258 Moving Images: Making Movies, Understanding Media- Does the main character have a clearly defi ned obstacle to overcome?
During the last fi ve minutes of the movie, is that confl ict resolved, or
is there a clear statement of fi nality to the central dramatic situation
of the movie?
If you answered “no” to any of the questions above, the script is taking
an approach that diff ers from the most conventional styles dictated by
American screenwriting formulas. Sometimes motion picture narratives can
diverge from the standard methodology in small ways, and at other times
they can tell stories in unfamiliar and innovative fashions. Take the example
of Napoleon Dynamite (2004), written by Jared and Jerusha Hess. It does not
propose a clear central confl ict for the main character to overcome. However,
its rejection of many of the standard practices of character development
and plot construction is a refl ection of its main character’s persona. In fact,
the primary purposeful actions of characters in the movie are achieved by
characters around Napoleon, particularly his friend Pedro who runs for
class president. Th is leads to one of Napoleon’s strongest and most successful
actions, his dance. Clearly, a great deal of the movie’s success with viewers
results from its originality and its ability to capture an insightful, if skewed,
view of life for an American adolescent. As Napoleon tells us, he’s going to
do “whatever I feel like I wanna do. Gosh!”
In the United States, many of the most celebrated screenwriters have
been those who craft clear-cut stories that weave the tale of a resolved journey
or challenge for a main character. Genres set up particular expectations of
viewers, but whatever the type of fi lm, certain basic foundations tend to
remain the same. Successful screenplays are typically those that achieve a
balance between a well-structured plot and memorable dialogue that are both
used to move the story forward in an emotionally engaging way. Most of all,
Figure 7-8 Writer and
director Woody Allen
discussing a scene with
cinematographer Carlo
DiPalma for the fi lm Hannah
and Her Sisters, which
features multiple storylines
and central characters.
(Courtesy Orion Pictures/
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