Raising Buchanan (2019) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Ruth's attempt to profit from taking Buchanan's body grows more complicated as moral objections, practical risks, and an exposed exchange challenge her plan.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

Hints Behind the Illusion

Two strange introductory tales suggest that appearances may conceal the truth. The story then turns to Ruth, who is struggling to survive.

Key Events

• The Magician's Uncertain Crime — An opening tale suggests a magician may have murdered his assistant during an illusion. Location: Unspecified
• The Fallen Christmas Tree — A strange forest tale hints that appearances can conceal what is happening. Location: A forest
• Ruth's Desperate Scheme — Struggling to survive, Ruth becomes involved in a plan to take Buchanan's body. Characters: Ruth Kiesling Location: Unspecified

The Body and the Ransom Plan

Ruth plans to take Buchanan's body and demand money for its return. Meg agrees to help, while they consider keys Holly can access and try to keep Holly outside the scheme.

Key Events

• Buchanan's Body as Leverage — Ruth's plan is to take Buchanan's body and demand money for its return. Characters: Ruth Kiesling, President James Buchanan Location: Buchanan's resting place
• Meg Joins the Plan — Meg agrees to help, and they discuss keys Holly can access through her work. Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Meg Location: Unspecified
• Holly Kept Outside — They initially plan to keep Holly uninvolved so she will not be treated as a suspect. Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Meg Location: Unspecified

A Dangerous Change of Target

A warning makes the government ransom plan seem risky, so Ruth considers a different target. Buchanan challenges her motives, but Ruth continues pursuing a buyer.

Key Events

• Government Ransom Warning — An official warns Ruth that demanding money from the government could bring serious consequences. Characters: Ruth Kiesling Location: Unspecified
• A Different Ransom Target — Instead of abandoning the scheme, Ruth chooses the wealthy woman who originally brought Buchanan there as a possible target. Characters: Ruth Kiesling Location: Unspecified
• Buchanan Questions Ruth — Buchanan challenges Ruth for treating him as something to sell rather than seeking his safe return. Characters: Ruth Kiesling, President James Buchanan Location: Unspecified

Errol and the Buyer Search

Trina connects Ruth with Errol as a possible way to find a buyer. An associate warns Ruth that Errol is amoral and dangerous.

Key Events

• Trina Connects Ruth — Trina connects Ruth with Errol as a possible route to finding a buyer. Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Trina Location: Unspecified
• Warning About Errol — An associate warns Ruth that Errol is amoral and dangerous. Characters: Ruth Kiesling Location: Unspecified

Exposure at the Donut Shop

At a donut shop, Gunderson confirms Buchanan is the promised goods and directs the group to his dash camera. The group refuses to speak without an attorney, while Gunderson's offer leaves the immediate consequences unresolved.

Key Events

• Meeting at the Donut Shop — Ruth and her companions meet Gunderson, who confirms Buchanan is the promised goods. Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Meg, President James Buchanan Location: Donut shop
• The Dash Camera Exposure — Gunderson asks them to look into his dash camera and greet his friends in Washington, DC. Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Meg, President James Buchanan Location: Donut shop
• The Group Requests Counsel — After the exchange is exposed, the group refuses to speak without an attorney. Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Meg, President James Buchanan Location: Donut shop
• Gunderson's Unresolved Offer — Gunderson says he is willing to work with them and that they are not the people he is after. Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Meg, President James Buchanan Location: Donut shop

Story Breakdown

• Opening Tales — Cryptic stories introduce the possibility that appearances conceal the truth.
  • Magician's Illusion — A magician may have murdered his assistant under cover of a stage illusion.
  • Forest Warning — A tale of a forest, elves, and a fallen Christmas tree hints at hidden realities.
• Ruth's Desperation — Ruth's struggle to survive leads her into an extraordinary plan involving Buchanan's body.
  • Body as Leverage — Ruth plans to take Buchanan from his resting place and demand money for his return.
  • Seeking a Payout — The scheme is framed around obtaining money in exchange for returning Buchanan.
• Meg Joins In — Meg agrees to help Ruth plan the operation while they consider how to use available access.
  • Keys Discussed — Ruth and Meg discuss keys Holly can access through her work.
  • Holly Kept Out — They initially intend to exclude Holly so she will not be treated as a suspect.
• Ransom Risks — The possibility of a government ransom demand gives way to a different target after an official warns Ruth of serious consequences.
  • Official Warning — An official warns that extorting the government could bring serious consequences.
  • Alternate Target — Ruth considers seeking money from the wealthy woman who originally brought Buchanan there.
• Buchanan's Challenge — Buchanan questions Ruth's justifications and the change in her goal.
  • Safe Return Question — Buchanan asks why Ruth continues despite the risks.
  • Object for Sale — He argues that Ruth has shifted from seeking a safe return to trying to sell him as an object.
• Search for a Buyer — Ruth continues the scheme and pursues a connection that may help find a buyer.
  • Trina's Introduction — Trina connects Ruth with Errol as a possible source of help.
  • Errol Warning — An associate warns Ruth that Errol is amoral and dangerous.
• Donut Shop Exposure — A meeting with Gunderson reveals the exchange and leaves the group's immediate fate uncertain.
  • Dash Camera — Gunderson confirms Buchanan is the promised goods and asks the group to address his camera.
  • Counsel Requested — The group refuses to speak without an attorney; Gunderson says he is willing to work with them and is not after them.

Directed by

Bruce Dellis

Key Cast

• René Auberjonois — President James Buchanan
• Amanda Melby — Ruth Kiesling
• Cathy Shim — Meg
• Terence Bernie Hines — Phillip Crosby
• M. Emmet Walsh — Larry Kiesling