Unlocking the Secrets to Insanely Great Endings in Screenwriting

Crafting an Unforgettable Climax in Your Screenplay

Every aspiring screenwriter dreams of penning a screenplay that captivates audiences from start to finish. However, achieving an insanely great ending—one that leaves viewers in awe and admiration—is often one of the most challenging aspects of screenwriting. Through the lens of acclaimed films like Star Wars, The Graduate, and Little Miss Sunshine, we can uncover the narrative mechanics that contribute to their memorable climaxes. This article aims to guide you through the process of crafting a screenplay that not only engages but also profoundly moves your audience.

The Foundation of a Great Ending

The key to a great ending lies in the seamless integration of three sets of stakes: external, internal, and philosophical. Each of these plays a crucial role in building up to a climax that is not just surprising and positive, but deeply meaningful as well.

External Stakes involve the tangible outcomes or goals the protagonist is striving towards. Whether it's saving the rebellion in Star Wars, Benjamin Braddock's future in The Graduate, or Olive Hoover's performance in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant, these stakes are clear and present throughout the narrative.

Internal Stakes delve into the emotional journey of the characters. Luke Skywalker's destiny, Ben's connection with Elaine, and Olive's relationship with her father in Little Miss Sunshine represent the emotional stakes that add depth to the narrative.

Philosophical Stakes explore the underlying values or themes at play. This involves a conflict between dominant and underdog values, such as democracy versus empire in Star Wars, individual feelings versus societal expectations in The Graduate, and authenticity versus superficial success in Little Miss Sunshine.

The Climactic Formula: From Despair to Triumph

A compelling climax follows a specific structure that leads the protagonist from a moment of despair to a triumphant reversal. This involves:

1. The Second Act Break Reversal: The protagonist achieves their second act goal but faces a new crisis that threatens the global goal.
2. The Act Three Drive: A series of setbacks push the protagonist towards a moment of despair, where all seems lost.
3. The Kamikaze Moment of Commitment: The protagonist makes a crucial decision based on the mentor's underdog values.
4. The Moment of Despair: It appears the protagonist has failed on all fronts.
5. The Decisive Act: A meaningful action that embodies the underdog values, leading to a rapid reversal of fortunes.

Lessons from the Masters

• In Star Wars, Luke Skywalker's decision to trust the Force over technology results in the destruction of the Death Star, affirming the values of faith and community.
• In The Graduate, Ben's defiant cry of