[Quick Summary: Frank Sheeran recounts his life in three eras, as the guy closest to Jimmy Hoffa and the one to kill him.]
This script had excellent structure, excellent pacing, epic conflict.
However, I was bored. For the record, it's not the writer's fault.
The main character does not change much, or was conflicted enough to change. He's stoic so the script had to be about 70% in Frank's voice over.
I did think the writer did a heroic job of keeping the story focused though it jumps between three time frames. I think it was because of really clear transitions.
NOTE: The hand --> the hand --> the gun in the hand --> Frank speaks
ex. PRESENT TIME - NURSING HOME
FRANK: One of a thousand working stiffs...
This is who we've been looking for - Frank Sheeran - perhaps to kill him. But he pays no attention to us, even as we come in close enough to see his gold watch encircled with diamonds, and the distinctive ring made from a gold coin on a finger.
INT. EMPTY HOUSE - A BLANK WALL - DAY
We see a young man's hand with the same gold and diamond encrusted watch and diamond pinky ring raise a gun at an unseen target.
FRANK (IN SYNC): ...until I wasn't anymore...
TWO QUICK GUNSHOTS to the back of an UNKNOWN MAN'S head.
The blank wall explodes in red, as though a bucket of blood had been thrown against it. The blood begins to slowly ooze down the wall covering it with red streaks.
FRANK (IN SYNC): ... And started painting houses myself.
INT. ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - DAY - 2000
BACK in the ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY, Frank gives us a moment to grasp what he's said. Then:
FRANK: In this particular matter, the whole thing was built around the wedding.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: Keep the visuals strong and simple.
The Irishman (2019)(final shooting script)
by Steve Zailian
Adapted from the book by Charles Brandt
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