Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2017 9:17:49 GMT
This is undated, and Jim Taylor is not credited. Only Alexander Payne. 157 pages long
I am shocked and taken aback by how politically relevant and socially conscious this script was, especially since it was written and in development for so long. This is not what you may be expecting at all.
Dr. Jorgen Asbjornsen has finally made a scientific breakthrough, and 4 years later at a conference in Portugal it is revealed that he has shrunken himself and now lives in a self-sustaining community with over 30 fellow downsized volunteers. He boosts about how energy-efficient the community is because they consume very little and produce even less. The miniaturization process is suggested as an easy way to adapt to the unfriendly living conditions of the world. This revelation brings amazed excitement into Pat Heafy's modest, impassive life. Pat is the typical Payne everyman character and Damon should effortlessly blend into the filmmaker's world. Pat lives in Omaha and tends to his sick mother, who is agitated by the discovery of downsizing in a world that lacks cures for diseases. Audrey (typical deadpan Wiig character) is Pat's on/off-again girlfriend and eventual wife. Together they attend Pat's highschool reunion. Pat, who yearned to become a surgeon and noting his small hands, currently whittles away in debt as a menial physical therapist, so he is flustered by his more successful classmates at the reunion. Interrupting the reunion is the entrance of a downsized couple. They must be lugged around in a custom-made box designed as a house, and they use megaphones as a means to communicate with normal sized people. Engaging in a heartfelt discussion with Pat, the downsized husband explains how his poor living conditions lead him to being shrunken. Now he lives a lavish and rich lifestyle which makes Pat very jealous.
Months later while vacationing in New Mexico, Pat and Audrey attend a convention about downsized real estate. Pat is swayed by the pitch that downsized communities, built over empty land in New Mexico, live happy and debt-free lives. It's an expensive procedure that is not covered by insurance, but the deflated currency and cost of living is tempting. 5 months later, Pat and Audrey decide to take the plunge. Audrey's father informs them how upset Audrey's mother is, and confronts Pat over his incompetent financial abilities. Pat responds: "I'm more of a people person". The downsizing process is intense, and Audrey backs out at the last minute due to cold feet. After fully going through the clean-shaven procedure, Pat is shocked by Audrey. With his enthusiasm killed, Pat enters Leisureland alone.
The script unfortunately doesn't deeply dive into Pat's transition into the small world, and instead morphs into a huge satirical rant. 17 downsized Chinese citizens have been found dead inside a box at an Oregon Costco. CNN, in aggressive manner, blames this tragedy on immigration of downsized people crossing the border. Gong Jiang is the only survivor and in an interview claims she was jailed for her beliefs and political activism. As a result, she was downsized against her will in a Chinese prison. The Chinese government has also been testing downsizing as a program to cease its large-growing population. Gong is sentenced to live in Leisureland since normal-sized hospital and housing cannot support her. Gong is immediately stricken by the excess of greed and wealth of Leisureland and their liberal and oblivious citizens. She is curious why the selfish and Christian city does not donate to China and other countries suffering from poverty.
Years have passed and Leisureland has welcomed normal-sized visitors, but this does not stop violence and terrorist attacks against "little people". Pat is re-introduced and he is living an empty existence that mirrors his boring life back at Omaha. Pat's rambunctious neighbor, Javier, is a businessman who manufactures illegal luxury imports through Leisureland factories and countries around the globe. Javier owns a factory that in the bordertown of Leisureland that is barricaded by a GIANT WALL (sound familiar??). Many of the factory workers are illegal downsized citizens and endure severe pain because of the working conditions. When asked by Pat why the minorities downsized in the first place, Javier replies: "People do anything when they think they can have a better life". Through Javier, Pat crosses paths with Gong, who requests Pat's medical assistance to aid dismissed and underprivileged citizens of Leisureland. A whacky 3rd act takes our characters to a Norwegian village where Dr. Jorgen is erecting an underground commune to combat the threat of extinction. Paul is transfixed by this notion with the same arrogant excitement he held for downsizing.
