Engaging,Unapologetic,Adventurous,Aggressive,Blunt,Funny
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Genre
DRAMA
Brief
Dick Richards chronicles his life from the age of 4 to 75 years old. His mother was indifferent to him but he had a close bond with his father. He marries young and has many children. His many careers and passion for mechanics lead to an abundance of antics and lessons learned.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: FAIR
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: GOOD
Premise: GOOD
Structure: FAIR
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
The book profile reads like a jumble of thoughts. It touches on many events of the story but needs to be formatted correctly.
Draw of Story
Dick essentially wrote his memoirs, analyzing many moments and events in his life. His childhood was not very entertaining even though it is alluded that his mother is abusive when she comes off as more intolerant and indifferent to his presence. Dick's adult years are interesting because he has many careers and hobbies that piece together a full life. He has many stories to tell.
Possible Drawbacks
The story is told disjointedly, without rhyme or reason. It needs to be organized in a linear fashion or artistic. Most of Dick's stories are mildly amusing and interesting but not overtly entertaining. He has had many careers, got married and had children, survived cancer etc. He had a full life but it is a normal life. The tone of the story aids in this with its' detached narration. Dick is telling his story but his connection to it is not present.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
There is no hook because it is Dick retelling many events in his life. I would watch this movie to see how people change and grow through different stages in their lives.
Fanbase Potential
This would have a small fanbase. There is little to spark the audiences interest.
Awards Potential
This is a character driven story which does garner awards potential. The story needs to develop Dick and make his character clear and distinct. It is narrated by a man who seems to have come to terms with his story instead of the person going through the moments.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
SEINFELD, FOREST GUMP
What’s New About the Story
The story is original because it is Dick's story. Outside of that, there is little that is unique. He had a rougher than normal childhood, got married, raised a family, became a cop, fireman and border patrol guard. He had a life like many others.
Lead Characters
The lead character appears to have come to terms with all that has happened in his life. He looks back with good humor and wistful nostalgia.
Uniqueness of Story
This is an average story that has potential to become something special. If the telling was arranged in a better way, it could highlight Dicks' life. He mentions that he is living with cancer and it might be interesting to see him tell his story from that perspective; of approaching the end.
Possible Formats
Film - Indie, Film - 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 needs more emotional connection. Most of it feels "matter-of-fact". Dick's feelings about specific events in his life need to show through. The profile mentions his mother being abusive and he provides moments when she demonstrates this. He comments on it but never expresses how he feels about these events.