film

VICKY1995

Questionweek5.docx

Question 1:

We’ve learned that PROTAGONISTS make ACTIVE decisions and choices throughout the film, and there is a CAUSE/EFFECT relationship to these decisions and the protagonist. Choose a movie you admire and identify the THREE MAIN parts of a story. Then describe how they lead the protagonist to make an ACTIVE decision that drives the story forward.

INCITING INCIDENT --> Decision leading to ACT ONE BREAK

MIDPOINT --> Decision leading to ACT TWO BREAK

CLIMAX --> Decision leading to END OF THE STORY/RESOLUTION

EXAMPLE #1: THE GRADUATE

Mrs. Robinson propositions Ben (INCITING INCIDENT) --> Ben DECIDES to call Mrs. Robinson and accept her proposition (ACT ONE BREAK)

Ben defies Mrs. Robinson by taking Elaine out on a date and ends up falling for her (MIDPOINT)--> Ben DECIDES to stop Elaine from marrying someone else (ACT TWO BREAK).

Ben breaks up the wedding, wins back Elaine, and gets chased out of the church (CLIMAX) --> Ben and Elaine DECIDE to run onto a bus and drive off toward an uncertain future (THE END).

Question 2:

Now, do the same exercise for YOUR OWN movie idea as you did for an existing movie in this week's Question 1. Remember, it's all about making your protagonist ACTIVE. This will help you develop your expanded screenplay profile.