Wish Man (2019) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

The available account follows Frank from a disrupted childhood through a near-fatal crash and a renewed purpose, before an investigation threatens his standing.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

A Childhood Divided

Young Frank is beaten, and his dog intervenes. His estranged father seeks contact, but Frank's mother refuses and takes him to Arizona, leaving the dog behind.

Key Events

• Young Frank Is Beaten — As a boy, Frank is beaten by other children and calls desperately for his mother. Characters: Frank Shankwitz Location: Unspecified
• The Dog Intervenes — Frank's loyal dog intervenes while the children are beating him. Characters: Frank Shankwitz Location: Unspecified
• His Father Appears — Frank's estranged father appears and demands to see him. Characters: Frank Shankwitz, Frank Shankwitz Location: Unspecified
• Mother Refuses Contact — Frank's mother cites a court order and fears his father will take him away. Characters: Frank Shankwitz, Frank Shankwitz Location: Unspecified
• Move to Arizona — Fearing separation, Frank's mother abruptly takes him to Arizona. Characters: Frank Shankwitz Location: Chicago to Arizona
• Dog Left Behind — Frank struggles against the move and is devastated when his dog is left behind. Characters: Frank Shankwitz Location: Journey to Arizona

Survival and Recovery

Frank survives a serious motorcycle crash in Parker, with Sally helping rescue him. During recovery under Dr. Parker's care, he questions the meaning of his survival.

Key Events

• Motorcycle Crash — Frank survives a serious motorcycle crash in Parker. Characters: Frank Shankwitz Location: Parker, Arizona
• Sally Helps Rescue Frank — Sally helps rescue Frank after the motorcycle crash. Characters: Sally, Frank Shankwitz Location: Parker, Arizona
• Recovery with Dr. Parker — Frank recovers under Dr. Parker's care and questions why he survived. Characters: Dr. Parker, Frank Shankwitz Location: Unspecified

A Promise Gives Purpose

Frank meets Kitty at the police department, where he spends time after his recovery. A request involving a seriously ill boy leads Frank to promise motorcycle officer wings, and the meeting gives him renewed purpose.

Key Events

• Frank Meets Kitty — Frank spends time around the department and meets its new secretary, Kitty. Characters: Kitty Carlisle, Frank Shankwitz Location: Police department
• A Request for a Sick Boy — John Foster asks the department to arrange an experience for a seriously ill boy who admires motorcycle police. Characters: Frank Shankwitz Location: Police department
• Frank Promises the Wings — Frank promises the boy he will obtain the distinctive wings worn by motorcycle officers. Characters: Frank Shankwitz Location: Unspecified
• Frank Finds Purpose — The meeting renews Frank's sense of purpose as he explains that he survived to help the boy. Characters: Frank Shankwitz Location: Unspecified

The Investigation Closes In

Statements from Sgt. Mason and Tom Wells support an account that conflicts with Frank's report. The investigation is declared complete, and Clover's testimony appears to strengthen the case against Frank.

Key Events

• Bullhead Investigation — Mason and Wells support one account of the Bullhead incident; Frank's report is dismissed as fabricated. Characters: Sgt. Mason, Tom Wells, Frank Shankwitz Location: Unspecified
• Frank's Report Rejected — Frank insists he is being framed, but the investigation is declared complete. Characters: Sgt. Mason, Tom Wells, Frank Shankwitz Location: Unspecified
• Clover Gives Testimony — Clover describes an assault and signs testimony that appears to identify Frank as the attacker. Characters: Frank Shankwitz Location: Unspecified

An Uncertain Departure

Frank remains under pressure as Kitty prepares to move to Tucson. The available account leaves both the investigation's consequences and their relationship unresolved.

Key Events

• Kitty Plans to Leave — The account ends with Frank under pressure and Kitty preparing to move to Tucson. Characters: Kitty Carlisle, Frank Shankwitz Location: Tucson

Story Breakdown

• Childhood Separation — Frank faces family conflict and an abrupt move away from his father.
  • Boyhood Attack — Other children beat Frank, and his dog intervenes.
  • Father's Visit — Frank's estranged father demands to see him, but his mother refuses.
• Journey to Arizona — Frank's mother takes him away amid fears of separation.
  • Abrupt Relocation — His mother moves him from the Chicago situation to Arizona.
  • Dog Left Behind — Frank is devastated when the dog is left behind during the journey.
• Crash and Recovery — A serious motorcycle crash becomes a defining experience for Frank.
  • Parker Accident — Frank survives a serious crash in Parker, Arizona.
  • Questioning Survival — While recovering under Dr. Parker's care, Frank questions why he survived.
• Police Department — Frank spends time around the department and meets Kitty.
  • New Secretary — Frank meets Kitty Carlisle, the department's new secretary.
  • Personal Uncertainty — The account leaves Frank and Kitty's relationship uncertain as she plans to move.
• Promise to Help — A request concerning a seriously ill boy gives Frank a renewed sense of purpose.
  • Boy's Admiration — The boy idolizes motorcycle police and admits he is afraid of dying.
  • Wings Promise — Frank promises to obtain the distinctive wings worn by motorcycle officers.
• Bullhead Investigation — Conflicting accounts put Frank under professional and personal pressure.
  • Supporting Statements — Sgt. Mason and Tom Wells submit statements supporting the same version of events.
  • Frank's Protest — Frank says he is being framed, but his report is dismissed and the investigation closes.
• Testimony and Doubt — Frank seeks the truth while testimony appears to deepen the case against him.
  • Clover's Account — Clover describes a fight and an officer attacking her boyfriend.
  • Uncertain Future — Her signed testimony appears to identify Frank, while Kitty prepares to move to Tucson.

Directed by

Theo Davies

Key Cast

• Tom Sizemore — Sgt. Mason
• Andrew Steel — Frank Shankwitz
• Kirby Bliss Blanton — Kitty Carlisle
• Danny Trejo — Jose
• Robert Pine — Sgt. Eddie Newman