I've recently been using the 8 Sequence theory, made popular by the late screenwriting tutor,
Frank Daniel. While I never like to adhere to one train of though on these matters, I've been finding it incredibly useful and is a real boost when dealing with the dangers of Act 2. My current project, which I'm expanding from outline to longer treatment right now, has benefited from it and I thought I'd try a simple experiment of applying the 8 Act structure to a film I know well. I have to emphasise that this is a
very simple application.
If you're using a 3 act structure, this can be applied. Each of your 3 acts is broken down, Act 1 into 2 sequences; Act 2 into 4 sequences; Act 3 into 2 sequences.
Essentially, it boils down to a problem, or want/desire, gives us a complication to get in the way of achieving that goal and then resolves the problem. Screenwriting 101, frankly. But the most important thing is that the resolution must propel the story further on. It has to not only solve what has gone before (or not, as the case may be) but also serve to set up more complications. To quote a screenwriter (
Aline Brosh McKenna) I recently read on writing, "you want your movies to have a 'because' between each of your scenes and not an 'and then' between them".
In short, each bit of a story has to set up the next; a logical progression of flow. Of course, this story propulsion must be applied to any technique of screenwriting (or dramatic writing of any type) unless you deliberately want to go for an episodic structure. From 3 Act to anything else, but even then I try to let things become organic in my head and not stick slavishly to a template. Some people complain about screenwriting theory and say it is damaging to true creativity but I disagree. Just don't let it rule what you right.
I picked
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as its structure has stood out to me, even when I was a kid. One of the things I discovered is that it tends to shift location with each new sequence. I think it's an easy way to start making sense of the theory.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in Eight Sequences
Sequence 1 – Young Indy
Problem:
Young Indy steals the Cross of Coronado from treasure thieves.
Complicated
by: Indy must escape from the pursuing thieves.
Resolution:
The thieves retain the Cross of Coronado. Indy gets his hat and scar and his path in life is set.
Sequence 2 – Donovan and The Grail Quest
Problem: Walter Donovan wants Indy to help him find
the Holy Grail.
Complicated
by: Indy’s father, Henry, has disappeared looking for the Grail.
Resolution:
Indy goes in search of Henry.
Sequence 3
- Venice
Problem:
Indy, Marcus and Elsa look for the second marker on the trail of the Grail.
Complicated
by: The Brotherhood of the Cruciform Sword, led by Kazim, tries to kill Indy.
Resolution:
The second marker is found and Kazim tells Indy where Henry is being held.
Sequence 4
- Austria
Problem: Indy
searches the castle for his Dad.
Complicated
by: Elsa is a traitor, the Grail diary is taken and Indy is captured.
Resolution:
Indy escapes the castle with Henry via motorbike chase.
Sequence 5
- Germany
Problem: Indy
and Henry must find Marcus as he has the map.
Complicated
by: They still need the Grail Diary, now in the hands of the Nazis in Berlin.
Resolution:
Indy and Henry escape Germany with the Diary aboard a zeppelin.
Sequence 6
– Keeping up with the Joneses / Turkey
Problem: Indy
and Henry have been detected aboard the zeppelin and must get to Sallah in
Iskenderun.
Complicated
by: German fighter planes are pursuing them and Indy has no bullets left.
Resolution:
Indy watches his father defeat the planes and sees value in his Father's knowledge.
Sequence 7
– Hatay / Tank Chase
Problem: Indy
must beat the Nazis to the location of the Grail using the map.
Complicated
by: The Nazis have the map and Indy’s father is captured.
Resolution:
Indy rescues Henry and Marcus. Henry realises he loves his son.
Sequence 8
– The Grail Temple
Problem:
Donovan and the Nazis have reached the final stage in the search for the Grail.
Complicated
by: Donovan shoots Henry, forcing Indy to endure the final tests of the Grail.
Resolution: Indy finds the Grail and heals his father
(relationship is also healed) and finally Henry lets the Grail go.
Many of the sequences, especially the latter ones, also end with an emotional beat as well, demonstrating one of the reasons Last Crusade is well regarded; it's not just a treasure hunt but a story about a father and son reconciling.
Like I said, simple stuff but it helps tremendously in the planning and outline stages, which is important to me.I may try this with other films and recommend it to others as a way of trying to make things a bit more ordered and coherent. And, like I also said, it's just one of many tools out there.
Increase your writing toolbox!
