A drug dealer, suffering from amnesia, discovers he can't escape his past no matter how much he forgets.
Scarpelli73
member since 03/01/2011 |
last login 06/17/2013
I am looking to grow as a writer and help others along the way....
Bio
I am looking to grow as a writer and help others along the way.
Submissions by Scarpelli73
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a screenplay by Scarpelli73Genres: mystery/suspense
Reviews by Scarpelli73 11
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A review of Bullhornby Scarpelli73 on 02/02/2013I love to watch films, especially shorts, where the film maker actually has something to say with a clearly defined purpose to the images we see on the screen --- Bullhorn is one of those films. Great shots, music, and acting. They all come together. Well made film. The only thing I would have liked is for the film to be more clear on the use of the bullhorn, especially since... I love to watch films, especially shorts, where the film maker actually has something to say with a clearly defined purpose to the images we see on the screen --- Bullhorn is one of those films. Great shots, music, and acting. They all come together. Well made film. The only thing I would have liked is for the film to be more clear on the use of the bullhorn, especially since the title is Bullhorn, but that does not matter much. Great film. read
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A review of Playerby Scarpelli73 on 11/06/2011This short film had a lot of comedic moments. The basic premise is that a man is busted by all his girlfriends. I would have liked to see more out of your protagonist, but for the most part it worked. I think it would've been more powerful if by being busted your protagonist had more at "stake" by being busted. The way it stands, they all leave him and he could care less... This short film had a lot of comedic moments. The basic premise is that a man is busted by all his girlfriends. I would have liked to see more out of your protagonist, but for the most part it worked.
I think it would've been more powerful if by being busted your protagonist had more at "stake" by being busted. The way it stands, they all leave him and he could care less. That leads the audience into also feeling like "oh, well, he'll move on to the next person. (Which he does.)
But great work and best of luck. read -
A review of Savedby Scarpelli73 on 09/04/2011Two fantastic actors and two superb performances. Great directing. This short was enjoyable simply by watching the two actors' interaction between each other. Great short. The story was simple and that's what made this short great, because it allowed it to take a backseat to the acting. The ending was appropriate. I actually was starting to believe the cop was the Devil. Nice... Two fantastic actors and two superb performances. Great directing. This short was enjoyable simply by watching the two actors' interaction between each other. Great short. The story was simple and that's what made this short great, because it allowed it to take a backseat to the acting. The ending was appropriate. I actually was starting to believe the cop was the Devil. Nice ending. Well done. read
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Submissions by Scarpelli73
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a screenplay by Scarpelli73Genres: mystery/suspense
A drug dealer, suffering from amnesia, discovers he can't escape his past no matter how much he forgets.
Reviews by Scarpelli73 11
-
A review of Bullhornby Scarpelli73 on 02/02/2013I love to watch films, especially shorts, where the film maker actually has something to say with a clearly defined purpose to the images we see on the screen --- Bullhorn is one of those films. Great shots, music, and acting. They all come together. Well made film. The only thing I would have liked is for the film to be more clear on the use of the bullhorn, especially since... I love to watch films, especially shorts, where the film maker actually has something to say with a clearly defined purpose to the images we see on the screen --- Bullhorn is one of those films. Great shots, music, and acting. They all come together. Well made film. The only thing I would have liked is for the film to be more clear on the use of the bullhorn, especially since the title is Bullhorn, but that does not matter much. Great film. read
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A review of Playerby Scarpelli73 on 11/06/2011This short film had a lot of comedic moments. The basic premise is that a man is busted by all his girlfriends. I would have liked to see more out of your protagonist, but for the most part it worked. I think it would've been more powerful if by being busted your protagonist had more at "stake" by being busted. The way it stands, they all leave him and he could care less... This short film had a lot of comedic moments. The basic premise is that a man is busted by all his girlfriends. I would have liked to see more out of your protagonist, but for the most part it worked.
I think it would've been more powerful if by being busted your protagonist had more at "stake" by being busted. The way it stands, they all leave him and he could care less. That leads the audience into also feeling like "oh, well, he'll move on to the next person. (Which he does.)
