So I'm at the ending of my second screenplay. It's a thriller so it already has a bit of a surprise ending that is uncovered through the whole movie.... so it's a surprise and that makes sense. Then suddenly, I get this "brilliant" idea that would add a big twist at the end... it'd be a shock! In the recesses of my mind, I hear someone's advise that surprise is better than shock. Surprise makes sense and feels right, whereas shock apparently seems like a cheap trick. I'm wondering what others think... does shock have value in a screenplay? Should we stick to surprise and leave shock alone? Is shock and surprise together too much? Love to hear what you guys think! Thanks!
Screenwriting : Endings by Tiffany Michelle
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I've been wondering that myself. Personally I think surprise is always better than shock. However if the surprise and shock are combined and still makes sense then I'd go down that road. Just don't try to be so shocking and surprising that the ending does not make sense. Nothing is worse then a good idea and story with a bad ending. Good luck with your script!I hope I was a little helpful
Hey, Tiffany, I'm also a screenwriter who's finishing a script, and I had no idea how it would end, but I trusted "that little man inside" (as Kramer calls on "Seinfeld" one's muse) to come up with the answer--and danged if he didn't. I know some worthy screenwriters and instructors preach that one MUST have an outline in place before starting, and I respect that view. But I truly believe I'm a conduit between my little man/subconscious/muse and the paper, and as long as i attach my seat to the seat of the chair (in front of a computer), a compelling scenario will eventually emerge--and it usually does. It has for me in plays, several of which are published. I like to eat, though, so a while back I took up screenwriting. I know I'm rambling now, but I just saw a great writers' motto more or less on the subject: "Don't get it right; get it written!" In your case, you could consider yourself lucky as your muse "sent" you two nifty endings. I would think surprise trumps shock--unless the latter is on the order of the stunner in "The Crying Game." Good luck and let us know which fork you choose.
Thanks Alexander and Lew! I actually had this issue when I was less than halfway through.... An alternate shocking ending popped up but that shock would throw the whole movie off kilter and Change the theme/feeling about the main character's story. So I pushed through and wrote and wrote. I literally wrote the last line and realized that all of this could have gone another way. One more line is calling, but that line would be the shock... And it would work well... Though I'd have to go back and straighten up a few other scenes (not a problem since that's part of the journey). Just worried about shock mixed with surprise being too much for the audience. Though I know-and love- that experience of thinking I know the entire movie and having it all work, and then boom! Shock. And I'm walking out like noo they didn't! Then I want to watch again to see how I could've missed it! That's the kind of moment I'm debating adding.
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Most times, I wouldn't be shocking for the sake of shock, but if it makes sense, fold it in there. There are a few times though in my writing where the tone of the film embraces shock, so it is right at home. Sadly, my answer then becomes ... it depends!
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Depends on the level of the shock. If it's from out of nowhere it will leave the story seem unfulfilled and the audience angry. If it's jarring, but a logical ending that the audience simply didn't see coming but still makes sense (ie "The Sixth Sense") then it's very rewarding. See what your beta reader say about it. That's always a good first step to gauge whether or not you pulled it off.
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How you set it up in the first act, and how you explore it in the second act, will make or break the third act. The ending of Jaws was the ending that the characters, and the audience, deserved. It was shocking, but not surprising. The ending of Casablanca was surprising, but well set up. Answer your theme, whether overcoming fear in Jaws or conquering total self-regard in Casablanca, and you will have a great ending.
What is surprise? does it relate to the story ,or something you need to be important...That...is a common mistake...We weave worlds...We don't even understand them...but we automatically know...[if we are a writer and not the pretence...] what works...Have a look at CasaBlanca it had a cricket team available to write it...Guess who made sense of it...the Fucinatrasasleep Director...of course...[the sleepless night buck, stops here...No wonder he died young...] Take a pill...I will...[Just joking.]
Thanks Everyone! I love the thoughts! It's actually very sixth sense like and it would make sense lol. I think I will leave it for now and hold onto the idea until I have some readers give me feedback on the current form. Then I'll be able to discuss with them and have them read the second version.