Screenwriting Mastery Forums The Contained Screenplay Contained 17 Lesson 6. Layers that Fascinate Us

  • Dean Burkey

    Member
    July 20, 2024 at 7:41 pm

    Dean's Delivering Multiple Layers

    What I learned from this lesson is that Bruce Willis was a ghost the whole time! What?! ;oP

    What I learned is that adding layers to the elements of the story adds layers of intrigue and fun for the audience's experience!

    Plot Layers

    1. Major Scheme Revealed

    Surface Layer:

    The syndicate wants to eliminate Lena to protect their operations.

    Beneath That:

    The syndicate’s ultimate goal is to collapse the entire witness protection program, sending a message that no one can escape their reach.

    How Revealed:

    Lena and Carter discover encrypted messages and documents detailing coordinated attacks on multiple safehouses, revealing the broader scheme.

    2. Mystery Revealed

    Surface Layer:

    Carter appears to be a dedicated agent committed to protecting Lena.

    Beneath That:

    Carter has been working both sides to gather enough evidence to bring down the syndicate from within.

    How Revealed:

    Carter intentionally leads Lena to a hidden cache of evidence he’s been compiling, explaining his true motives and actions.

    3. Thought it was One Thing, but it is Another

    Surface Layer:

    The safehouse is perceived as a secure hideout for Lena.

    Beneath That:

    The safehouse is a strategic trap set by the syndicate to lure out informants and their protectors.

    How Revealed:

    Hidden sections of the safehouse containing surveillance equipment are discovered, indicating it was designed to monitor and report movements to the syndicate.

    4. Major Shift in Meaning

    Surface Layer:

    The syndicate appears to be a standalone criminal organization.

    Beneath That:

    The syndicate is part of a larger, more dangerous international criminal network.

    How Revealed:

    A captured syndicate member hints at a "greater power" that ensures their downfall even if the syndicate fails, leading to the discovery of the global network.

    5. Hidden History

    Surface Layer:

    The safehouse is a remote, secure location for protecting witnesses.

    Beneath That:

    It was previously a syndicate stronghold and has historical significance as a resistance site.

    How Revealed:

    Old blueprints, documents, and personal stories reveal its past, linking it to Lena’s family and past syndicate operations.

    6. Hidden Plan

    Surface Layer:

    Carter’s mission is to protect Lena and the information she carries.

    Beneath That:

    Carter’s true mission is to use Lena as bait to draw out the entire syndicate leadership.

    How Revealed:

    Carter explains his strategy to Lena during a critical moment, showing her the risks and the bigger picture.

    Character Layers

    Lena

    Surface Layer:

    Lena is an informant with crucial information against the syndicate.

    Beneath That:

    She was once a high-ranking member of the syndicate, with deep connections and personal stakes.

    How Revealed:

    Flashbacks and interactions with characters from her past gradually reveal her deeper involvement and motivations.

    Agent Carter

    Surface Layer:

    Carter is a federal agent dedicated to protecting Lena.

    Beneath That:

    He is working as a double agent, gathering evidence against the syndicate while maintaining his cover.

    How Revealed:

    Strategic decisions and hidden evidence he leads Lena to uncover his true role and intentions.

    Agent Miller

    Surface Layer:

    Miller is a loyal federal agent on Carter’s team.

    Beneath That:

    He is being blackmailed by the syndicate, forced to provide inside information.

    How Revealed:

    Intercepted communications and a desperate confession during a confrontation reveal his coercion and internal conflict.

    The Boss

    Surface Layer:

    The Boss is the ruthless leader of the syndicate.

    Beneath That:

    He is also a high-ranking government official, using his position to shield the syndicate’s activities.

    How Revealed:

    Investigation and uncovered documents during the climax reveal his dual identity and extensive control.

    Location Layers

    Safehouse

    Surface Layer:

    A secure hideout for protecting Lena.

    Beneath That:

    Contains hidden surveillance rooms, an underground armory, and was previously a syndicate stronghold.

    How Revealed:

    Exploration and hidden panels discovered by Lena and Carter during moments of tension and investigation.

    Syndicate Compound

    Surface Layer:

    The main headquarters of the syndicate.

    Beneath That:

    Includes a command center, interrogation rooms, and an underground network of bunkers.

    How Revealed:

    Lena and Carter infiltrate the compound, discovering the hidden facilities and the scale of the operation during their escape.

    • This reply was modified 11 months, 2 weeks ago by  Dean Burkey.
    • This reply was modified 11 months, 2 weeks ago by  Dean Burkey.

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