Haley Bartels, a distinguished screenwriter based in Los Angeles and honored as a 2021 Academy Nicholl Fellow, is on track to debut her first feature film, a haunting indie called “The Great God Pan”, in collaboration with Nightshade Pictures by 2023. Meanwhile, her Nicholl-acclaimed script, “Pumping Black”, is in the works. In this discussion, she dives deep into a pivotal element in screenwriting: The midpoint reversal. Unsure what that means? Dive in…
Navigating the intricacies of the “midpoint” in a script is no small task. Pose the question to ten screenwriters, and you’re likely to hear ten diverse interpretations of its essence and significance. Many label it “the point of no return,” while others ambiguously term it “a major plot point.” But what does that truly entail? And how does it assist a writer?
The world of screenwriting, especially in the realms of social media like Twitter, is rife with loud voices proclaiming the “must-haves” for your script’s midpoint.
However, I don’t aim to impose such absolutes. My goal here is to share my perspective on the midpoint, reminding you that there’s room for deviation if the quality stands. For instance, the acclaimed movie “Parasite” nails its midpoint, but it might not fit the mold I’m about to describe. As the legendary William Goldman aptly said, “Nobody knows anything.”
That said, let’s get to the crux of what a midpoint must achieve. Failure here might spell disaster for your script.
Let’s clarify: I’m referring to films with a conventional character-arc structure, where a protagonist’s desires propel them on a voyage that makes them face their shortcomings, culminating in the learning moment that helps them surmount these flaws. Think classic “desire versus necessity” narratives.
(If your muse is directing you toward a Jodorowsky-style narrative, well, I respect your audacity, but my insights might not serve you well.)
Enter “Finding Nemo” as our case study. Yes, it’s a mainstream pick, but its structural brilliance cannot be understated. Ever passionately raved about its impeccable beats at a social gathering? Can’t say I have either.
But to appreciate why “Finding Nemo” is a masterclass in midpoints, it’s essential to grasp Marlin’s character progression. Throughout the movie, Marlin’s journey from a life governed by fear to one steered by trust is evident. His relentless quest to find Nemo compels him to face his fears, thereby understanding the significance of relinquishing control and having faith that Nemo will be alright.
The midpoint of “Finding Nemo” is where the narrative’s brilliance truly shines, serving not just as a mere plot development but as a cornerstone of Marlin’s transformation. This is where Marlin’s fear meets his burgeoning trust. In the film’s first half, he’s in constant flight from perceived threats, but as the story unfolds, he starts to embrace trust, evident in the iconic “Belly of the Whale” scene.
So, what sets the stage for this pivotal midpoint? It’s where Marlin’s inherent fear clashes with the emerging sentiment of trust. A memorable midpoint illustrates the protagonist’s realization of how their inherent flaws hinder them and offers a vision of a life devoid of those imperfections.
In “Finding Nemo”, Marlin’s reluctance to rely on Dory leads to her getting injured by jellyfish. Yet, the film doesn’t just spotlight the consequences of Marlin’s flaws. He witnesses a potential alternative life through the bond between the sea turtle, Crush, and his son, Squirt, exemplifying a healthy, trust-driven relationship. This encounter forces Marlin to reflect on his overprotectiveness and its impact on Nemo’s childhood experiences.
But remember, this realization doesn’t mean the protagonist embodies these lessons instantly; the narrative still has to unfold. While a surprising plot twist is alluring, the most impactful midpoints often focus more on a shift in the protagonist’s mindset than on the plot. Achieve this emotional transition, and you’re on the right path.
If this viewpoint doesn’t resonate with you, well, there are plenty of other screenwriters out there. Seek them out; one of us is bound to have the answers you’re looking for.