Action First, Script Later?
Attention, my shoot-from-the-hip Scribblers,
Today, we're blasting into a trend you've probably noticed in big-budget action franchises: crafting jaw-dropping action sequences before even penning the screenplay. It's a method embraced by franchises like Mission Impossible, Fast and Furious, Transformers, and 007. Let's press-check the pros and cons of this approach.
Tom Cruise scaling the Burj Khalifa or performing a HALO jump? Those stunts were conceptualized first, creating some destinations on the road map of the screenplay.
The wild car sequences that define the most recent additions to the Fast and Furious franchise came before the story. The result? A thrilling, if sometimes disjointed, narrative that strings together these adrenaline-fueled moments like a stream of suppressing fire from a SAW.
Michael Bay's spectacular Robotic Rumbles often start with the concept of mega-scale battles, around which the scribblers of record must fashion a plot.
This method has provided some of modern cinema's most unforgettable action scenes, pushing the boundaries of stunts, technology, and visual storytelling. These sequences deliver great trailers, drawing crowds with the promise of a must-see spectacle. But it’s not just about the visuals. An exciting action setpiece can lead to innovative and surprising plot developments.
But sometimes, by prioritizing the action, the narrative depth and character development can suffer, leaving the story feeling like a misfire. Without a flexible approach, this strategy can lead to a predictable structure, with the film randomly jumping from one set piece to another, like the spray and pray of Beirut Handshake.
These massive action sequences are expensive and logistically complex, which can limit attention to other areas of the film.
As screenwriters and storytellers, understanding the pros and cons of this approach offers a unique perspective on the craft. While most of us aren't writing for multi-million dollar action films, the principle of balancing spectacle with story is always target one. It challenges us to dig deep into our scribbler’s armory and think about how we can integrate the demands of the production without sacrificing narrative coherence.
Whether you're crafting a blockbuster where the car chase is king or a character-driven indie where production value is a force multiplier, weave those moments of spectacle seamlessly into the fabric of your story.
Remember, the best action sequences aren't just visually stunning; they're pivotal to the narrative, reveal character, reinforce the theme, and advance the plot.
My favorite example of this was F. Gary Gray’s Fast and the Furious Eight. Like Dom always says, “It’s about family.” In this flick, every setpiece supports that mantra. The characters are always racing to help someone they care about, making tactical swerves and taking curves to protect the people they love. Watch the flick with that top of mind, and you’ll see what I mean.
So, next time you lock and load to scribble that mind-blowing rooftop chase, parkour dash, or epic rock ‘em sock ‘em punchout, ask yourself: How can this nuclear explosion serve my story? How can this heist reveal character? How can this oncoming horde of enemies unleashing endless ammunition deepen the rooting interest of the audience?
The Director and Producer might have the power to set the flick’s priorities, but we scribblers have the skills to turn trailer-friendly spectacles into memorable emotional moments.
