Meanwhile in Utch - Atomic (Pilot)

ATOMIC Logline When a down-on-his-luck former salesman gets drawn into the seedy criminal underworld by his shady childhood friend, he must fight to reclaim his life and escape to start anew with his estranged daughter. Genre Crime, Drama Top Keywords crime, drugs, violence, murder, death, police, betrayal, family, marriage, divorce, father daughter relationship, prostitution, sex industry, friendship, mental health issues, financial problems, unemployment Location Setting A rundown neighborhood in the UK. Script Score Character Development: The main characters of Nigel and Fabien are well developed. We see Nigel's descent from a successful businessman to a desperate and morally compromised man. Fabien is more opaque but clearly ruthless and self-interested. Some of the supporting characters like Anna feel a bit two-dimensional. Rating: 7/10 Plot Construction: The plot has a clear arc following Nigel's downward trajectory and eventual escape after getting involved with Fabien's criminal enterprise. The stakes build steadily and there is a sense of inevitability. Some plot points like the confrontation with Pinky's gang and the final shootout scene feel predictable. Rating: 8/10 Dialogue: The dialogue generally fits the gritty, British crime genre tone. The banter between Nigel and Fabien has some dark humor to it. Some of the minor characters like Pinky speak in cliches. Anna and Nigel's conversations capture their dysfunctional relationship dynamic. Rating: 7/10 Originality: The basic plot of a man getting sucked into the criminal underworld is a common genre narrative. But the specifics of Nigel and Fabien's relationship and business, with the underground marijuana grow operation, provide some fresh elements. The ending with Nigel's daughter arriving provides an unexpected twist. Rating: 6/10 Emotional Engagement: Nigel's desperation and ill-advised decisions create some pathos. The violent confrontations also pack an emotional punch. But the generally unsympathetic characters make it hard to fully invest emotionally. Nigel's relationship with his imagined Debbie Harry provides some poignant moments. Rating: 6/10 Theme and Message: The screenplay explores themes of desperation, greed, and the moral compromises people make to survive. The distinction between the "jungle's rules" and decent behavior is an interesting aspect. The ending provides some redemption for Nigel. But overall the themes could be more developed. Rating: 7/10 Overall Rating: 7/10 The screenplay has a strong narrative thrust and some well-crafted moments of dark humor and violence. Developing some of the supporting characters and themes more fully could make it more compelling. But it works well as a gritty British crime story. Based on the Script Score, this screenplay ranks at 52th percentile and received a Pass Synopsis The screenplay follows Nigel, a former successful salesman who loses his job and keeps it secret from his wife Tamara for years by pretending to go to work each day. When Tamara discovers Nigel's lies, she throws him out and he falls into a downward spiral, befriending the dangerous Fabien who gets him involved in an illegal marijuana growing operation. Nigel transforms from a law-abiding family man into a ruthless criminal, killing rivals and burning down buildings. Ultimately, Nigel plans to escape with the money from the drug operation and start a new life with his daughter Chloe, leaving Fabien behind. Throughout, Nigel has imagined conversations with his obsession, singer Debbie Harry. Comprehensive Synopsis The story follows Nigel, a middle-aged man who loses his high-flying sales job and keeps it secret from his wife Tamara for two years by pretending to go to work each day. When Tamara discovers Nigel's lies along with mountains of debt he had accumulated through remortgaging their home, she throws him out. Nigel spirals into despair and homelessness, crossing paths with his former schoolmate Fabien who offers to help Nigel get back on his feet through an illegal cannabis growing operation. Fabien sets Nigel up in a hidden underground bunker where Nigel learns to cultivate cannabis. Meanwhile, Fabien sells the product through his network of dealers. The arrangement proves lucrative, allowing Nigel to afford a lavish lifestyle and develop an intimate relationship with Anna, a local prostitute and former schoolmate who lives in the same building. However, they soon run into conflict with a ruthless drug lord named Pinky who tortures Nigel to uncover the location of his growing operation. Nigel refuses to talk, resulting in Pinky cutting off one of his fingers. Seeking revenge, Nigel and Fabien track down Pinky, shooting her and one of her henchmen. Nigel then blows up Pinky's hideout to eliminate all evidence and kill her remaining crew. The violence takes a psychological toll on Nigel, making him unstable and reckless. With the growing operation nearing the final harvest, Fabien decides Nigel has become too unpredictable and tries to kill him to keep all the profits for himself. The attempt fails and Nigel leaves town with his daughter Chloe, who had