The Mona Lisa Conspiracy
Summary Main Characters Casting Comparative Film Analysis
Brief Synopsis: In the cutthroat world of high-stakes art, an internationally
renowned art investigator, finds herself in a life-threatening
situation as she matches wits with the unscrupulous and corrupt
kingpin of the 100-billion-dollar art industry, rewriting
history as she exposes a 500-year-old syndicate of forgers and
Leonardo da Vinci as a fraud. When a long-lost journal of
Leonardo da Vinci is discovered, she races to reveal the truth
behind art history's greatest mystery before forces tied to da
Vinci's estate can stop her. Her relentless pursuit of the truth
will cost many powerful men billions of dollars and change the
artworld forever. And it might even end her life.
Genres: Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Crime, Romance, Action...making it appealing to a wider audience and offering a unique viewing experience.
Overall Mood: Intense, suspenseful, and dramatic. It balances moments of excitement and intrigue with somber reflections on the corruption and greed that exist in the art world.
Setting: Present day, with flashbacks to the past, Various locations around the world, including New York City, Paris, Florence, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Livorno, Bologna, and others.
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The opening sequence cleverly establishes the script's core themes of corruption and greed within the art world, setting the tone for the ensuing story. The opening scene sets a mysterious and intriguing tone, immediately drawing the audience into the story. The use of a narrator quoting an art critic sets a thematic tone for the screenplay.
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The flashback sequences, particularly the one that reveals the discovery of da Vinci's lost journal, provide a crucial backstory and intrigue, adding layers to the main narrative. A stronger backstory for the antagonist, Jones, would add more depth to his character.
The relationship between Evans and Farina adds emotional depth to the narrative.
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The scene where Farina reveals his past as a forger to Evans is tense and suspenseful, highlighting the hidden dangers and complexities of the art world. This scene effectively combines suspense, intellectual dialogue, and moral ambiguity. The scene's setting, the intimate conversation between Evans and Farina, and the shocking reveal of Farina's secret all contribute to a compelling and thought-provoking moment that captures the essence of the screenplay. The dialogue is sharp and insightful, exploring complex themes of truth and deception, and leaving the audience questioning everything they thought they knew about the art world.
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The scene where Evans discovers the surveillance cameras in her apartment is paranoid and suspenseful, highlighting the danger she is in.
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The scene where Dahlman warns Evans about the dangers of Abella is tense and ominous, highlighting the power and secrecy of this organization.
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The scene revealing the story of the unfinished vs finished bridge is intriguing and elevates the story.
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The auction scene is intense and well-executed, showcasing the high stakes and tension of the plot.
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The revelation that the Mona Lisa sold at the auction is a fake and the true painting is in the hands of Davis, a mysterious art collector, introduces a major plot twist that shifts the focus of the story. Davis is associated with the secretive organization Abella which adds a layer of intrigue and mystery to the story. The reveal of the true Mona Lisa and the potential for a major scandal add a thrilling layer to the narrative.
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The scene where the FBI raids GAC headquarters is dramatic and chaotic, highlighting the consequences of Jones' actions and the downfall of his empire. The climax is satisfying and provides a strong resolution to the story.
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The scene where Jones commits suicide is tragic and heartbreaking, highlighting the destructive nature of greed and ambition while leaving room for the possibility of a larger art world revolution.
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The final scene ties up loose ends and provides a hopeful note for the future of Evans and Farina. The screenplay ends on a satisfying note, leaving the reader with a sense of closure while also suggesting the ongoing impact of Evans' actions and the potential for further revelations. This open-ended conclusion leaves room for the possibility of a sequel or a continuation of the story.
Notable Points:- The script utilizes split screens effectively, juxtaposing Evans' actions in the ARTnews offices with the events in the Cambi Casa d’ Asti offices, providing a sense of parallel narratives unfolding simultaneously. This technique heightens suspense and allows the viewer to follow multiple plotlines at once.
- The script effectively uses montage sequences to convey information, advance the plot, and transition between scenes, helping to maintain the overall pace.
- The use of holographic technology to reveal the secrets of Leonardo da Vinci's life and work adds a unique and engaging visual element to the story.
- The screenplay effectively uses multiple locations and settings, showcasing the global reach of the art world and the conspiracy unfolding within it.
- The screenplay blends elements of thriller, crime, art world drama, and conspiracy, making it appealing to a wider audience and offering a unique viewing experience.
Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 25-54, fans of drama, thriller, and art-related films. Those interested in high-stakes crime stories with a touch of intrigue and suspense.
Marketability: This screenplay has the potential to attract a wide audience and generate buzz due to its high-concept plot, compelling characters, and relevant themes. The blend of genres and the inclusion of art world intrigue creates a unique selling point. The star power of the cast and the potential for award nominations can contribute to box office success. The unique blend of genres and explores compelling themes with a diverse cast, highlighting the corruption and manipulation within the art world, a subject that resonates with audiences who appreciate complex narratives and social commentary.
