2. Music/Drama Genre Synopsis…
• Inside Llewyn Davis
“In 1961 New York City, folk singer Llewyn Davis (Oscar
Isaac) is at a crossroads. Guitar in hand, he struggles
against seemingly insurmountable obstacles to make a
name for himself in the music world, but so far, success
remains elusive. Relying on the kindness of both friends
and strangers, Llewyn embarks on an odyssey that takes
him from the streets of Greenwich Village to a Chicago
club, where awaits a music mogul who could give him the
big break that he desperately needs.”
-Synopsis focuses on most of the criteria, sets the scene
in terms of time and place. Explains what the conflict is
and how the character hopes to resolve it. The fact that
the narrative generally resolves around one character is
emphasized by only one actor being named in the
synopsis.
Red= who
Green= what
Blue= where
Brown = when
Purple= how
• Behind the Candelabra
“World-famous pianist Liberace (Michael Douglas) takes
much-younger Scott Thorson (Matt Damon) as a lover,
but the relationship deteriorates when Liberace takes
other bedmates and Thorson becomes addicted to
drugs.”
-Lacks where and when in the synopsis.
-Two main actors named
-Most interesting aspects of the narrative focused on
instead rather than go into greater detail (enigma?
Audience want to know more?)
-Doesn’t state a solution for the conflict, maybe there
isn’t one?
4. Synopsis cont…
• CBGB
“Though originally conceived as a country and
bluegrass venue, Hilly Kristal's (Alan Rickman)
New York club becomes the birthplace of
underground and punk music, and helps launch
the careers of such bands as Blondie, the
Ramones and the Police”
-Doesn’t state specifically when but era is implied
by the bands mentioned.
-Succeeds in channeling the main aspects of the
narrative, the main character and the desired
solution for the conflict.
Red= who
Green= what
Blue= where
Brown = when
Purple = How
• Grace Unplugged
“Musically gifted, teenage Grace (AJ Michalka)
wants to do more than perform in her father's
church band. She longs for pop stardom, but her
father, a former music idol, warns her that fame
often comes with a high price and that using her
gift in the service of God is a loftier goal. When
his former manager pays a visit, Grace decides to
take his offer of a shot at the big time. But, the
more successful she becomes, the more she feels
pressure to compromise her religious values.”
-Synopsis focuses more on narrative, fails to set
the scene in terms of where and when.
- Obvious that the narrative centers around
one major character
- Solution to conflict is evident