shown up unexpectedly, ready to start a new life with his share of the money. Fabien is left behind, weeping over losing his chance at securing his family's future. The story is one of greed, betrayal, violence and ambition in the dark underworld of the illegal drug trade. Plot Assessment and Enhancement What's Working Well: - Interesting lead character (Nigel) with a dramatic fall from grace that pulls the audience in. His flaws make him relatable. - Good pacing overall that keeps the story moving. The scenes flow well from one to the next. - Strong antagonist in Fabien that represents the dark underworld Nigel gets drawn into. Creates a good dynamic and tension. - Some imaginative scenes that are visually compelling (e.g. wrapping bodies in clingfilm). Captures the macabre nature of the plot. Areas for Improvement: - The ending feels abrupt - Nigel escapes with the money and his daughter suddenly shows up. Could use more build up or transition. - Debbie Harry vision/fantasy element is intriguing but maybe underdeveloped. Could tie her more directly to Nigel's motivations. - Supporting characters like Anna could be more multidimensional. Most serve plot more than having fully realized arcs. - World-building around the criminal underworld could go into more depth. Would enrich the backdrop and stakes. - Consider more nuance/gray areas in characters as many come across one dimensionally good or bad. Adds complexity. Overall the core storyline is very strong with a descent into an ominous criminal underworld. With some additional character and setting development, tied together with a more impactful ending, you could have a very compelling screenplay. Let me know if you would like any specific suggestions for the areas highlighted above. Character Profiling Nigel Moorhouse Former successful salesman who loses his job and keeps it a secret from his wife. As his lies catch up to him, he loses his family, home, and possessions. Gets involved with his old schoolmate Fabien in an illegal marijuana growing operation to try to make money and rebuild his life. Becomes hardened and violent. At the end, makes a lot of money from the drug operation. His daughter suddenly shows up to live with him, presenting an opportunity to start fresh. What's working well: - The character arc of Nigel Moorhouse is well-developed, showing a clear transformation from a successful salesman to a desperate individual involved in illegal activities. This transformation provides a compelling narrative of downfall and potential redemption. - Nigel's motivations are clear and understandable, making his journey into the criminal underworld relatable. His initial desire to maintain his family's lifestyle and later to rebuild his life adds depth to his character. - The inclusion of Nigel's family, particularly the dynamic with his daughter, adds emotional weight to the story, making his decisions and their consequences more impactful. Areas to Improve: - Nigel's transition from a law-abiding citizen to becoming 'hardened and violent' could be further explored to enhance believability. Providing more scenes that depict his internal struggle and gradual acceptance of his new life would add depth to his character. - While Nigel's motivations are clear, his moral compass and the psychological impact of his actions are less explored. Delving deeper into his feelings of guilt, conflict, or justification could provide a richer character study. - The relationship between Nigel and Fabien is crucial but could be developed further to highlight why Nigel would trust Fabien and follow him into illegal activities. More backstory or scenes showing their bond could strengthen the narrative. Archetype: The Fallen Fabien Boycott Nigel's old schoolmate turned criminal kingpin and drug dealer. Takes Nigel under his wing when Nigel has nowhere to go. Manipulates and uses Nigel for his own ends. Is diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, given one year to live. Hides diagnosis and works to set up his family financially before he dies. Increasingly desperate and ruthless. What's working well: - The complexity of Fabien's character adds depth to the narrative, making him more than just a villain. His terminal diagnosis and desire to provide for his family introduce a sympathetic aspect to his otherwise ruthless behavior. - Fabien's relationship with Nigel provides a compelling dynamic that drives much of the story. His manipulation of Nigel and their shared history add layers to their interactions and the overall plot. - The portrayal of Fabien's desperation and ruthlessness as he faces his mortality adds tension and stakes to the story, making his actions and the consequences more impactful. Areas to Improve: - Fabien's motivations and backstory could be further explored to enhance the audience's understanding of his transformation from schoolmate to criminal kingpin. Providing more context on his past with Nigel and what led him down this path could add richness to his character. - While Fabien's terminal illness is a critical aspect of his character, the emotional and psychological impact of this diagnosis on him could