Logliner
Posted: 2019-05-02T14:31:32+10:00 In:

A social progressive born on the brink of twentieth century America struggles to form and maintain the ACLU throughout the World Wars while coming to terms with his own ethically dubious past

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    3 Reviews

    1. Singularity

      Biographies are an exception to the rule that loglines need not include the proper name of the main character because for that genre of film? name recognition can be a selling point.

      I am familiar with a number of the founding members of the ACLU , can’t think of any who were born “on the brink of the 20th century”.? Morris Ernst seems to come closest; he was born in 1888.

      In addition to identifying the protagonist I think? the logline needs to be a little more specific about the ghost in the character’s past, whether it be Roger Baldwin’s initial infatuation with the? Soviet Union under Stalin.? Or Morris Ernst’s support of the FBI’s persecution of? American communists.? Because I’m guessing the ghost is the story hook.?

      So who is the “mystery man” and what is the ghost in? his past?

      Also for your consideration, see my notes on the logline for Warren Beatty’s film “Reds”, based upon the life of? the radical writer and eye witness to the Russian revolution, John Reed.

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    2. Singularity

      >>> most people are familiar with the ACLU but not with Roger Baldwin.
      I think your logline ought to include both.

      What is the overarching objective goal (or relationship) that drives the plot?

      >>>while coming to terms with his own ethically dubious past

      Hmm.? I suggest that could be a problem in terms of the plotting? (and a logline for it). A plot is about what the protagonist is looking forward to, not back upon. About achieving a future objective goal, not resolving a subjective problem embedded in the past.

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    3. Logliner

      I love historical stories but this is what I need to know.

      So he’s a 20th century American who creates the ACLU (had to look it up),? but struggles to maintain it because of his past? Because of supremists?? Because of ?? What stops the movement growing? What impact does it have?? What’s his role – is it him and his mates? A couple of lawyers? Is he white? what made him start this movement?

      I think some obstacles to the goal of creating the ACLU? would help align the story especially if it’s a specific person as opposed to the ACLU group as a whole.

      Sounds very interesting.

      So a 20th century American white lawyer?? creates the ACLU because? but struggles to maintain it because? racists, bullies, government, his reputation, betrayal??? All ideas-? I don’t know the story but if I know what he’s fighting against and who he is it tells me the conflict….

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