Lecture Notes: Midpoint in Storytelling

Introduction

• Speaker: Jonathan Stokes
• Topic: The importance of the midpoint in storytelling.
• Key Idea: Midpoints mark a crucial turning point where characters can no longer revert to their former selves.

Midpoint Defined

• Christopher Vogler: Hero first flirts with thematic change.
• Sid Field: A moment of great emotion, often a reversal of fortune.
• Jonathan Stokes: Location of one of the biggest set pieces and a crucial transformation point.
• Michael Hogue: Calls it the "point of no return."

Examples in Films

• Jaws: After Brody's son is attacked, Brody must hire Quint to kill the shark, setting a clear goal.
• The Karate Kid: At midpoint, Daniel LaRusso moves from reactive to proactive, aiming for the All Valley Karate Championship.
• The Bourne Identity: Jason Bourne resolves to find Treadstone after a life-threatening fight.
• Die Hard: Bruce Willis realizes he must take action as the police can't be relied on.

Structural Insights

• Sid Field: First defined the structure and midpoint in 1979.
• Midpoint in Every Act
  • Act 1: Call to adventure often at midpoint (page 12.5 of a 100-page screenplay).
  • Act 3: Climax or resurrection often at midpoint.
• Practical Application
  • Use midpoint signposts to evaluate if a script is too scrawny or bloated.

Further Analysis

• 50% Mark vs. 55% Mark
  • Emotional turmoil occurs at 50% mark.
  • Realization of no return happens around 55% mark.
• Visualization Tools: Use of charts (e.g., baseball diamond, circle) to map the story.

Additional Film References

• Back to the Future: Marty McFly sets a plan to reunite his parents after a midpoint crisis.
• Castaway: Tom Hanks forms an escape plan after discovering a crucial item at midpoint.
• Legally Blonde: Elle Woods decides to get a big internship after a midpoint dispute.
• Rocky: Rocky prepares to fight Creed after realizing he must go forward.

Conclusion

• Key Takeaway: The midpoint is a line in the sand moment, propelling the hero forward.
• Call to Action: Structure your stories with a clear point of no return.