be more deeply explored. Showing more vulnerability and internal conflict could make him a more relatable and complex character. - The relationship between Fabien and his family is mentioned as a motivating factor for his actions, but it is not deeply explored in the narrative. Developing this aspect could provide a more comprehensive view of his character and motivations. Archetype: The Caregiver Tamara Nigel's wife who throws him out after discovering his web of lies and fraud. Takes their daughter and files for divorce. Her part in Nigel's downfall is the inciting incident for the plot. What's working well: - Tamara's decisive action in response to Nigel's deceit sets the entire plot in motion, effectively serving as the catalyst for Nigel's journey. This makes her a critical character despite what may be a limited physical presence in the story. - Her strong moral stance against Nigel's lies and fraud adds a layer of ethical complexity to the narrative, challenging both Nigel and the audience to consider the consequences of deceit. - Tamara's role as a protective mother who prioritizes her daughter's well-being over her relationship with Nigel adds depth to her character and provides a relatable motivation for her actions. Areas to Improve: - Tamara's character could be further developed to avoid her being perceived solely as a plot device. Providing more background on her relationship with Nigel, including how they met and what their marriage was like before the downfall, could add layers to her character and the story. - Exploring her emotional journey post-separation could enrich the narrative. Showing her struggles, resilience, or even her own path to healing could provide a more nuanced portrayal of the consequences of Nigel's actions. - Incorporating scenes that showcase Tamara's independence and strength outside of her relationship with Nigel could prevent her character from being defined solely by her marital status and actions against Nigel. Archetype: The Caregiver Anna A prostitute and drug addict who connects with Nigel. She is morally grey, stuck in her situation but shows moments of caring about Nigel. She accidentally overdoses and dies towards the end, representing another loss and trauma for Nigel. What's working well: - Anna's complex character adds depth to the narrative, providing a nuanced portrayal of someone living on the margins of society. Her moments of caring for Nigel amidst her own struggles offer a glimpse of humanity that is compelling and engaging for the audience. - Her tragic end serves as a pivotal moment in the story, highlighting the themes of loss and trauma. This event significantly impacts Nigel's character development, making her role crucial to the narrative's emotional depth. Areas to Improve: - Anna's backstory and motivations could be further developed to provide the audience with a better understanding of her choices and lifestyle. Fleshing out her character would make her more relatable and her fate more impactful. - The portrayal of Anna primarily through the lens of her profession and addiction risks reinforcing stereotypes. Diversifying her character by showing more of her interests, thoughts, and dreams could counteract this and add layers to her character. - Her relationship with Nigel could be explored in more depth, showing more interactions that build their connection. This would make her influence on Nigel's life and her eventual death more poignant for the audience. Archetype: The Caregiver Pinky Female gang leader and Fabien's rival in the criminal underworld. Antagonist who attacks Nigel and seeks revenge against Fabien. Nigel ultimately gets extremely violent revenge against her, highlighting his transformation. What's working well: - Pinky's role as a formidable antagonist adds significant tension and conflict to the narrative, effectively driving the plot forward. - Her position as a female gang leader in a predominantly male underworld introduces a dynamic character who challenges traditional gender roles within the genre. - The personal vendetta against Fabien and her aggressive pursuit of Nigel contribute to the development of both characters, showcasing Nigel's transformation and underscoring the dangerous world they inhabit. Areas to Improve: - Pinky's motivations and backstory could be further developed to provide a deeper understanding of her character and her rivalry with Fabien, enhancing her complexity and the audience's engagement with her. - Her interactions with other characters in the criminal underworld could be expanded to showcase her influence and power dynamics within the gang, adding layers to the narrative. - The resolution of her storyline feels abrupt and primarily serves to highlight Nigel's transformation. Providing a more nuanced conclusion to her arc could offer a more satisfying and impactful exploration of her character and her role in the story. Archetype: The Ruler Main Character Casting Nigel Moorhouse - Martin Freeman: Freeman's everyman appeal and his ability to convey deep emotional turmoil beneath a calm exterior make him an ideal choice. His roles in 'Fargo' and 'Sherlock' showcase