Week 1 Day 3: The “Right Characters” for this story! –THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE

[Nora B Anderson]

I think the main insight for me is similar to the second insight from yesterday: following the characters’ arc, change in mood from – in the case of Junah -from dejection and distrust to awe, and for Bagger from so cheery and yet probing to a teacher’s confidence and gravity. It’s ironic, too, how Junah makes the comment about the dance, when the two of them have been dancing around the golf balls since the scene started. I will re-think my characters’ dialogue because the dialogue here is so beautifully interwoven.

[Judith Watson]

Yah, I finally had an insight. The use of time of day in this scene is very effective. Jonah, in complete darkness can be a metaphor for his state of being. Beggar coming out of the darkness, is bringing light. Beggar traits?: empathetic, supportive, wise, and mysterious. Jonah traits?: talented, determined, generous shown in offering Baggar food, and envious. There seem like the right characters in that Jonah is lost and Baggar comes along and helps him out of his depression in a kind and inspiring way.

[Sherry Miller]

What is the drama? Surroundings, first of all, are dark. As audience, we’re squinting. This setting is exactly where Junuh is in life. Depressed, an-almost famous golfer, who experienced World War !, and came home, disallusioned. He’s now hitting ball after ball over and over, making me wonder if he wants to return to golf and at same time, letting out frustrations and resentment about how his life went. He must dream of that or he wouldn’t be there. And he’s also feels a little obligation to help save the Golf Course, but not as one of the competitors at this time. Unsure, so doing it in the dark. Then along comes Baggar Vance to disrupt everything. More drama. Who is this guy walking around in the dark? A sense of something magical yet practical and possibly spiritual. Baggar begins to chide, egg on, as if presenting a challenge. Perhaps trying to spark competive spirit in Junuh. A little comic the way he says things. “Figured the way you was hittin’ them balls, I was out of harm’s way,” he says after Junuh states he could’ve killed him with a golf ball. Many other sayings follow, “Man’s grip on his club is a man’s grip on the world.” More drama as Baggar keeps asking silly little questions and decided to hang around and take up offer of eating. Seems Junuh is dismayed at his constant presence. Baggar offers that all he needs is to find his “swing” again and then Junuh hits one and Baggar says he hadn’t seen anyone hit a ball like that since championship in 1916. A breakthrough: This is when Junuh takes notice, eyes Baggar with suspicion. And the magic begins. The comeback, finding life meaningful again begins. I do appreciate this scene. However, I saw this movie many years ago and remember not being as enthusiastic about it as a whole. Maybe Vance had too many inspirational quotes to say throughout. I wanted to see Junuh’s character take those to his limit. Maybe I’m not as much of a golf fan. Maybe I need to see it again. The movie’s great but, at the time, I didn’t think it ranked as top notch. “Heaven Can Wait” got many of the same messages across and it was ,more interesting.
However, this scene encouraged me to take my novel to a higher level. Matttie carries a mojo bag she believes is magical to help her through her turmoil. I will make those scenes more interesting so she really feels the magic.

[Judith Watson]

Hi Sherry, Please send me your email and scene at cinemaself1@aol.com and I will send you mind. thanks for sharing. best, Judith

[Rebecca Sukle]

Rebecca’s Right Character for the Story

What drama was this scene built around?  Junah, hiding his wounds in darkness like trying to regain his lost swing. Hope coming from darkness with the arrival of the mysterious Bagger Vance, the best caddy and teacher to help Junah with more than his swings.
What traits showed up in these two character’s words and actions? Junah shows his mental problems by continuing to hit bad shots. He practices at night to hide his problem. Baggers opening dialog, that he didn’t worry about getting hit by Junah’s poor shots, showed his expertise in golf. Bagger, in his folksy way, points out the emotional and physical connection in golf. His calming tone and continued conversation provides the needed mental distraction allowing Junah to hit a long straight ball, hope restored.
Breakthroughs about what makes this character great from a writing perspective. Junah, talented with a bright future, returns from war a broken man with many issues other than his swing. Bagger the mystery golf expert creates many questions that keeps the viewer engaged. Great character introduction.
Breakthrough from other writers comments: how the scene setting set the mood of the story and the journey about to begin. It also provided a dramatic character introduction for Bagger, an angel out the darkness who brings light and wisdom to help Junah out of his slump. Thank you Judith.

I learned that by changing the setting description to enhance the mood conveyed by action and dialog upped the drama of the scene with fewer words needed. I plan to look through my script and do the same in other places.