But great work and best of luck. read -
A review of Savedby Scarpelli73 on 09/04/2011Two fantastic actors and two superb performances. Great directing. This short was enjoyable simply by watching the two actors' interaction between each other. Great short. The story was simple and that's what made this short great, because it allowed it to take a backseat to the acting. The ending was appropriate. I actually was starting to believe the cop was the Devil. Nice... Two fantastic actors and two superb performances. Great directing. This short was enjoyable simply by watching the two actors' interaction between each other. Great short. The story was simple and that's what made this short great, because it allowed it to take a backseat to the acting. The ending was appropriate. I actually was starting to believe the cop was the Devil. Nice ending. Well done. read
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A review of Believeby Scarpelli73 on 09/04/2011Great opening scene, very powerful. The lead (Antonio) really played his role great. Believe had some very powerful themes and the Director handled them well. If I had to nitpick it would be the bar scene. The actors' timing were slightly off and the character of Luke felt somewhat out of place (But I could be wrong) Also, it would have been nice for Antonio to "Believe" without... Great opening scene, very powerful. The lead (Antonio) really played his role great. Believe had some very powerful themes and the Director handled them well. If I had to nitpick it would be the bar scene. The actors' timing were slightly off and the character of Luke felt somewhat out of place (But I could be wrong) Also, it would have been nice for Antonio to "Believe" without having to die, but the story still works. Great job. read
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A review of Crazy Loveby Scarpelli73 on 09/04/2011Really good. At first I was a little worried about this short film, because it opens with two characters talking and this can be dangerous to have two characters exchange long lines of dialogue without having first earned the audience's respect for the characters, but it soon became clear to me that IT WORKS. There was a gentle theme of accepting love for what it is and enjoying... Really good. At first I was a little worried about this short film, because it opens with two characters talking and this can be dangerous to have two characters exchange long lines of dialogue without having first earned the audience's respect for the characters, but it soon became clear to me that IT WORKS.
There was a gentle theme of accepting love for what it is and enjoying the little moments it has to offer. I liked this short and found myself touched by the scenes. Oh, and great work with the scene locations. read -
A review of 13-Romeoby Scarpelli73 on 07/05/2011The writing was fantastic. The characters were very well developed. You really know how to write. There were a few elements that could be improved. Nothing major. (and of course, they are only suggestions) The first being "the flashbacks" It felt as if though half of the screenplay was in the present time and the other half in the past... Now, it would have been alright,... The writing was fantastic. The characters were very well developed. You really know how to write.
There were a few elements that could be improved. Nothing major. (and of course, they are only suggestions)
The first being "the flashbacks" It felt as if though half of the screenplay was in the present time and the other half in the past... Now, it would have been alright, but the flashbacks served no other purpose other than to give back story to Shep and Amy's divorce. (Not sure if that's enough motivation to your overall story, to have flashback with the sole purpose to develop a character)
The flashbacks would have been justified if they some how connected to your climax and the Antagonist (Resnick which is what I thought was going to happen, but it never did) I mean, yes, Edwards is dating Amy, and it is Edwards who Resnick wants to deal with, but I would have liked the antagonist to be directly tied to Shep. (But I could be wrong. This is only my suggestion)
As for the story. Well, for some reason, it felt like I've seen this movie played out a million times over... Retired cop, dealing with a failing marriage, only to have his last day on the job, be his most difficult. (Don't get me wrong, the writing was superb, but at the end of the day, it's the story that counts.)
Here are my page by page notes as I read...
pg.4 Great reveal... It's a party. I did not see that coming. Awesome.
pf.4 Seems way too over the top to have Shep shoot Dane in the nuts with a pellet gun. That could cause serious damage.
pg.7 Great writing, But it seems like I have seen this scene in a thousand other movies.
pg.11 Justice paces in the back? (I know that it is a dog, but it was unclear at first)
pg.13 Great writing, but again, I have seen this scene a thousand times.
pg.22 The divorce angle here feels like the same angle in the movie Twister.
pg. 25 TYPO... "I didn't catch 'you' name"
pg.27 It's unclear as to where Baxter and Resnick are because you have no (V.O)
PG.32 Seems too dramatic for a cop toss out a journalist's tape recorder.
pg.34 Not sure if a cop would pursue a double homicide suspect in a high speed chase. They would first follow and then call back up.
