James Hayden
Forum Replies Created
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BAGGER CONT. Pre – Postitis!
My Breakthrough moment is in the dialogue’s seamless hint of Bagger being some sort of mythical character with insight into Junah. His introduction in the night, out of the shadows, self-possessed with confidence and ability, provides intrigue and mystery. I don’t recall if the writer ever addresses Bagger’s otherwordly persona. I do recall feeling satisfied that there was a bit of an open-ended resolution to allow for a bit of self-interpretation. In other words, the writer respected the viewer’s intellect and didn’t bludgeon us with one-the-nose dialogue or exposition.
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Junah’s flaw is his inability to reconcile the past and move on. He hasn’t considered his past defeat or disappointments as a golfer. The writer’s approach to golf is an analogy for life and Bagger serves as the perfect character to help Junah begin to see, learn and trust this process.
Junah is defeated and afraid to relive his past pain and heartbreak. He also is unhappy for this same reason.
Junah is curious as to who Bagger is and whether or not he is credible. Offering or demanding that Bagger show him his swing gives Junah a better understanding as to whether this figure, who appears out of the dark, is worthy of any more of his time. This is especially telling and important considering the fact that they are in the South during the height of Jim Crow. Junah’s willingness to accept Bagger’s advice, jabs, philosophy, and eventual credibility potentially speaks to his lack of racial bias and open-mindedness.
Bagger almost immediately speaks about golf and a player’s approach toward golf in philosophical, poetic, and reverential terms. His language seems to resonate with Junah, and all at once, for the viewer/reader and Junah, we are swept up in the majesty of the game from a deeply personal and introspective manner.
This scene is yet another example of knowing your character’s future. The audience instantly can feel these two will forge an alliance and compete in the tournament, which is a perfect pathway for Junah’s heroic journey.
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Insight – This is one of the best examples of exposition! I love this movie, and this scene is masterfully written to perfection. Once the dialogue takes hold, I found myself wanting more and more exposition. Sarah’s reaction to the exposition is brilliant. She rejects the future characterizations of a transformed hero. Kyle is reverential and willing to warm her from the cold, all the while, he is shot and bleeding and comforts her when she, in turn, is concerned for him.
BREAKTHROUGH – Kyle is her trainer and the first example of what a hero is, and sets Sarah on the path to becoming a hero. Sarah, even though she is cold, frightened, and still somewhat skeptical, has actually already begun to walk down the hero’s journey in this scene. This is also a very necessary scene where we see Kyle’s strength and vulnerability at the same time. He is shot bought doesn’t care. He is humble and servile yet brave and heroic. This scene plays well because the traits each possess are in perfect alignment with where he came from and where she is headed – tremendous juxtaposition! This also is the beginning of their fated love story and the eventual revelation of why Kyle was actually chosen to go back in time, even though he believes he volunteered!
I’m eager to approach my scenes with this level of clarity and intent.
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What I learned is that Good Will Hunting is no different than Rocky or any other underdog script. I was rooting for this janitor, willing to take up for his friends and take down the bully or the antagonist. I wanted him to cleverly one-up the pompous Grad student. I am now trying to apply the everyman that has a special gift, however big or small, and uses it to fight for others. I felt the emotional connection and overlooked the preachy dialogue (no slight on the dialogue).
My breakthrough moment was recognizing how charming the scene opening lulls you into secretly hoping that Ben Affleck’s character actually pulls off his romantic pursuit. He is charmingly full of crap and brave enough to lie his way into a conversation with the ladies at the bar. Once he is attacked in over his head, our hero rides in to rescue his buddy. Heroism, bravery, charming, and innocent pursuit, the scene made me feel for the nobility of traits. in each character
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What I learned is that a well-thought-out scene requires a thorough understanding of perspective and personality traits, and in the case of The Devil Wears Prada, the breakthrough moment was the subtle actions of Miranda as she refocused her anxiety toward Andy, yet continued to multitask as any high functioning Alpha lioness would. Her character literally exudes perfection, so much so and to the extent that brilliant choices appear to be reflex reactions. The firm establishment of the hierarchal group dynamic makes this scene even more potent as Andy’s friend waits in the background and offers a disapproving SMH (SHAKING MY HEAD) moment that only Andy can see. It further validates her fish-out-of-water crisis moment. I find it ironically satisfying that Miranda is the Devil that wears Prada and behaves as any good Cult-like figure would. Singularly focused, charismatic, insatiably dissatisfied with everyone, brilliant and razor-sharp at reestablishing herself as the ALPHA.
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i agree to the terms of this release form.
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Hi Everyone. I am Patrick Hayden. I am excited to take part in this class and hope that everyone learns and grows from this experience. I have been writing for many years and have completed seven feature spec scripts and two episodic scripts for television. I am looking for opportunities to refine my craft and would like to enhance my awareness of how and why choices a writer makes increase the viewer/reader’s immersive experience. I live in Los Angeles and enjoy a very active lifestyle. I am married and have three children. I have recently retired from the Fire Department (LAFD) after 33 years of service.
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I love your attention to detail in this assignment. I’m sure it shows in your screenwriting. Well done!
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Your post resonates with me. I aspire to be bold, and feel that is the whole point of storytelling.
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THANK YOU! You bring a lot of enthusiasm, humor, and engagement. So I’m sure you will rise to the intensity and dramatic soon enough! I look forward to our interactions and may take you up on your offer.
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loss
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RIP and Welcome to the group Nick. Your friend missed out on a great origin story!!! His lost.