The Seventh Circle
Submision Type
book
Logline
Europe's gay men who wore the pink triangle are the forgotten victims of the Holocaust. Though they were seldom sent to the gas chambers, few survived the torture, starvation, and humiliation.
Genre
Historical Fiction
Short Summary
During the Third Reich, Karl Weber, a Bavarian university student falls in love with the son of the town's most important Nazi. He is called before the Gestapo and accused of violating Paragraph 175, which makes sexual relations between males illegal.
Setting
Fussen, Bavaria, the SS prison camps of Sachsenhausen and Flossenburg.
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Tragedy,Internal Journey/Rebirth
Plot - Other Elements
Meaningful Message,Philosophical Questions,Other
Mature Audience Themes
Extreme Violence
Main Character Details
Name: Karl Weber
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Aspiring,Charming,Complex,Skillful,Empathetic,Faithful,Romantic,Heroic,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
Name: Hermann Schrecht
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Role: Emotional
Key Traits: Masculine,Obedient,Patriotic,Engaging,Heartthrob,Naive
Additional Character Details
Name: Franz Weber
Age: 55
Gender: Male
Role: skeptic
Key Traits: Masculine,Aggressive,Decisive,Blunt,Unapologetic
Additional Character Details
Name: Otto Schrecht
Age: 52
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Masculine,Aggressive,Narcisstic,Patriotic,Confident,Decisive,Outspoken,Greedy,Secretive,Leader,Unapologetic,Manipulative
Genre
WAR, DRAMA
Brief
Karl had a happy, quiet childhood with his parents before the Third Reich rose to power. Karl's romantic relationship with Hermann lands him in the camps. He faces unspeakable horrors including starvation, slave labor, torture and constant death. Karl does what he has to, to survive and get out of the camps.
Overall Rating
EXCELLENT
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: EXCELLENT
Commerciality: EXCELLENT
Franchise Potential: GOOD
Pace: GOOD
Premise: EXCELLENT
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, the book profile accurately reflects the book.
Draw of Story
The story elaborates more on Karl's story and what happens after he is arrested. It is a more in-depth story than the previous version, highlighting on the plight of gay men under the Nazi regime. It explores the differences in how they were treated over the Jewish people who were in camps.
Possible Drawbacks
There were parts of the first version that should be incorporated into this one. The original version I read gave more insight into Karl as a young man figuring out his sexuality. There were many great moments when he first begins his relationship with Hermann and the slow build on their relationship. That is important to see especially to show to juxtaposition to Karl's six years as a prisoner. And it ties into Hermann's reappearance at the end of the story.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that Karl is a German who ends up in the Nazi camps for being a homosexual. It plays out his years of unbearable hardships and what he does to survive. I would watch this movie of the new perspective of Germans in the Nazi camps and how they were treated. Usually , the Jewish population is mainly focused on because of the Holocaust, rightfully so, but there are other stories to explore.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a large fanbase. Stories surrounding Hitler and the Nazi's treatment of people are still important and interesting. There is a call for more representation in media and more diverse stories for the LGBTQAI community.
Awards Potential
This could have awards potential. This story explores the human condition and spirit in the face of horrible circumstances. It is eye opening and inspiring to see humans preserve and overcome obstacles such as these.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
WHERE HANDS TOUCH, SON OF SAUL
What’s New About the Story
This story is original because it focuses on a group of people enslaved in the Nazi camps that are not Jewish. Hitler persecuted anyone he deemed different or depraved. The men who are encamped are gay but still German.
Lead Characters
The lead character stands out for his ability to persevere. He spends six years in various camps, forced into hard labor and horrific jobs to survive. He comes out of the camps still a whole person considering all that has happened to him.
Uniqueness of Story
This story is a gem, not a rare gem considering there are many films about the Holocaust and the Nazi camps. The perspective is unique and informative of the plight of LGBTQAI people under the Third Reich.
Possible Formats
Film - Indie, Film - Streaming, Film - Studio, TV Series - Limited Run / Mini-Series
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
This story is a consider, but would be a recommend if combined with the original version. There are many amazing moments with young Karl before his whole world changes. It is important to have the balance to understand all that Karl has lost. The deep dive into his time in the camp is well written, invoking many emotions. This would translate well on-screen.