pg.34 "Divots up from the grass"...?
pg.36 Very unrealistic for a cop to have sex with a journalist in the back seat of the car.
pg.36 36 pages in and not really sure where this story is going.
pg.37 TYPO... "But he ain't talking about 'he' sex"
pg.38 Funny scene with Shep and Amy being locked in the back seat. Awesome. Great. Love it. I see, now, why you had them have sex in the back seat. Keep it.
pg.40 Why would the cops send a helicopter? This would risk all the hostages (in actuality this move cost Trent his life) In a hostage situation, you negotiate.
pg.42 Another flashback?
PG.45 You have several instances where characters don't finish their lines of dialogue, because you have the other characters interrupting them. This becomes frustrating at times.
pg.48 Great writing, but where is the story?
pg.48 TYPO... "For all care"... missing "I"
PG.50 Great job. You had me fooled with the blonde lady really being Shep's cousin. Awesome.
pg.55 "Flashback" is written awkward here. It might help to stay consistent with your placements of the flashbacks.
pg.62 The "back to the present" feels awkward, because there is no scene heading.
pg.76 Not liking how the characters keep interrupting the other person's line of dialogue.
pg.83 Hold up...Shep is being demoted because of the injury to his hand, so they give him a spot on the bomb squad? I would think that would be the most place where your hands would be needed.
pg.92 Nice touch having the lie detector placed on Edwards. (However, I am curious as to how Resnick would know how to do all of this)
FOR THE RECORD: The two names "Dane" and "Dave" feel too similar. I had to keep looking back to make sure I had the right one.
In the end, I know you were going for an emotional feel by having Shep die, but I really wanted him to live. Retire with Amy or at least in Miami with an injured Justice. (I felt sad when Shep died. I really liked him)
In closing...
Great writing, but I have to be honest, the story felt very similar to the other movies I have seen on this subject matter. (But who says that's a bad thing?)
The flashbacks are fine, but they really should parallel Resnick and Shep, not Edwards.
Personally, I had a feeling Shep would die, which is why I would have had him live, retired, just him and Justice. He should let Amy go and find out that "life goes on" (This would be an easy direction to go if you wanted.)
All the above notes are very easy fixes if you should go that way, but that said, AWESOME writing.
Best of luck and thanks for the great read. read -
A review of They Comeby Scarpelli73 on 07/03/2011As a horror fan, I am your target audience. I love the feeling of being in a dark room and not knowing what's behind me... It's that type of horror that sends shivers down my spine and that I absolutely love.... They Come is another kind of Horror and for the most part it works. You have the setup (Miners on a remote island, uncover a pit, only to find its contents to be... As a horror fan, I am your target audience. I love the feeling of being in a dark room and not knowing what's behind me...
It's that type of horror that sends shivers down my spine and that I absolutely love....
They Come is another kind of Horror and for the most part it works.
You have the setup (Miners on a remote island, uncover a pit, only to find its contents to be more than the bargained for)
The problem is that a horror movie is only as scary as its Antagonist and I felt the occupants and creature of this pit, were not scary.
Having the mailman next door putting on the face of its victims (scary) creatures in a pit putting on its victims faces (Silly) No disrespect at all. I just think your writing talent and this story needs more thrills to these creatures.
From a structural standpoint, the first Act took too long to get started. I know that you spent a lot of time developing Clyde and Nikki (Which you did a fantastic job at) the problems is there are more characters on the island that suffered in development because you focused all your efforts on Clyde and Nikki.
It isn't until page 39 that the actual goal is given and it's in a line of dialogue spoken by Clyde "See the monsters. Shoot the monsters." For starters, that's too late in the story and it's also not a clear goal. On page 50 we are given another goal of blowing up the pit to close it. That should have been established around page 25 and then focused on the tension, which brings me to the next point...
You gave the creatures whole back story away through a long spurt of dialogue spoken by UKU... You broke the golden rule by "Telling " your audience rather than "showing" and you also show the creatures way to quick. Mystery/tension... You can create that without showing your creatures, it will really amp up your story.
