12 beats for film lit

set up

all the main characters strengths and weaknesses (wants+needs)

opening image

first impression of the main character and the tone of the film

theme stated

lesson character needs to learn but it’s too early in the story and told to them by a secondary character

catalyst

the want is taken away (rug getes pulled out from under you, world goes upside down, now what?)

debate

how do i get my want back?

break into two

getting your want back but for the wrong reasons (entering a new world)

fun and games

promise of the premise (stuff you expect to happen)

midpoint

2nd time where the rug gets pulled out from under you (the stakes are raised)

B-story

characters that are there for comic effect or romantic interest

bad guys close in

bad guys close in

all is lost

hero is caught, looks like they’re gonna die, start to realize/admit what they’ve done wrong, but before they can come to that realization, someone saves them. by saving them, they deprive them of learning the lesson they need to learn

dark knight of the soul

character finally realizes what they need to do (their problem). finally knows their “needs”. all get together again for that one final game.

break into 3

now you know what you need, and you DO it.

finale

highest emotional moment of the film, and then audience can relax

closing image

exact opposite of the opening image