The Last Leaf Play Analysis
The script CHRISTOPHER STREET is a character driven drama, propelled by the theme of second chances. In this story, an actor with AIDS is given a second opportunity to relive his life and make better moral choices. The plot incorporates a “time travel” premise in which the protagonist wakes up 30 years younger. Time travel type stories are popular and have been successful (PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED, BACK TO THE FUTURE, THE TERMINATOR, 12 MONKEY, etc.).
The idea of a rather selfish, self-destructive man getting a second chance at life has merit. However, the script would benefit from more development.
One of the first concerns worth discussing is the tone. The story opens up with the protagonist, Anderson, acting in a soap opera. This type of opening feels more like an opening for a comedy. In addition, the idea of waking up 30 years younger is …show more content…
There are other non-essential scenes, including Marie, who has one scene at the funeral, and is never seen again. The subplot involving Tech doesn’t feel resolved. Tech disappears on page 45.
Continue to work on character development. Unfortunately, Anderson never becomes a character that the audience comes to care about or root for. He’s too depressing most of the time. He’s self-destructive and selfish.
He doesn’t do anything about his behavior and he has very little insight. He doesn’t earn his happy ending.
Adam is a mysterious character. The audience likes Adam, but it’s never clear where he’s from or who he is. He’s an enabler to Anderson. He wants him to help himself, but Adam apparently forces him to want to live, vs. Anderson realizing himself that he wants to live. The key is Anderson finding his own reason to live.
Chuck is a conflicted man. He loves Anderson, who only sees him as a friend with benefits. Chuck learns to move on with his life and it’s nice to see
The idea of a rather selfish, self-destructive man getting a second chance at life has merit. However, the script would benefit from more development.
One of the first concerns worth discussing is the tone. The story opens up with the protagonist, Anderson, acting in a soap opera. This type of opening feels more like an opening for a comedy. In addition, the idea of waking up 30 years younger is …show more content…
There are other non-essential scenes, including Marie, who has one scene at the funeral, and is never seen again. The subplot involving Tech doesn’t feel resolved. Tech disappears on page 45.
Continue to work on character development. Unfortunately, Anderson never becomes a character that the audience comes to care about or root for. He’s too depressing most of the time. He’s self-destructive and selfish.
He doesn’t do anything about his behavior and he has very little insight. He doesn’t earn his happy ending.
Adam is a mysterious character. The audience likes Adam, but it’s never clear where he’s from or who he is. He’s an enabler to Anderson. He wants him to help himself, but Adam apparently forces him to want to live, vs. Anderson realizing himself that he wants to live. The key is Anderson finding his own reason to live.
Chuck is a conflicted man. He loves Anderson, who only sees him as a friend with benefits. Chuck learns to move on with his life and it’s nice to see