Title: The Mothman Prophecies
Save the Cat Genre: Rites of Passage
Beat Sheet:
1. Opening Image – We meet our protagonist, Marcus, a young man from a rough neighborhood who dreams of becoming a famous artist. However, he struggles to find his place in the world and feels lost.
2. Theme Stated – Marcus listens to his grandmother tell him about the legend of the Mothman, a mythical creature said to bring both doom and salvation. Marcus is intrigued by the idea of supernatural beings existing in the world.
3. Set-Up – Marcus juggles between his job at a local art gallery and trying to make ends meet. He meets a group of misfit artists who become his friends and support system.
4. Catalyst – One night, Marcus witnesses a strange event where a mysterious figure resembling the Mothman saves a child from a dangerous situation. This sparks his curiosity and he decides to investigate further.
5. Debate – Marcus grapples with the idea of whether the Mothman is real or just a figment of his imagination. He starts seeing strange symbols and experiencing visions related to the creature.
6. Break into Two – Marcus decides to fully commit to uncovering the truth about the Mothman and embarks on a journey to find answers with the help of his friends.
7. B Story – Marcus develops a romantic relationship with a fellow artist named Maya, who encourages him to pursue his passion for art and follow his dreams.
8. Fun and Games – Marcus and his friends encounter various obstacles and challenges in their pursuit of the Mothman, leading to comedic and action-packed moments as they unravel the mystery.
9. Midpoint – Marcus comes face to face with the Mothman and discovers a shocking truth about its origins and purpose. This revelation changes his perspective on life and his own identity.
10. Bad Guys Close In – Marcus and his friends are targeted by a secret organization that wants to capture the Mothman for their own sinister agenda. They must now evade their pursuers and protect the creature.
11. All is Lost – The group is captured by the organization and Marcus must confront his inner fears and doubts in order to save his friends and the Mothman from harm.
12. Dark Night of the Soul – Marcus reflects on his journey and realizes that he is meant to be a protector and guardian, using his artistic talents to bring hope and light to the world.
13. Break into Three – Marcus leads a final stand against the organization, using his creativity and bravery to outwit them and release the Mothman back into the wild.
14. Finale – Marcus and his friends celebrate their victory and the return of the Mothman, who watches over them as a symbol of hope and inspiration. Marcus embraces his role as a hero and artist, ready to face whatever challenges come his way.
Analysis: The Mothman Prophecies is a coming-of-age story that combines elements of mystery, comedy, and fantasy. The protagonist, Marcus, undergoes a transformation from a lost and uncertain young man to a confident and brave hero who embraces his true calling. The Rites of Passage Save the Cat genre is reflected in Marcus’ journey of self-discovery and growth, as he learns to believe in himself and stand up for what he believes in. The story also explores themes of friendship, love, and the power of creativity to change the world. By merging a black sitcom with an anime series, The Mothman Prophecies offers a unique and entertaining blend of humor, action, and supernatural elements that will captivate audiences and leave them rooting for the unlikely hero.
Black sitcom: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Anime Series: Naruto