Here are my page by page notes as I read...
pg.1 The introduction of the men in the plane seems a little off. Not sure if they would be snoring and reading a newspaper.
pg.2 You should put a character's movement within the scene description, not the parenthetical.
pg.3 When flying over water, fuels is everything. Everything is calculated out. Not sure if they would risk taking a joy ride to see an island.
pg.4 I am a little confused with the "smash cut" are people on the island or has time passed? (Oh, ok, I get it 6 months later. You should put that at the beginning of the scene.)
pg.5 How can you show, on screen that, she is "ignorant of her own looks?" (This happens throughout the screenplay)
pg.7 Good so far, but I am starting to worry about the long scene descriptions. It is starting to feel like a novel. It's written well, but way too much scene description and unfilmables.
pg.9 I know you are trying to set the mood for the screenplay, but there are a lot of unfilmables so far, and it's only page 9.
pg. 9 with a 93 page horror screenplay, pacing is everything and it does not help to have to keep stopping to read long scene descriptions.
pg.10 No need to keep putting "smash cut." Also, I have noticed your characters are saying things before they actually do them. Just have them walk down the beach and not say "I'm going to walk down the beach." Just a suggestion of course.
pg.13 There needs to be more horror, more scary moments.
pg.15 There are way too many unfilmables.
pg.16 Lamar's dialogue here is way too long. (But you have developed him very well. Great job)
pg.17 Not quiet sure where the story is going.
pg.20 "Boom Stick" that is from Army of Darkness. I would lose it.
pg.21 Your two main characters, Nikki and Clyde, all they seem to do is solve situations with punching, kicking and chocking. Not sure if it adds to their likability. For instance, Clyde had no reason to roundhouse kick Lamar. He should have been the bigger man and walked away. This seems like it would have impressed Nikki even more. Just a suggestion.
pg. 29 I like the tape recorder angle. (I wish you would have played off of that more.)
pg. 33 Just out of curiosity, wouldn't the natives have known about the pit? I mean they are digging right next to it.
pg. 34 You pretty much gave away the entire back story of the creatures (antagonist) before we even see them. All if through expositional dialogue from UKU. Sometimes not knowing is scarier than knowing.
pg. 35 Father Dunphy's dialogue is way to long here.
pg.36 If UKU and the islanders knew about the 33 years, why did they act so surprised?
pg. 37 Oh, ok, I see, you addressed the above questions. Sorry.
pg.38 I always like movies where the main characters have to band together in order to beat a higher power. Good job.
pg.39 Not sure why the group would send people to watch the pit, when they are actually trying to avoid what is in the pit. It becomes obvious that you are setting up a kill. I would rethink that scene. Maybe, they have to retrieve an important item at the pit and bring it back.
pg. 39 Not any real goal so far, other than simply kill the monsters. (And by the way, your ticking clock angle needs to be established right away... Do they have until morning? The next day? The next night?... etc)
pg. 40 "Gotta pinch a loaf" that is from Shawshank Redemption... That is two movies you have used lines of dialogue from. This kind of takes away from your characters. I would suggest getting rid of those two lines.
pg.41 You write "miners" but how many miners are there actually?
pg.46 Hold up... You have Clyde choking Nikki over a bottle of liquor. hmmmm... this does not do his character any justice, especially while being chased by creatures.
pg.51 The screenplay is good, but it's really starting to read like a novel.
pg.67 Did Nikki just move a huge boulder by herself?
pg.69 Why do you keep using bold print in your scene description? Just wondering.
pg.70 Nikki takes her shirt of to burn? Why not Clyde?
pg.80 The creature can't stand light? hmmm... This seems kind of cliche' Also, the climax is so thick and blocky with scene descriptions that it made it difficult to enjoy the tension. trim it down some.
You need to put "FADE OUT." at the end... lower right corner.
In closing...
I would rework the first act. Possibly... put a more dramatic hook for the opening scene, other than the airplane pilots. Maybe, a scene from 33 years ago with UKU and just show the slaughter... Cut to...
The city life of Clyde and Nikki. Then have them go to the island... Something like that. Just a suggestion:)
Try and really keep these creatures a mystery and maybe develop "who" they are a little more. You definitely have the writing skills to do that.
This is a story worth keeping. I look forward to seeing what you do with it.
