Raising Buchanan (2019) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A dark comedy about a woman who steals a president's body for ransom, only to discover universal indifference

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Desperate Measures

Ruth Kiesling, struggling with anger issues and poor decisions, reaches a breaking point and conceives an outrageous plan to steal President Buchanan's body for ransom.

Key Events

• Ruth's Crossroads — Ruth confronts her life struggles Characters: Ruth Kiesling Location: Ruth's Home
• Unconventional Opportunity — Ruth conceives the body theft plan Characters: Ruth Kiesling Location: Unknown Location
• Plan Formulation — Ruth meticulously prepares for the theft Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Meg Location: Ruth's Planning Space
• Presidential Body Theft — Ruth executes the daring theft Characters: Ruth Kiesling, President James Buchanan Location: Presidential Burial Site
• Ruth's Home — Ruth's residence where she struggles Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Larry Kiesling Location: Suburban House
• Presidential Burial Site — Location where the theft occurs Characters: Ruth Kiesling, President James Buchanan Location: Memorial Park

The Grand Plan

Ruth meticulously prepares for and executes the theft, believing this audacious act will finally provide her with the financial stability and respect she desires.

Key Events

• Presidential Body Theft — Ruth executes the daring theft Characters: Ruth Kiesling, President James Buchanan Location: Presidential Burial Site
• Ransom Preparation — Ruth prepares ransom demands Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Larry Kiesling Location: Ruth's Hideout
• First Contact Attempts — Ruth attempts to initiate ransom negotiations Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Phillip Crosby, Lancaster Guy Location: Communication Hub
• Presidential Burial Site — Location where the theft occurs Characters: Ruth Kiesling, President James Buchanan Location: Memorial Park
• Presidential Body — The stolen body at the center of the plot Characters: Ruth Kiesling, President James Buchanan Location: Ruth's Hideout

Universal Indifference

Ruth's plan unravels as she discovers that no one, not even the government or the former president's family, is interested in retrieving the body.

Key Events

• First Contact Attempts — Ruth attempts to initiate ransom negotiations Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Phillip Crosby, Lancaster Guy Location: Communication Hub
• Government Indifference — Government shows no interest in retrieving the body Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Phillip Crosby Location: Government Office
• Family Indifference — Former president's family shows no concern Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Larry Kiesling Location: Family Home
• Plan Unravels — Ruth realizes her plan has failed Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Meg, Holly Location: Ruth's Hideout
• Public Indifference — Public shows no interest in the theft Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Parnella Monroe, Errol Location: Public Spaces

Awakening

Forced to confront the reality of her situation, Ruth begins to reevaluate her approach to life's problems and considers making positive changes.

Key Events

• Plan Unravels — Ruth realizes her plan has failed Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Meg, Holly Location: Ruth's Hideout
• Life Reevaluation — Ruth reevaluates her approach to life Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Larry Kiesling, Meg Location: Ruth's Home
• Confronting Reality — Ruth faces the consequences of her actions Characters: Ruth Kiesling, Larry Kiesling, Meg Location: Ruth's Hideout

Story Breakdown

• Character Introduction — Ruth Kiesling's personal struggles and motivations
  • Anger Issues — Ruth's deep-seated emotional problems
  • Poor Decision History — Pattern of impulsive choices
  • Life Crossroads — Ruth reaches a breaking point
• The Theft Plan — Ruth's unconventional solution to her problems
  • Plan Conception — Ruth identifies the opportunity
  • Meticulous Preparation — Detailed planning and execution
  • The Execution — The actual theft of the presidential body
• Aftermath — The unexpected consequences of Ruth's actions
  • Ransom Attempts — Failed efforts to negotiate
  • Universal Indifference — No one wants the body back
  • Plan Collapse — Ruth's grand scheme unravels
• Character Arc — Ruth's transformation throughout the story
  • Desperation — Initial motivation driven by frustration
  • Recklessness — Willingness to cross moral boundaries
  • Disillusionment — Facing the reality of her actions
  • Reevaluation — Beginning to consider positive change

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