Sample
Sales Coverage: (Cont'd):
Fall
Creek / Page 5
COMMENTS (Second Page)
The three-act structure is clearly
evident, with the central conflict (the massacre)
immediately and clearly established in the first act; the
second act barraging us with conflict after conflict and
finally resolving the primary contention; and the third act
fully resolving its central conflict (the trial) and
bringing all the subplots and storylines to a succinct
close. Scene
changes are seamless and causal.
The emotional resolution and the thematic resolution
occur simultaneously, following a well-timed climax that
incorporates a resurrection motif.
The author resourcefully introduces the third act
tension in the second act, causing us to look forward to the
next challenge in the story.
The presence of the Indian warriors is not fully
shown at first, creating a magnified feeling of peril, and
when we finally see the actual warriors, the impact is
powerful because of their gradual unveiling that went
before. The secret of the boy, Ben, is introduced
step-by-step and is fully exposed with an emotional punch.
The subplots all naturally intersect with the main
plot. The
romance angle (Hannah and Fort) is interwoven with the
dramatic action and never slows the pace (as romantic scenes
are want to do). Set-ups
(especially the decimated condition of the murdered Indians)
are all explained with a clarity that heightens our
emotions.
The characters are authentic and
embody the mental and emotional constitutions of people from
the 1800's in America.
The protagonist, Caleb, is a caring, brave, and
humble man who is willing to sacrifice himself for others, a
modest preacher who does not bowl us over with his sermons
and to whom we immediately take a liking.
The antagonist, Clasby, although he is a mean
instigator, whom we enjoy seeing receive his comeuppance,
and who exhibits proclivities for drink, licentiousness, and
cunning, is not a shallow villain, being that he displays
his own version of compassion and is willing to risk his
life for what he believes in. Lute and Ora both stand out as remarkably staunch and
courageous people. Hannah
is a sensitive young woman with pluck.
Fort is considerate and affectionate, a sharp lawyer
whom we root for as he wins points over ignorance and
prejudice. Senator
Stuart is a formidable legal opponent who waxes
sentimentally bombastic, a trait we love to boo.
Many of the Indians (especially Lone Pawn and Black
Antler) come across as evolved, mindful, and generous
individuals who inspire us.
Reba is a believably wicked and depraved woman.
Judge McGowan plays his role as commentator on
justice with a sophisticated flair.
Dialogue is expertly realistic in terms
of the period’s regional vernacular and sings with pointed
repartee and a “frontier style.” Characters often repeat
another character’s words, giving new meaning to them, and
thereby creating smooth and thought-provoking, alternating
exchanges. Nuance
is prevalent and is mixed with candid declarations, which
befit the guileless personalities of those times.
Voices are original and distinct for each character.
Combining the lawyers’ examinations with theatrical
speeches to the jury effectively compresses the time in
court.
“Fall Creek” is a western with
heart, a heart of mercy which tenderly encourages us to
question our American imperiousness by offering a tantalizing
tale that deepens our compassion as it entertains (an
excellent combination for a film audience).
RECOMMEND
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