Bookend type structure

Parkinsonsd · Jan 8, 2007

In he analysis of Eternal Sunshine forte spotless mind, brokenfingers mentioned a "bookend" type structure, not in a derogatory sense, but in an analytical one, I believe.

My current WIP is a bookend type structure, and I intentionally made it so to give meaning and relation to a series of events that take place over a period of time that are almost complete individually, but need to be tied together for the whole.

This being my first screenplay, is there a taboo against this? Or is there anything that I need to look at or think about when writing this?

Celia Cyanide · Jan 8, 2007

I wouldn't think there would be a taboo for using a frame. It's pretty common. But just like everything else, make sure you do it right.

dpaterso · Jan 8, 2007

Agreed -- common, acceptable, maybe even desirable.

I've heard some liken bookends to the circle of life, the story comes back around to where it started from, allowing the audience to more easily see the changes that have happened to the lead character(s).

-Derek

maestrowork · Jan 8, 2007

If it works. Titanic has a frame structure (even though some people think it's a bad script). I can think of a few other classics with such a structure. Forrest Gump, for example.

Bad Penny · Jan 8, 2007

Saving Private Ryan is another good example

maestrowork · Jan 8, 2007

One thing about good "frames" are that they usually offer a good mystery at the beginning, then wrap up with a nice, last nugget of reveal at the end that really does bring the story to a full closure. For example, in Forrest Gump, we wonder at the beginning who this man is, why he's sitting at a bus stop, and why he has a box of chocolate. At the end, we know why. And in Titanic, we wonder who is this old woman, and what happened to the hope diamond. And at the end, we find out. They also tie everything nicely with the theme. I think that's the kind of frames that is REALLY effective.

branbran · Jan 8, 2007

Pulp Fiction structure? What do you guys think about that one?

Bad Penny · Jan 9, 2007

I think very little about Pulp Fiction

icerose · Jan 9, 2007

Haven't seen either of the movies in current discussion.

Rainy Night · Jan 9, 2007

branbran said:
Pulp Fiction structure? What do you guys think about that one?

It worked for Pulp Fiction... IMHO - you, the author, have to decide how you want to structure your script in the way that will best translate your vision to the screen. If you want something in the style of Pulp Fiction or Forest Gump then by all means structure it that way.

Bookend type structure

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