Thank you for the read and best of luck.
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A review of Out of the Badlands (3rd Draft)by Scarpelli73 on 03/09/2011This is a well written screenplay with a great title. The only problem I had was that for a 93 page screenplay it read like it was 120 pages. The scene descriptions were great and I guess with a western you need to fill up space, but it made the screenplay feel like I was reading a book. That being said, this was a fun read. The characters were all well thought out and I... This is a well written screenplay with a great title. The only problem I had was that for a 93 page screenplay it read like it was 120 pages.
The scene descriptions were great and I guess with a western you need to fill up space, but it made the screenplay feel like I was reading a book.
That being said, this was a fun read. The characters were all well thought out and I found myself liking each one for their own individuality.
The dialogue was very believable. The only thing that annoyed me was having Jefferson constantly say, "Hells bells."
Here are my page notes...
pg.4 Really good so far. My only concern is the long scene descriptions are starting to slow the read down.
pg.4 Nice touch having Mattias pet his horse.
pg.5 I would think "$500" would be a lot of money for those days.
pg.5 The dialogue between Josiah, Tarver, and Mathews borders on being expositional.
pg.15 Great scene and tension between Jefferson and Seamus.
pg. 18 Traver's dialogue about King Solomon is cool, but it could use a little trimming down.
pg.25 The scene with the train really slows down the read.
pg. 31 I would lose the line "Fucked by a mountain lion." Just does not fit.
pg.43 Typo "Into a dim room with adorned with..."
pg.49 Nice twist having Mattias really be Black Jack Mcgavock.
pg.52 The saying "Hells Bells" is annoying. It pulls me out of the story. I keep thinking about ACDC.
pg.54 How does Jefferson know all this information about security?
pg.60 "Kill every last one of these sons of bitches"... that was Clint's line of dialogue in The Unforgivin.
pg.65 It seem highly unlikely that Mattias would not be shot with all them bullets.
pg.67 I just don't get Mattias' commitment to killing his brother. I mean, Mattias slept with his brother's girl. He deserved what he got.
pg.66-69 Very dense scene descriptions.
pg.71 "A felled tree"... sounds awkward.
pg.82 way too cliche having Elizabeth shoot Tarver. This scene happens in every movie.
pg.86 It seems like killing the Mayor would actually bring more heat on Jefferson.
pg.91 A lot of convenient get-aways have occurred through out.
pg.93 FADE OUT. goes in the lower right corner. I would have liked to see more of a Resolution to this story. We are taken on this long ride and gun battles only to have one scene end the film. It risks being one of those ending where you are in the theater and the you're like "Is that it"
In closing...
Great writing. I would go see this film. I would suggest trimming some of the scene description. Other than that, great read and screenplay.
Best of luck and hope my notes help.
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A review of Evilby Scarpelli73 on 03/05/2011It is obvious that the writer has a great sense of story with a very detailed vision. The problem I had was that the story seemed to come out of now where. What I means is right from the beginning the story is presented as Helga and Chief need to kill Mr. Wong. They embark on this journey to kill him and confront no real obstacles in the process. No conflict means there is... It is obvious that the writer has a great sense of story with a very detailed vision. The problem I had was that the story seemed to come out of now where. What I means is right from the beginning the story is presented as Helga and Chief need to kill Mr. Wong. They embark on this journey to kill him and confront no real obstacles in the process. No conflict means there is no tension.
Instead of showing us "why" Mr. Wong needs to be destroyed, we are told it through dialogue.
A great deal of this screenplay was filled with long chunks of dialogue and long chunks of scene descriptions. This really bogged down the read. It came to the point where I would just scan through the scene descriptions, because they were so dense. If you were to cut down the scene descriptions and removes the "Cut To" you would be left with an 80 page screenplay.
Here are my page by page notes...
pg.2 A lot of dense scene descriptions. This may scare a reader off before they even get into the story.
pg.2 I would lose "we" it is not needed.
pg.2 Characters even "man" need to be capitalized.
pg.3 No need for "Cut To"
pg. 4 There is too much scene description. It reads like a novel.
pg.5 I have noticed a lot of incomplete sentences.
pg.8 No need for "Continued"
pg. 10 How can a viewer know that the Chief is waiting for a call from Steve?
pg.10 The plane would be ripped apart.
pg.21 The scene description is way too dense.
pg.27 I have to be honest, other than knowing that Helga and the Chief are out to kill Mr. Wong, I am not sure what the story is.
pg. 28 "Neil" should be capitalized.
pg. 94 Simply put "FADE OUT." in the lower left corner.