This is by far Payne's most ambitious film, even if the ending is too tidy and constructed around an emotional epiphany. It's of course extremely long, incorporates many jarring time lapses, and the satire is a bit telegraphed too broadly, but this is the type of mammoth film only an esteemed filmmaker gets the right to make. He mainly uses the concept to ignite a conversation. Like I said, this script has a strong wit on the pulse of American politics and Payne doesn't favor any strict point of view. Downsizing was originally advertised as environmentally friendly, but many did agree to the process from a financial standpoint. The government begins downsizing low-income and welfare families which angers many Leisureland citizens who paid for the procedure. The human rights of downsized citizens are questioned by right-wing normal-sized adults since "they aren't spending as much, paying as much income tax, and are not participating in the economy". When attacked, normal-sized citizens show no remose and claim "nobody told them to get small. It's not natural". No big "Honey, I Shrunk The Kids" set-pieces are included until Javier's factory is established and we get to witness "giant" cans of beer exploding.
AWARDS PROSPECTS:
-For those reasons I stated, general audiences will probably hate this. Even with a Christmas release and Damon head-lining, this is just too highbrow. It maintains Payne's sensibility, just on a bigger scale. Very few "big laughs". It's more character driven and sophisticated. Paramount will pay if they falsely advertise this.
-As Silence proved, not all passion projects are instantly embraced but Payne should have the benefit of the doubt and this is more accessible. He will be greatly admired for this, and has a strong political backdrop in his favor. Sure, it could alienate some viewers and Damon's character briefly emerges as a "white savior" of sorts which could start some backlash, but I cant imagine anything major to sink the film. High 70s to mid 80s on MC sounds about right unless the media and critics really go for this.
-This will probably be a top 5 film (SAG ensemble nom is a good bet) Payne's streak has to end eventually but this will be perceived as a huge, ambitious project for him. Director nom, likely. Watch out for VFX and Production design. Can it win BP? Honestly, I'm not too sure since it really isn't a consensus choice despite having the political zeitgeist and may prove to be too polarizing, but not impossible. I think it's more likely they reward him in screenplay. Yes he has 2 already, but this is such a deep, writerly script. I can see him winning the Globe for it. Might end up being more admired than loved
-Wiig is not happening. Damon is the typical Payne everyman, but we've seen him play shades of this and he doesn't have the hook of, say, Clooney in The Descendants. It's subtle, and he doesn't really have any "big moments" to emote until the end. He'll get the Globe nom. If anybody happens, keep an eye on Hong Chau in supporting as Gong. She has a lot of strong moments and relationship with Damon. Could be a big breakout
I am shocked and taken aback by how politically relevant and socially conscious this script was, especially since it was written and in development for so long. This is not what you may be expecting at all.
Dr. Jorgen Asbjornsen has finally made a scientific breakthrough, and 4 years later at a conference in Portugal it is revealed that he has shrunken himself and now lives in a self-sustaining community with over 30 fellow downsized volunteers. He boosts about how energy-efficient the community is because they consume very little and produce even less. The miniaturization process is suggested as an easy way to adapt to the unfriendly living conditions of the world. This revelation brings amazed excitement into Pat Heafy's modest, impassive life. Pat is the typical Payne everyman character and Damon should effortlessly blend into the filmmaker's world. Pat lives in Omaha and tends to his sick mother, who is agitated by the discovery of downsizing in a world that lacks cures for diseases. Audrey (typical deadpan Wiig character) is Pat's on/off-again girlfriend and eventual wife. Together they attend Pat's highschool reunion. Pat, who yearned to become a surgeon and noting his small hands, currently whittles away in debt as a menial physical therapist, so he is flustered by his more successful classmates at the reunion. Interrupting the reunion is the entrance of a downsized couple. They must be lugged around in a custom-made box designed as a house, and they use megaphones as a means to communicate with normal sized people. Engaging in a heartfelt discussion with Pat, the downsized husband explains how his poor living conditions lead him to being shrunken. Now he lives a lavish and rich lifestyle which makes Pat very jealous.
Months later while vacationing in New Mexico, Pat and Audrey attend a convention about downsized real estate. Pat is swayed by the pitch that downsized communities, built over empty land in New Mexico, live happy and debt-free lives. It's an expensive procedure that is not covered by insurance, but the deflated currency and cost of living is tempting. 5 months later, Pat and Audrey decide to take the plunge. Audrey's father informs them how upset Audrey's mother is, and confronts Pat over his incompetent financial abilities. Pat responds: "I'm more of a people person". The downsizing process is intense, and Audrey backs out at the last minute due to cold feet. After fully going through the clean-shaven procedure, Pat is shocked by Audrey. With his enthusiasm killed, Pat enters Leisureland alone.
