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Whilst it’s easy (relatively speaking) to identify a great beginning (which is set up well) or ending (which pays off well), it’s not quite as straightforward to pinpoint what makes for a high-quality ‘middle’. Michael advised that a clear sense of direction and momentum is most important.
Oct 8, 2016 · While we’re on the subject of beginnings, let me toss out this idea: The story’s ending is implied in its beginning. I call it the narrative imperative . When you reach the ending of a story and it feels emotionally satisfying, that means it has been set up well in the beginning.
Michael Arndt talks with Jordan Carlos about his free, tutorial film, ENDINGS: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE INSANELY GREAT. In the video, the Academy Award winning screenwriter explores how great endings work with a close analysis of the climaxes of STAR WARS, THE GRADUATE, and his own screenplay, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE.
Apr 4, 2024 · Michael Arndt's framework for constructing great endings isn't just about wrapping up a neat story. It's about giving your audience something meaningful to hold onto, an emotional lesson to carry forward. Whether you're writing a short story, a novel, a screenplay, or even just working on an important presentation, consider his approach.
Apr 8, 2014 · Something comes in and totally blows apart your hero’s life and turns it upside down. So in the case of “Toy Story,” Buzz arrives and Woody gets displaced. And in “Finding Nemo,” the barracuda shows up and Marlin’s family gets killed except this one last little egg.
Sep 9, 2019 · In July, I shared a video essay by screenwriter Michael Arndt on insanely great story endings. The 90 min presentation is a brilliant excavation of how narrative works, and how crisis and catharsis interweave to create ‘insanely great’ story endings.
Jul 2, 2018 · Michael Arndt on Endings. Screenwriter Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3) has been thinking a lot about endings. He’s put his observations together as a terrific video that offers great insights and practical advice. After you’ve watched this, go back and check out his video on Beginnings.