In closing...
I would be somewhat concerned with writing a screenplay that deals with missiles, rockets, spaceships, explosions and large battle scenes. For a first time writer that could be a death sentence.
The writer has a lot of talent with a vivid imagination. That is great and I would love to read some of the writer's other works. Best of luck with this screenplay and future drafts.
Oh, what about using the title "Operation Hummingbird"?
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Comments About Scarpelli73 8
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theauthor on 06/17/2013
The first two were just playing with characters. 'Original' was actually reported to the hall of justice for being 'an autobiography'. I never intended Rivers to be the main character, but he simply took over. He refuses to be second fiddle. I have had to get rid of Cole, but Andrew and Oscar will still be the Einstein duo who help Rivers. I am in the midst of a second version. The first half is done and I have the second half in my mind. I hope to finish before July. Thanks for reading. -
theauthor on 06/14/2013
My first real story is going well. I posted "Waves of Despair" as an intro. It is 9 pages and leads to a "to be continued". Let me know if you like it. I value your input. -
theauthor on 06/04/2013
I was so down today that I submitted my work "Original" for review.
I'm just experimenting with submission. It is simply my voice.
A bit odd with a sense of humor. I goofed off a lot in English class. -
Justingray03 on 11/15/2012
Hey,
Sorry for the use of the word "Lame" I like your film. I said I did, I just was wanting more out of it. It was such a beautiful location that I wished it was used more to showcase the production value of your work. I didn't have anything loaded to my account cause I just opened it. Now I have a few uploaded now if you'd like to take a look. Hopefully I didn't anger you with my write up. Honestly I rewatched it and I do agree I was harsh. I tip my hat to anyone who makes films cause it is so hard. The only issues I still have with it is just not knowing what was so important about his work (the characters) and why it was such a great loss when it was removed. -
imoveatparaderest on 11/04/2011
Hahaha, I know, right? That's what they gave me, and to be honest I'm glad. You make good stories, and they're easy to review. -
Johnstone82 on 07/07/2011
Stakes!!!
Hey, thanks a bunch for your thoughts on "Dungeon Master Olympics." One of the biggest hurdles I'm encountering with revisions are upping the stakes without it sounding too contrived or manufactured. I'm glad you brought that up again, because it reinforces what needs to be looked at. Also, I definitely hear you on the page count--I like to keep comedies under 100. This one was just a beast.
Again, thanks. Your thoughts are much appreciated.
Best,
John -
Christopher O'Rourke on 03/11/2011
Thanks for taking the time to read and review "Out of the Badlands". You offered some good insight, and I'm glad you liked it overall. And welcome to Trigger Street!
-Chris -
Snuggle on 03/06/2011
Thanks for your review of "Evil". There seems to be forming a pattern now in the opinions stated in the reviews I've received. Descriptions should be cut and story should be made "clearer" and more tense. I'll keep it in mind for future drafts and future work.
Thanks again :)
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Comments About Scarpelli73 8
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Quote
The first two were just playing with characters. 'Original' was actually reported to the hall of justice for being 'an autobiography'. I never intended Rivers to be the main character, but he simply took over. He refuses to be second fiddle. I have had to get rid of Cole, but Andrew and Oscar will still be the Einstein duo who help Rivers. I am in the midst of a second version. The first half is done and I have the second half in my mind. I hope to finish before July. Thanks for reading.
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Quote
My first real story is going well. I posted "Waves of Despair" as an intro. It is 9 pages and leads to a "to be continued". Let me know if you like it. I value your input.
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Quote
I was so down today that I submitted my work "Original" for review.
+ more commentstheauthor on 06/17/2013
theauthor on 06/14/2013
theauthor on 06/04/2013
I'm just experimenting with submission. It is simply my voice.
A bit odd with a sense of humor. I goofed off a lot in English class.