The Flipping of the Hourglass

We liken the midpoint of the screenplay to an hourglass because it is at this point where we can literally find the story reversing itself as the hourglass is upturned - the sands of time flowing back - events mirrored - choices echoed. The falling action of the second half of your film will be a reflection of the rising action in the first but now much of the mystery has been cleared up. The route to the end is in sight, if still largely unattainable.

The midpoint is absolutely crucial to the dramatic success of your narrative. Very often this point in the story is constructed from a series of interconnecting events, realizations and decisions that will create a new trajectory for your story.

Here we will identify six key elements that make up the classic midpoint for a film narrative. We would suggest that including just one or two of these elements will lead to a weak and insubstantial story and including all six is a rarity but displays a robustness to a drama that will lead to a strong second half. Including three, four or five of these moments will be sufficient to display that you have created a Chosen One who is multi-faceted and a story which has breadth and depth.

The midpoint may make up a short moment in time, but it contains within it all the key elements upon which the second half of your feature film rests. So, let's take a look at those six elements:

1. I'M READY TO ADMIT

Here the Chosen One is able to drag something from the depths of their psyche that they have never admitted before. Something that is painful for them to come to terms with but something that the challenges within the Dark Forest have allowed them to at least begin to articulate.

2. THAT'S NOT WHAT I WANT

This is the point at which the Chosen One finally reveals something deep down inside, and their journey (momentarily) pivots away from their external goal and into an internal one which will address their conflicted nature. However, during this revelation they have not fully understood what it is that they are trying to do as they have not grown enough to explore it to the level that they need to and often it is an insincere attempt to deal with their overarching internal dilemma.

3. SING IT LOUD AND SING IT PROUD 

Act III showstopper is where the Chosen One stands centre stage and finally lets us know what this piece is actually about. During this moment a writer should give the audience an explicit indication of what the theme of the piece is and what they are trying to say with the work that they are producing.

4. THE EASY PLAN

Often this will be where a Chosen One believes that they have understood what their journey has been building to and believes that whatever action they are about to perform will be the thing which allows them to earn their Happily Ever After. However, whatever it is that they do is an action that is an echo of their former selves and ultimately only makes things worse for our Chosen One. They are still conflicted and are yet to overcome that part of their identity.

5. I HOPE I PACKED A PARACHUTE

Whatever your Chose One does at this point in the narrative it is akin to them being thrown out of a plane. We move from discussing the rising action of the story to the falling action. They now have to spend the remainder of their time in the Dark Forest deciding when they are going to pull the ripcord. Too early, and it will not be a thrilling enough narrative. Too late and...well...

6. YOU CAN'T PUT IT BACK IN THE BOTTLE

This moment represents a finality for your Chosen One which is impossible for them to take back. They can regret what has gone before, and if this is a prestige dramatic arc they certainly should be on the verge of tears. However, they have to realize that their world has irrevocably changed, and they now need to pick themselves up and get on with their lives.

Here, then, we have six distinct iterations of a midpoint moment - a moment of self-reflection or self-realization that will turn the story on its head and send your Chosen One hurtling towards their final act.