overview
The story follows Gordon, a lazy, unemployed young man who lives with his parents. His life is upended when his is forced to work due to a new revolutionary government program that replaces farm subsidies with the unemployed as farm workers, which produces disastrous results in a three-way struggle among the unemployed, the government and the farmers. Can Gordon lead the workers to win the battle?
Writer’s Biography
Terry Podnar, a graduate of Kent State, is a screenwriter who currently lives in Akron, OH; however, he does have the flexibility to move. In the past year, he has written four feature length screenplays and four short scripts, all of which have won multiple awards. His feature script, The Red Zone, was placed on The Red List in January of this year. His passion for films started early on when he wrote and filmed many independent films. During that time, Terry was forced to make a living. As a result, he became the founder and CEO of a successful business that served the continental U.S.A.. But Terry returned to his first love: writing screenplays. You can follow Terry’s progress on InkTip, Coverfly and FilmFreeway.
Critical Analysis
Script Review: “When Pigs Fly”
Title: When Pigs Fly
Writers: Terry Podnar and Ed Learner
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Logline: In the near future, the government implements a radical employment program sending the unemployed to work on farms in exchange for benefits, leading to comedic and dramatic clashes between city folks and rural farmers.
Review
Structure: The script follows a traditional three-act structure, introducing the protagonist, Gordon, his environment, and the initial conflict in the first act. The middle act deepens the conflict and explores the dynamics between Gordon and the other characters, leading to a climactic resolution in the final act. The pacing is generally well-maintained, though some scenes could benefit from tighter editing.
Characters
Gordon: The protagonist is well-developed with a clear arc from a lazy, entitled young man to someone who learns to cope with the harsh realities of farm life. His journey is both comedic and sympathetic.
Farmer Bell: A strong antagonist who embodies the no-nonsense, traditional farmer. His interactions with Gordon are a source of both conflict and humor.
Jennifer: Initially distant and critical, her character gradually reveals depth and becomes an important part of Gordon’s development.
Crispy: The comedic relief, a character stuck in the past with his hippie persona, adds a layer of humor and nostalgia.
Supporting Characters: The supporting cast, including Gordon’s parents and the other farm workers, add to the script’s dynamic and provide various perspectives on the central conflict.
Dialogue: The dialogue is sharp, often humorous, and fitting for each character. It effectively conveys the tension between the city folks and the rural farmers. Some lines are particularly witty and memorable, though a few exchanges could be refined for clarity and impact.
Themes
The script explores themes of hard work, entitlement, the clash between urban and rural lifestyles, and personal growth. The satire of government programs and societal expectations is well-handled, making the script both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Visuals
The script is rich in visual detail, from the rundown city setting to the sprawling farm landscapes. The comedic elements, like the cows trampling Gordon and the manure mishap, are vividly described and easy to imagine on screen.
Conflict
The central conflict is engaging, driving the narrative forward. The cultural clash and the personal growth of Gordon create a multi-layered conflict that resonates on both comedic and dramatic levels.
Overall Rating: 8/10
Strengths
Well-developed protagonist with a clear and satisfying arc.
Strong comedic elements balanced with moments of genuine drama.
Sharp and witty dialogue.
Effective exploration of relevant themes.
Rich visual descriptions enhancing the narrative.
Areas for Improvement:
Some scenes could be tightened to maintain pacing and avoid redundancy.
Certain dialogue exchanges could be refined for greater impact.
More background on secondary characters could add depth.
Conclusion: “When Pigs Fly” is a well-crafted script that balances comedy and drama effectively. It features a strong protagonist, engaging conflict, and a satisfying resolution. With some minor refinements, it has the potential to be a highly entertaining and thought-provoking film.
Judging Status
Season 9 – Award Winner
Disclaimer
The Elegant International Film Festival (ElegantIFF) provides script review services for entrants as part of its submission process. However, please note that this review is not exhaustive, and participation in this service does not guarantee script selection, awards, or acceptance into the festival lineup.
All feedback provided reflects the subjective opinions of the festival’s reviewers and should be interpreted as constructive insight to assist writers in their development process. ElegantIFF cannot be held liable for any potential similarities in ideas, themes, characters, or stories that may appear in other submitted or accepted works. Submission of a script for review acknowledges the writer’s understanding and acceptance of these terms.
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