Compelling characters, a gripping storyline, and relevant social themes make it potentially marketable. The screenplay offers a blend of art-world drama, thriller, and conspiracy elements, catering to a niche audience interested in those themes. The presence of international locations adds to its appeal and potential for global market reach.
Profit Potential: High, due to strong appeal to a wide adult audience and potential for award nominations.
Main Characters:
Valerie Evans: A researcher and art investigator who uncovers a major conspiracy in the art world. She is determined to expose the truth, even if it puts her in danger. She is skilled in art authentication and investigation, but she is also a bit naive and idealistic.
Richard Jones: The CEO of Global Artists Consortium (GAC), a powerful art organization, and the main antagonist. He is cunning, ambitious, and ruthless in his pursuit of wealth and power. He is involved in forgery, money laundering, and other illegal activities.
Nicholas Farina: An artist and forger, and Evans' partner in uncovering the truth about the art world. He is skilled in art, both legitimate and illegitimate, and has a complex relationship with his past as a forger.
Rye Dahlman: Head of forensics at GAC. He is initially loyal to Jones, but eventually turns against him after realizing the extent of his crimes. He is a skilled scientist and investigator, but he is also deeply conflicted about his role in the conspiracy.
Senator Elliot Kimball: A powerful and corrupt politician who is involved with Jones in money laundering and other illegal activities. He is greedy and ambitious, and he is willing to use his influence to protect his interests.
The Saudi Businessman: A wealthy and ambitious art collector who is trying to establish himself as the new leader of the art world. He is ruthless and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He has the support of the Crown Prince.
Davis: A mysterious art collector who has a large collection of art, including the real Mona Lisa. He is associated with Abella, a secretive and powerful organization that has been controlling the art world for centuries.
Ann Tobias: Jones' assistant who is initially loyal to him, but eventually begins to question his actions and assists Evans in exposing his crimes. She is a skilled and resourceful businesswoman, but she is also naive and idealistic.
Vittorio: The curator of the Louvre Museum in Paris. He is a respected expert in art, but he is also blind to the corruption that exists in the art world.
Paul Romano: The editor of Artnews, a major art magazine. He is a cynical and ambitious journalist who is eager to expose the truth about the art world.
Main Character Casting
Valerie Evans
1. Gwyneth Paltrow (50) - Award-winning actress with experience
playing intelligent, nuanced female leads. Her sophistication
would lend credibility.
2. Claire Foy (39) - Known for conveying intelligence and
complexity. Her recent turn as Lisbeth Salander showed her range
playing an academic researcher.3. Sandra Bullock (59) - An acclaimed actress capable of
portraying determination and heart. Her star power would draw
audiences.4. Olivia Colman (49) - Brilliant performer able to capture
subtle emotions. Her talent at conveying thoughts through small
gestures would add depth.5. Cate Blanchett (54) - Revered for playing compelling, multi-
layered women. Her gravitas would enhance the role.6. Naomi Watts (55) - Dynamic actress adept at balancing
strength and vulnerability. Her warmth would make Dr. Evans
relatable.7. Amanda Seyfried (38) - Known for intellectually demanding
parts. Her poise would complement the character's expertise.8. Rachel Weisz (53) - Subtle, expressive actress able to convey
both authority and charm. Her complexity would enrich the role.9. Rosamund Pike (44) - Sophisticated performer especially
skilled at elucidating intricate characters. Her precision would
sharpen Evans.10. Emily Blunt (40) - Talented at portraying smart, decisive
women. Her finesse would lend nuance to the character. Nicholas Farina:
1. Stephan James (29) - Rising talent could compellingly play Farina with charisma and confidence.
3. Dev Patel (33) - Proven leading man can balance likeability and moral ambiguity needed.
5. Nicholas Galitzine (28) - Emerging actor has talent for conveying inner conflict and magnetism.
Comparative Film Analysis
The Mona Lisa Conspiracy is a blend of various genres, including mystery, drama, romance, and historical fiction. Here are ten
movies that share elements with the screenplay, along with their
box office performance:1. "The Da Vinci Code" (2006)
- Reason: The screenplay involves a mystery surrounding Da Vinci, much like this film.
- Box Office: $758.2 million
2. "National Treasure" (2004)
- Reason: The plot revolves around historical secrets and a treasure hunt.
- Box Office: $347.5 million
3. "Shakespeare in Love" (1998)
- Reason: A historical drama with a romantic plot involving a famous historical figure.
- Box Office: $289.3 million
4. "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (2003)
- Reason: Focuses on the story behind a famous painting, similar to the Mona Lisa's backstory in the screenplay.
- Box Office: $31.4 million5. 5. "Inferno" (2016)- Reason: Another mystery involving historical symbols and artifacts, with a connection to Dante, similar to the Da Vinci elements.
- Box Office: $220 million