his versatility in crime and drama genres. - Paddy Considine: Considine has a proven track record of playing complex characters with dark edges, as seen in 'Dead Man's Shoes'. His ability to portray vulnerability and intensity would bring depth to Nigel. - Eddie Marsan: Marsan's performances often highlight his skill in playing characters undergoing personal crises, evident in 'Ray Donovan'. His nuanced acting would add layers to Nigel's downfall. - Jason Flemyng: Flemyng's range of work, including roles in 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels', positions him well to tackle the criminal aspects of Nigel's journey while maintaining the character's humanity. - Mark Strong: Strong's commanding presence and ability to play morally ambiguous characters, as seen in 'The Imitation Game', would offer a compelling portrayal of Nigel's descent into crime. - Sean Bean: Bean brings a rugged authenticity to his roles, and his performances often embody a tragic hero's path, making him a fitting choice for Nigel's character arc. - Daniel Craig: Craig's experience in playing complex characters, such as his role in 'Layer Cake', demonstrates his capability to navigate Nigel's transition from a salesman to a criminal. - Tom Hardy: Hardy's versatility and intensity, showcased in 'Legend' and 'Peaky Blinders', would enable him to capture Nigel's transformation and internal conflict convincingly. - Andrew Lincoln: Lincoln's strong performances in 'The Walking Dead' reveal his ability to portray resilience and vulnerability, key aspects of Nigel's character. - Ralph Fiennes: Fiennes' extensive career, marked by a wide range of roles from the villainous to the tragic, suggests he could adeptly convey the complexity of Nigel's downfall and redemption. Fabien Boycott - Tom Hardy: Hardy has a proven track record of playing intense and complex criminal characters with depth, such as in 'Legend' and 'Peaky Blinders'. His physicality and ability to convey menace would suit the role of Fabien perfectly. - Jason Statham: Known for his roles in action-packed crime dramas, Statham's rugged demeanor and British background make him an ideal fit for the role of a violent and manipulative criminal. - Idris Elba: Elba's commanding presence and versatility as seen in 'Luther' would bring a powerful depth to the character of Fabien, highlighting his manipulative and violent nature. - Tom Hiddleston: While primarily known for more polished roles, Hiddleston has the acting range to portray the complex mix of charm and menace required for Fabien, as hinted at in his performance in 'The Night Manager'. - Charlie Hunnam: Hunnam has experience playing both heroic and morally ambiguous characters. His role in 'Sons of Anarchy' demonstrates his ability to embody the gritty, criminal aspect of Fabien. - Cillian Murphy: Murphy's performances often balance vulnerability with intensity, a combination that would serve well in portraying Fabien's manipulative nature and violent tendencies, as seen in 'Peaky Blinders'. - Christian Bale: Bale is known for his chameleonic ability to dive deep into his characters. His roles in films like 'American Psycho' show he can effectively portray the dark, complex nature of a character like Fabien. - Daniel Craig: Craig has not only the physicality but also the acting prowess to portray a hardened criminal. His performances in the Bond series and 'Layer Cake' show his capability for roles that blend charm with danger. - Sean Bean: Bean brings a seasoned depth to his roles, often playing characters with a tough exterior but complex inner life. His experience in British drama and action films positions him well to take on the role of Fabien. - Michael Fassbender: Fassbender's diverse range of roles, from 'Shame' to 'Macbeth', showcases his ability to delve into the psyche of his characters, making him a compelling choice for the multifaceted character of Fabien. Anna - Joanna Kulig: Joanna has demonstrated a profound ability to portray complex characters in Polish cinema, notably in 'Cold War', where she showcased her ability to embody emotionally charged roles, making her an ideal fit for Anna's intense and tragic storyline. - Agata Kulesza: Agata's performance in 'Ida' reveals her capability to navigate the depths of a troubled character, aligning with Anna's layered personality and her struggles with addiction and vulnerability. - Agata Trzebuchowska: Though primarily known for her role in 'Ida', Agata's on-screen presence and ability to convey a wide range of emotions without words would translate well into the role of Anna, who requires a performer capable of expressing profound internal conflict. - Maja Ostaszewska: Maja's extensive experience in Polish film and television, combined with her ability to tackle roles that deal with heavy emotional and moral dilemmas, makes her a strong candidate for the role of Anna. - Magdalena Cielecka: Magdalena's performances often explore the darker sides of human nature, making her well-suited to play a character like Anna, who lives on the fringes of society and deals with complex issues such as addiction and betrayal. - Aleksandra