Comments on: Why can’t people write good endings any more?

By: Writing Your Screenplay (part III of III): Act Three « lulufilmstudio

Writing Your Screenplay (part III of III): Act Three « lulufilmstudio — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 07:36:29 +0000

[...] How to write good film endings. Third act story structure and screenwriting tips. [...]

By: Tom Quinn

Tom Quinn — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 18:17:24 +0000

I whole heartedly agree about the Hurt Locker, it felt phoned in and by the numbers. However, while I think the end of No Country For Old Men is frustrating and leaves me feeling empty, I enjoy it precisely for that reason. I remember coming out on the sidewalk after that film feeling uneasy, with no sense of closure – a certain kind of disappointment mixed with the final image of the Sheriff’s dream. Somehow, these things mixed together to precisely nail the themes of the film and make them last in me – ideas of randomness, choice, death, and loss. Still today, I can feel those things vividly when I think of that film and I think it is precisely because my expectations and desire for closure were scrambled.

By: Alex Temesvari

Alex Temesvari — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:35:01 +0000

I do get what your saying but sometimes a \downer\ ending is so much more powerful or emotive than the happy resolution. I mean look at films like The Dark Knight or The Wrestler or Crazy Heart, they aren’t exactly uplifting endings but resonate much more because of that. Was a big part of me hoping those films would end on happier terms? Sure yeah but the fact that they didn’t actually made me think about them more after the credits rolled. Don’t you hate it when a film seems to pander to the audience and warp everything up in a neat little bow? Is there a middle ground? I’m really interested in your thoughts on this…

By: Allen

Allen — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:51:41 +0000

No, Mark. I haven’t read it unfortunately but will add it to my list.

By: Mark Harmon

Mark Harmon — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 02:54:30 +0000

Have you read Christopher Weekes script ‘The Muppet Man’ ?

It has one of the most emotionally gratifying endings of any script I’ve read.
The catharsis is very powerful.

Its a shame it may never get made.
http://if.com.au/2009/12/15/article/Weekes-tops-Black-List-honours/CPTAYNGXGC.html

By: An ending left up in the air | The Story Department

An ending left up in the air | The Story Department — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:33:17 +0000

[...] Personally I really love the ending but I can see clearly why people are having a problem with it. [...]

By: Karel Segers

Karel Segers — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:15:14 +0000

Hi Allen,

Last night I watched UP IN THE AIR.

There’s nothing wrong with that film, except that it doesn’t have a climax. In Hero’s Journey terms, there is no Resurrection.

Before the Mid Point, Ryan is trying to change the world. At the MP he realises he has to change himself. That’s when he goes to see Alex, then his sister.

When he convinces his future inlaw to make the step, he’s ‘doing the right thing. It is his Inner Approach to the Inmost Cave. Ryan going to Alex’ place is his Outer Approach. The revelation that Alex is married is a clear and powerful Ordeal.

At this point, he has to be able to let go of everything and everyone he’s built his life upon (his backpack is now set on fire).

A functional Hero’s Journey then shows how the Hero applies his newly found knowledge and strength to his new life.

Yes, we understand he has broken through his isolation but we want to SEE it, and his environment needs to see it, too. That’s the whole point of the Hero’s Resurrection: the community understanding that the hero has finally transformed.

In this film it is really so subtle it feels unresolved.

By: Most over-rated films of all time Worst movies

Most over-rated films of all time Worst movies — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:39:08 +0000

[...] fluff (Burn After Reading) and some films that really piss off their audiences because they fail to finish what they’ve so successfully begun (No Country for Old Men). The Big Lebowski is none of these. It’s just a great big festering [...]

By: Bella

Bella — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:20:32 +0000

I am so glad someone else thought the same about the Coen No Country for Old Men ending. (Have yet to see Hurt Locker) I can see the Coens tweaking films for the shock value. However, I believe many more mainstream movies could be better if the endings avoided the dreaded “Hollywood Ending.” Of course, this happens due to the pressures of all the various entities…directors, producers, etc.

By: Arielle Nakache-Moulay

Arielle Nakache-Moulay — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:10:19 +0000

Allen I really love this blog and agree with your sentiments. I haven’t seen the Hurt Locker yet so will go in cautiously after reading about the dissatisying ending. Hmpf. I wonder what you’ll say about A Single Man. I felt the film was pretty satisfying (not to mention incredibly aesthetically pleasing) through and through. So will await your review! In the meantime, I would like to share that I simply can’t stand the idiocy of showing the beginning, middle and end of a film in the preview (eg the new Brothers film with Natalie Portman) . Do they think we’re completely numb? I say ban editors and promo folk who spoon feed us the entire plot which makes the movie go to my ‘wait for DVD’ if that, list.