Date of Completion

5-1-2017

Degree Type

Honors Thesis

Discipline

Screenwriting (SCWR)

First Advisor

Mark Schwartz

Abstract

This thesis project (i.e. feature screenplay) was inspired first and foremost by an interest in the function of capital punishment in today’s society; and secondly, by the significant absence of female protagonists across the majority of contemporary film narratives. As such, this script focuses on a female anesthesiologist who, through a series of unanticipated events, comes to accept the job of executioner at a Texas state prison.

This narrative thus addresses the role of the executioner—as well as the political, social, cultural, and psychological consequences that come from such a position—against the larger backdrop of capital punishment. It is a story about responsibility, accountability, guilt, duty, mercy, justice, and human nature; but most importantly, it is a story that examines the ceaseless battle between pain and healing.

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