Popawska: Aleksandra has a knack for portraying strong, complex women facing difficult circumstances, aligning with Anna's character arc from a life of crime and addiction to moments of vulnerability and redemption. - Katarzyna Wajda: Katarzyna's work in Polish cinema, particularly in roles that showcase resilience in the face of adversity, makes her a fitting choice for Anna, a character who requires both toughness and sensitivity. - Ewa Dakowska: Ewa's veteran status and her diverse range of roles in Polish theatre and film equip her with the depth and experience needed to portray Anna's multifaceted character, from her strength to her tragic downfall. - Danuta Stenka: Danuta's ability to bring depth and nuance to every role she plays would allow her to explore Anna's complex personality, highlighting her struggles with addiction and her moments of clarity and compassion. - Izabela Kuna: Izabela's performances often delve into the psyche of her characters, making her well-suited to play Anna, a character whose life experiences and personal battles require a profound and nuanced portrayal. Main Character Casting Limited Budget Nigel Moorhouse - Martin Freeman: Freeman's everyman appeal and his ability to convey deep emotional turmoil beneath a calm exterior make him an ideal choice. His roles in 'Fargo' and 'The Hobbit' showcase his versatility and ability to carry a character through a transformative journey. - Paddy Considine: Known for his intense performances in dramas and his ability to portray complex characters, Considine would bring a gritty realism to Nigel. His work in 'Dead Man's Shoes' and 'The Suspicions of Mr Whicher' demonstrates his skill in crime and drama genres. - Eddie Marsan: Marsan's character actor credentials and his performances in 'Happy-Go-Lucky' and 'Ray Donovan' show his capability to play deeply flawed yet sympathetic characters, aligning well with Nigel's downward spiral. - Shaun Evans: Evans has a knack for playing intense, brooding characters as seen in 'Endeavour'. His youthful appearance combined with a mature acting style would offer a fresh perspective on Nigel's descent. - Joe Gilgun: Gilgun's performances in 'This is England' and 'Preacher' highlight his ability to balance drama with moments of levity, a necessary trait for portraying Nigel's complex emotional journey. - Andrew Scott: Scott's dynamic range, from 'Sherlock' to 'Fleabag', shows he can bring depth and unpredictability to Nigel, capturing the character's transition from a salesman to a criminal. - Daniel Mays: Mays has consistently delivered strong performances in British crime dramas like 'Line of Duty'. His ability to portray both vulnerability and intensity would serve the character of Nigel well. - Craig Parkinson: Known for his role in 'Line of Duty', Parkinson's imposing presence and nuanced performances could bring a compelling edge to Nigel's character, especially in his darker moments. - Rafe Spall: Spall's roles in 'The Ritual' and 'Black Mirror' demonstrate his ability to play ordinary men facing extraordinary circumstances, aligning with Nigel's story arc. - Tom Hardy: While Hardy is a high-profile actor, his inclusion is based on his unparalleled ability to transform into his characters, as seen in 'Legend' and 'Peaky Blinders'. His intensity and physicality could bring a unique dimension to Nigel, though budget constraints might limit his availability. Fabien Boycott - Tom Hardy: Hardy has a proven track record of playing intense and complex characters with a criminal background, such as in 'Legend' and 'Bronson'. His British nationality and ability to portray both charm and menace make him an ideal fit. - Jason Statham: Statham's roles in 'Snatch' and 'The Transporter' series showcase his capability to embody the tough, no-nonsense character of Fabien, along with his authentic British background. - Charlie Hunnam: Hunnam, known for his role in 'Sons of Anarchy', has the rugged charisma and intensity needed for Fabien. His British roots add authenticity to the role. - Idris Elba: Elba's commanding presence and versatility seen in 'Luther' and 'The Wire' make him a strong candidate. His ability to play complex characters with a moral ambiguity aligns well with Fabien's character. - Tom Hiddleston: Hiddleston may be known for more polished roles, but his performances in 'The Night Manager' and 'High-Rise' demonstrate his range and ability to dive into darker, more complex characters, fitting for Fabien's manipulative nature. - Cillian Murphy: Murphy's performances in 'Peaky Blinders' and 'Inception' show his ability to play intelligent, strategic characters with a dark edge, suitable for the role of Fabien. - Joe Cole: Cole has shown in 'Peaky Blinders' and 'Gangs of London' that he can portray young, ambitious characters who are deeply involved in the criminal world, making him a good match for Fabien. - Jack O'Connell: O'Connell's roles in 'Starred Up' and 'Unbroken' have demonstrated his capacity to play young, troubled characters with a propensity for violence, aligning with Fabien's character traits. - Sean Bean: Bean's extensive career, including roles in 'Game