So on today's Scriptnotes John and Craig talked about coincidences. Basically, the gist of it was that you're generally fine with one coincidence. Any more than that, and it begins to look like divine intervention, or at the very least, it looks like everything is planned out beyond the character's control.
(Correct me of I'm summarizing anything wrong, Craig)
However, John mentioned he likes to see lucky villains. And I do too. My personal view is that coincidences that create more conflict are far easier to forgive than coincidences that resolve or alleviate conflict. We can all relate to a day where everything goes wrong. Days where everything goes right are rarer, and frankly, not very interesting to an audience.
Craig I'd be curious if when you suggested one major coincidence, you meant a beneficial one? Such as your cash example in Boogie Nights. Or do you think that too many negative coincidences are bad storytelling as well?
When I was thinking about this stuff, Pulp Fiction came to mind. It's full of coincidences that, for the most part, put the characters through hell. I think the movie is stronger because of it.
Butch and Marcellus just happen to cross paths at the right time.
They just happen to enter a pawnshop owned and operated by rapists.
Vince happens to use the bathroom at the wrong time.
Mia happens to take the wrong bag.
The couple happens to rob a diner where two hit-men are eating (you could argue this benefits the couple, but with the timeline, it hurts Vince in the long run)
I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks. It's a fascinating topic.
(Correct me of I'm summarizing anything wrong, Craig)
However, John mentioned he likes to see lucky villains. And I do too. My personal view is that coincidences that create more conflict are far easier to forgive than coincidences that resolve or alleviate conflict. We can all relate to a day where everything goes wrong. Days where everything goes right are rarer, and frankly, not very interesting to an audience.
Craig I'd be curious if when you suggested one major coincidence, you meant a beneficial one? Such as your cash example in Boogie Nights. Or do you think that too many negative coincidences are bad storytelling as well?
When I was thinking about this stuff, Pulp Fiction came to mind. It's full of coincidences that, for the most part, put the characters through hell. I think the movie is stronger because of it.
Butch and Marcellus just happen to cross paths at the right time.
They just happen to enter a pawnshop owned and operated by rapists.
Vince happens to use the bathroom at the wrong time.
Mia happens to take the wrong bag.
The couple happens to rob a diner where two hit-men are eating (you could argue this benefits the couple, but with the timeline, it hurts Vince in the long run)
I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks. It's a fascinating topic.
Comment