Day 5: Character Ending – RUDY

[Robert Kerr]

Bob Kerr

Insights: The real power of this film is it is based on actual events.

Breakthrough: As my script is based on actual events, I see opportunities to expand the ending and make it even more effective.

First Time Viewing:

Fitting ending based on who they have been: Rudy’s journey has grown from being an undersized, academically lacking aspirant to play for Notre Dame. No matter what obstacles he has to overcome, Rudy endures hardships, sacrifices and the physical abuse of being fodder as a member of the scout team to earning the respect and support of his teammates, the student body and ultimately the coaches.

They experience the end in their own unique way:

Rudy finally gets on the field and he has to get permission to stay on the field despite the game being out of reach for the opponent. He is the ultimate team player.

This brings their journey to a conclusion:

This is Rudy’s last opportunity to play. With the support and belief of his teammates, he fulfills a lifetime dream and even makes a tackle for a loss. Rudy is carried off the field by his teammates and there is not more fitting ending to Rudy’s journey.

Second Time Viewing:

What makes the characters engaging?

In major college football, regardless of the era, somebody the size of Rudy, would never make the field of play. Rudy’s heart earns him the respect, admiration and support of all the fans, coaches and players. His heart wins them over and he gets to live out a lifelong goal. He is in the stat sheet of a Notre Dame game. He leaves his mark.

How do they express their profile?

Rudy’s actions, while the fans and teammates are chanting his name,is one of surprise and awe. This is the reality of his journey. One of awe and surprise that the even gets admitted to Notre Dame, much less gets on the practice squad. The shots of the crowd, Rudy’s parents, Rudy’s best friend all drive home how deeply loved Rudy is among the people who love a big heart.

Where do you see character depth in this scene?

Rudy changes and becomes an aggressive football payer who gets a sack. The head coach has to change from his conservative approach to ending the game and allow Rudy in the game. The theme is give the “little guy” a shot at immortality.

[Joan Butler]

Rudy, the underdog who has won the hearts of the fans, is the star of the football game. It is something he has always dreamed about. Now that his dream has come true, the movie can end.

Wound: He is too small to play football.

Living the future: At the start of the scene, Rudy is dressed to play even though he doesn’t expect to.

We see Rudy’s depth through the eyes of his team, the coach, and his fans. They admire him and want him to succeed.

This is a great character because Rudy is the humble underdog with heart and hope. The audience finds him easy to root for.

[Mi Lock]

1st watch: How does the character accomplish the following:

– Fitting ending based upon who they have been:

I haven’t watched the movie so according to the synopsis, Rudy went through a lot of obstacles (including the lack of money to study and his physical stature) and rejection but he never gave up on his dream to become a football player for Notre Dame. He worked very hard and has played in practice with more heart than any other player. In that scene, he achieves his dream.

– They experience the end in their own unique way:

First, Rudy gets the support from all his teammates and the fans who heard about his story start to chant “Rudy” in the stadium to get him on the field. When he gets the chance to play, he runs to the field cheered up and shows gratitude, he also shows his skills and succeeds to stop an opponent. He then get carried off the field on his teammates’ shoulders with the cheers of all the audience. That’s a beautiful victory!

– This brings their journey to a conclusion:

Rudy achieved his dream by finally getting a chance to play a game in his dream team and he also proved he was a great football player by stopping a quarterback from the opponent team. His teammates and the audience all cheer him up, he ends that journey with victory at a very high level.

2nd watch:

– What makes these characters engaging?

Knowing what he went through and how nice he seems to be, we can only root for him and hope he can achieve his dream.

He seems really loved by his teammates and coach (except for one coach). Rudy is amazed and surprised by all the support of the audience who chants his name.

His teammates even plan to mark so they can bring Rudy on the field. I love the moment when a teammate touches Rudy’s helmet with so much affection.

He proves that everyone should follow their dreams whatever the obstacles are, it’s so inspiring.

– How are they expressing their profile?

– Traits: Rudy looks grateful, hopeful, generous, caring and kind.

– Living into their future: He’s achieving his dream of being a football player for Notre Dame.
Right character: He began his journey with many handicaps including the lack of physical stature that is usually required to become a football player (he’s way smaller) and he didn’t have the money to study in that college. He is the regular guy whose dream seems impossible to reach but he will fight for it. <div>

– Secret and reveal: In the plot I read, his best friend got killed in a mill explosion, therefore bringing fire to Rudy to not give up on his dream.
Wounds: he’s been rejected several times because of his physical stature, his dyslexia, lack of grade and money.

– Where do you see character depth in this scene?

Rudy is a multi-layered character. He’s always dreamt of being a football player and at the same time, when he gets on the field and there’s one last game, he runs to his coach asking “what do I do?” like if he didn’t belong. So he still has self-doubt at that specific moment but then he shows he can actually be a great player.

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• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by  Mi Lock.

[Lynn Vincentnathan]

WATCH 1ST TIME FOR:

HOW DOES THE CHARACTER ACCOMPLISH THE FOLLOWING:

–FITTING ENDING BASED UPON WHO THEY HAVE BEEN. With others shouting “Rudy,” Rudy finally gets to play, and does a good job tackling the opponent, helping to win the game.

–THEY EXPERIENCE THE END IN THEIR OWN UNIQUE WAY. He’s not sure at first, waits for the coach’s signal to go ahead, then gives it his all.

–THIS BRINGS THEIR JOURNEY TO A CONCLUSION. Rudy finally realizes his dream of playing football for Notre Dame, which also got him into a lot of other great things in life, like going to Notre Dame.

WATCH 2ND TIME FOR:

WHAT MAKES THESE CHARACTERS ENGAGING? Coach is tough and opposing, other teammate just wants to score for Rudy, but others are cheering for him. Rudy himself doesn’t seem to expect to play, though he is dressed for it, and is surprised when the call him into the game, then gives it his all.

HOW ARE THEY EXPRESSING THEIR PROFILE? Though short and not expected to do well, he is determined and forges on ahead.

WHERE DO YOU SEE CHARACTER DEPTH IN THIS SCENE? Doesn’t seem upset being left on sidelines, but does his best then they all call upon him. He is very well loved by all, which means he must have won them over during the story.

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WHAT MAKES THIS CHARACTER GREAT FROM A WRITING PERSPECTIVE?

Someone obviously not built for football, yet persists. And it seems his persistence inspires many others.

SIDENOTE: My parents went many times to the USC-Notre Dame game in LA, and took us there once. They always rooted for USC, being Californians.