of Thrones' and 'The Lord of the Rings', showcases his ability to play characters with a strong moral code, albeit skewed, which could add depth to Fabien. - Stephen Graham: Graham's performances in 'This Is England' and 'Boardwalk Empire' highlight his skill in playing gritty, complex characters, making him a compelling choice for Fabien. Anna - Joanna Kulig: Joanna has demonstrated a profound ability to portray complex characters in Polish cinema, notably in 'Cold War', where she showcased her ability to embody emotionally charged roles, making her an ideal fit for Anna's intense and tragic storyline. - Agata Kulesza: Agata's performance in 'Ida' proves her capability to navigate the depths of a troubled character, aligning with Anna's layered personality and her struggles, while her Polish background adds authenticity to the role. - Agata Trzebuchowska: Though primarily known for 'Ida', Agata's ability to convey a wide range of emotions through a more subdued performance makes her a compelling choice for Anna, offering a nuanced portrayal of vulnerability and strength. - Maja Ostaszewska: Maja's extensive experience in Polish film and television, combined with her skill in portraying characters with complex emotional backgrounds, makes her a strong candidate for the role of Anna. - Magdalena Cielecka: Magdalena's performances often explore the darker sides of human nature, aligning with Anna's troubled life. Her experience in both stage and screen acting in Poland would bring depth to the character. - Aleksandra Popawska: Aleksandra has a track record of playing strong, complex women in Polish cinema, making her well-suited to capture Anna's resilience and vulnerability. - Katarzyna Wajda: Katarzyna's work in Polish drama shows her ability to tackle roles that require a significant emotional range, fitting for Anna's turbulent life story. - Ewa Dakowska: Ewa's veteran status in Polish acting, with a career spanning several decades, brings a level of gravitas and experience that could add layers to Anna's character, despite Ewa being on the older side of the age range. - Danuta Stenka: Danuta's performances are marked by intensity and the ability to convey deep emotional turmoil, aligning with Anna's complex character arc. - Izabela Kuna: Izabela's roles often explore themes of struggle and redemption, resonating with Anna's journey from a life of crime and addiction to moments of clarity and assistance towards Nigel. Comparative Film Analysis This screenplay combines elements from various genres, including crime, drama, and dark comedy. Here are ten movies that share similarities with aspects of this screenplay, along with their box office performance: 1. **Trainspotting (1996)** - Similar in its exploration of drug culture and the impact on individuals' lives. It's a darkly comedic yet dramatic portrayal of characters trapped in a cycle of addiction and crime. Box Office: $72 million. 2. **Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)** - This film's blend of crime, comedy, and a group of friends getting in over their heads with criminal elements mirrors the screenplay's tone and plot elements. Box Office: $28.1 million. 3. **Breaking Bad (TV Series, 2008-2013)** - While not a movie, its influence is notable in the screenplay's depiction of an ordinary person's descent into the drug trade, emphasizing moral dilemmas and the consequences of crime. Box Office: N/A. 4. **Pulp Fiction (1994)** - The nonlinear storytelling and intertwining of various characters' lives in criminal undertakings are reminiscent of the screenplay's structure and thematic elements. Box Office: $214.2 million. 5. **Snatch (2000)** - Features a fast-paced, darkly comedic look at the criminal underworld, with quirky characters and complex plots that echo the screenplay's style. Box Office: $83.6 million. 6. **Fight Club (1999)** - While primarily about disillusionment and identity, its dark tone, critique of modern life, and the protagonist's split life have thematic parallels. Box Office: $101.2 million. 7. **The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)** - Focuses on the rise and fall of a character due to illegal activities, greed, and the pursuit of a lavish lifestyle, similar to the screenplay's exploration of crime's allure and consequences. Box Office: $392 million. 8. **Layer Cake (2004)** - A British crime film that delves into the complexities of the drug trade and the attempt of its protagonist to navigate and eventually escape it, akin to the screenplay's narrative. Box Office: $11.9 million. 9. **American Psycho (2000)** - Shares the darkly comedic exploration of a protagonist leading a double life, with themes of identity, violence, and societal critique. Box Office: $34.3 million. 10. **Gone Girl (2014)** - While a different genre, it shares the screenplay's use of suspense, unexpected twists, and the exploration of dark themes hidden beneath the surface of ordinary lives. Box Office: $369.3 million. These films, with their mix of crime, drama, dark comedy, and complex character studies, provide a cinematic landscape similar to the screenplay's themes and narrative style.