The script unfortunately doesn't deeply dive into Pat's transition into the small world, and instead morphs into a huge satirical rant. 17 downsized Chinese citizens have been found dead inside a box at an Oregon Costco. CNN, in aggressive manner, blames this tragedy on immigration of downsized people crossing the border. Gong Jiang is the only survivor and in an interview claims she was jailed for her beliefs and political activism. As a result, she was downsized against her will in a Chinese prison. The Chinese government has also been testing downsizing as a program to cease its large-growing population. Gong is sentenced to live in Leisureland since normal-sized hospital and housing cannot support her. Gong is immediately stricken by the excess of greed and wealth of Leisureland and their liberal and oblivious citizens. She is curious why the selfish and Christian city does not donate to China and other countries suffering from poverty.
Years have passed and Leisureland has welcomed normal-sized visitors, but this does not stop violence and terrorist attacks against "little people". Pat is re-introduced and he is living an empty existence that mirrors his boring life back at Omaha. Pat's rambunctious neighbor, Javier, is a businessman who manufactures illegal luxury imports through Leisureland factories and countries around the globe. Javier owns a factory that in the bordertown of Leisureland that is barricaded by a GIANT WALL (sound familiar??). Many of the factory workers are illegal downsized citizens and endure severe pain because of the working conditions. When asked by Pat why the minorities downsized in the first place, Javier replies: "People do anything when they think they can have a better life". Through Javier, Pat crosses paths with Gong, who requests Pat's medical assistance to aid dismissed and underprivileged citizens of Leisureland. A whacky 3rd act takes our characters to a Norwegian village where Dr. Jorgen is erecting an underground commune to combat the threat of extinction. Paul is transfixed by this notion with the same arrogant excitement he held for downsizing.
This is by far Payne's most ambitious film, even if the ending is too tidy and constructed around an emotional epiphany. It's of course extremely long, incorporates many jarring time lapses, and the satire is a bit telegraphed too broadly, but this is the type of mammoth film only an esteemed filmmaker gets the right to make. He mainly uses the concept to ignite a conversation. Like I said, this script has a strong wit on the pulse of American politics and Payne doesn't favor any strict point of view. Downsizing was originally advertised as environmentally friendly, but many did agree to the process from a financial standpoint. The government begins downsizing low-income and welfare families which angers many Leisureland citizens who paid for the procedure. The human rights of downsized citizens are questioned by right-wing normal-sized adults since "they aren't spending as much, paying as much income tax, and are not participating in the economy". When attacked, normal-sized citizens show no remose and claim "nobody told them to get small. It's not natural". No big "Honey, I Shrunk The Kids" set-pieces are included until Javier's factory is established and we get to witness "giant" cans of beer exploding.
AWARDS PROSPECTS:
-For those reasons I stated, general audiences will probably hate this. Even with a Christmas release and Damon head-lining, this is just too highbrow. It maintains Payne's sensibility, just on a bigger scale. Very few "big laughs". It's more character driven and sophisticated. Paramount will pay if they falsely advertise this.
-As Silence proved, not all passion projects are instantly embraced but Payne should have the benefit of the doubt and this is more accessible. He will be greatly admired for this, and has a strong political backdrop in his favor. Sure, it could alienate some viewers and Damon's character briefly emerges as a "white savior" of sorts which could start some backlash, but I cant imagine anything major to sink the film. High 70s to mid 80s on MC sounds about right unless the media and critics really go for this.
-This will probably be a top 5 film (SAG ensemble nom is a good bet) Payne's streak has to end eventually but this will be perceived as a huge, ambitious project for him. Director nom, likely. Watch out for VFX and Production design. Can it win BP? Honestly, I'm not too sure since it really isn't a consensus choice despite having the political zeitgeist and may prove to be too polarizing, but not impossible. I think it's more likely they reward him in screenplay. Yes he has 2 already, but this is such a deep, writerly script. I can see him winning the Globe for it. Might end up being more admired than loved
-Wiig is not happening. Damon is the typical Payne everyman, but we've seen him play shades of this and he doesn't have the hook of, say, Clooney in The Descendants. It's subtle, and he doesn't really have any "big moments" to emote until the end. He'll get the Globe nom. If anybody happens, keep an eye on Hong Chau in supporting as Gong. She has a lot of strong moments and relationship with Damon. Could be a big breakout