Satisfying Climax Ever wonder why some films feel like they could have ended a few times before they actually do? They’re not wrong in leading up to a big finish, but where they are wrong is in the execution of the smaller moments that get us there in the third act. I’m not a beat sheet or structure preacher but there are some key moments that should happen in the 3rd act, in a certain order, just as in the 1st. For me, I outline in eight chunk sequences so the 1st and 3rd act have 2 sequences each and the 2nd, four. By the top of 3rd act, all discussion about the plan forward should be finished – it should all be about putting the plan into motion -- without exposition as to how. By the end of the 1st sequence [of the 3rd act] – about 8-10 scenes in; the plan should have a setback that makes your character have to dig deeper for his/her plan. If it’s a battle, the tried and true weaponry will not be enough here, they will need to dig for the secret sauce of their character – something that they learned along the way. (I’d say the force, but I’m so bleeping sick of Star Wars, I can’t stand it). By half way into the final sequence, (about 14 scenes into your 3rd act) the character will summon up this secret sauce and go balls to the wall nuts to win with it. The following scene or two is the resolution (the bad guy goes to jail, the couple gets married, whatever…) Then comes the epilogue – this is the final commentary or depiction of the theme and it should be one quick scene. So you see, there a lot of moments that build to a satisfying end, the ones that don’t plateau too soon are the ones that feel like there is only one true and satisfying end. I feel I should be congratulated at keeping the innuendo as squeaky clean as humanly possible, my subtextual fingers had to be taped down – but there you have it... May all of your climaxes be satisfying.
Screenwriting : Today's Wish and Creative Tip by Laurie Ashbourne
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3 people like this
Speaking strictly subtextually (that's probably not a word), I suddenly realize that you are a very saucy girl, but it does help me appreciate your golden nuggets of writing wisdom and insight. So thanks for stripping away the nonsense, baring your writing soul, so to speak, and sharing your eight, key touchstones to higher levels of screenwriting performance.
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Thanks, Guys -- and yes, Bill, I know that Miriam Webster doesn't like my word (subtextually) but I find it useful -- especially when giving writers notes, I have to say things like, commercially and tonaly or plot-wise, and character-wise, so I make 'em up as I need 'em to get to the point. Thanks for commenting!
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No subtext...you da bomb.
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greats stuff, Laurie, thx! act 3 is always my greatest challenge, and your "eight chunks" approach is a great new perspective. much appreciated. plus, ha! :0P may your climaxes be satisfying as well!
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Nothing like a damn good climax and a cigarette. And that's the tricky bit at the very end - which sends a audience out of the theatre chattering excitedly. That flick of a Zippo, crackle of tobacco and that little puff of smoke that rounds every thing off nicely. That final line - or moment - or look - that every writer dreams of writing.
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Great post, Laurie. You certainly left me satisfied! I am working on the third act in my script done in the November Write Club. Your tips are most helpful. I generally don't have a tough time on act three and often write it before I write the act two. The second act is where I have the most difficulty. How about a creative tip for that, I could use it about now.
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Thanks, Robert. I've actually received requests to do the 1st act as well. I will do both but the moment I've officially realized maximum overload (nothing I thought was possible) so it may be a few days before I dig out of the mountains of work I have long enough to put down a cohesive post. Congrats on doing the 30-day challenge!
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Laurie - a healthy Bio indeed - nothing better for the soul than keeping busy, eh?