“Tick Tock, John Matrix!”
When it comes to crafting a compelling screenplay, the element of time can be a powerful tool. Introducing a countdown or timed pressure adds a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps the audience engaged.
“You mean like in COMMANDO when Arnold only had until the plane he was supposed to be on landed and his Who’s The Boss daughter would die? Tick Tock, John Matrix!!!” Jeph Loeb
That’s right, Jeph. Whether it's a bomb ticking down, a looming deadline, or the time-sensitive quest of Commando Arnie to save his daughter from kidnappers, putting a clock on critical story elements can raise the stakes and drive your narrative. Let’s take a look at Jeph’s example:
In the film "Commando," (1985), Arnold Schwarzenegger plays the role of John Matrix, a retired Special Forces colonel. The story begins when John's daughter is kidnapped by a group of mercenaries led by Arius. The main plot point that introduces the element of time is the fact that Arius gives John a deadline to assassinate a South American president if he wants to save his daughter's life.
This sets up a ticking clock scenario for John, as he only has a limited amount of time to track down the president and carry out the mission. Throughout the movie, there are constant reminders of the time limit, heightening the sense of urgency and adding tension to the story. As the deadline approaches, John faces numerous obstacles and engages in intense action sequences to accomplish his goal. John Matrix: “Remember when I said I’d kill you last? I lied!”
Adding Stakes and Tension
The looming sense of urgency creates a heightened emotional state for both the characters and the audience. As the clock ticks away, the pressure intensifies, driving the characters to take action and make difficult choices.
Consider the film "Speed" (1994), where a bomb is set to explode if the bus's speed drops below 50 miles per hour. This countdown creates an immediate sense of danger and establishes high stakes. The characters are forced to think on their feet, constantly on the edge of their seats as they navigate the intense situation. The ticking clock becomes a central driving force in the story, heightening the tension and keeping viewers hooked until the final moments.
Another example is the TV series "24" (2001-2010), which unfolds in real-time over 24 episodes, with each episode representing one hour in the protagonist's day. The time constraint creates a palpable sense of urgency and places immense pressure on the characters to act quickly. The constant reminder of the ticking clock adds a layer of tension that drives the narrative forward and keeps the audience invested in the outcome.
By incorporating a countdown or time limit in your screenplay, you establish a time-bound challenge that propels the story and creates a sense of urgency.
Enhancing Character Motivation
A ticking clock in your screenplay can also serve as a powerful motivator for your characters. When faced with a limited amount of time, characters are forced to prioritize, make tough decisions, and push themselves to their limits. The urgency created by the countdown ignites their inner drive, revealing their true motivations and pushing them beyond their comfort zones.
In the film "Back to the Future" (1985), the iconic time-travel adventure, the protagonist Marty McFly is racing against the clock to ensure his parents fall in love before he is erased from existence. The impending disappearance of his own existence creates a personal deadline that gives Marty a clear and compelling motivation to take risks and navigate through obstacles. The ticking clock heightens the emotional stakes and drives Marty's actions throughout the story.
Another example can be found in the TV series "Breaking Bad" (2008-2013), where the main character, Walter White, is diagnosed with terminal cancer. With a limited amount of time left to secure his family's financial future, Walter is driven to enter the dangerous world of drug manufacturing and distribution. The countdown of his remaining days fuels his transformation from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a ruthless criminal mastermind. The ticking clock becomes the driving force behind Walter's choices and actions, highlighting his desperation and determination.
A ticking clock not only enhances their motivation but also provides a powerful tool for character development. The pressure of time pushes your characters to confront their fears, make difficult decisions, and ultimately evolve throughout the course of the story. It allows you to explore their true selves as they navigate against the clock, making choices that reveal their strengths, weaknesses, and the depths of their desires.
Raising the Stakes and Building Suspense
A ticking clock creates a sense of impending doom or a race against time, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats and invested in the outcome of the story.
In "Speed" (1994), when the countdown begins, the stakes are instantly raised as the main characters must find a way to keep the bus moving and rescue the passengers before the timer reaches zero. The constant threat of an explosion keeps the audience engaged.
In the heist thriller "Ocean's Eleven" (2001), a team of skilled criminals has a limited window of opportunity to execute a complex casino robbery. The clock is ticking as they face various obstacles and challenges, heightening the tension and building suspense. The audience is captivated by the race against time and eagerly anticipates the outcome of the heist.
A ticking clock creates a sense of urgency that intensifies the overall tension of your story. It keeps the audience guessing, wondering if the characters will succeed or face dire consequences. The countdown drives the narrative forward, keeping viewers engaged until the very end.
A ticking clock can also provide a natural structure to your screenplay, as it sets clear time-related goals and milestones for the characters. It helps to maintain a steady pace and prevent the story from becoming stagnant. The ever-present deadline creates a sense of forward momentum and ensures that each scene serves a purpose in the race against time.
Creative Applications
The use of a ticking clock extends beyond the realm of action thrillers or heist films. It can be applied to various genres and storylines, providing a unique twist and adding an element of suspense. Here are a few creative applications of a ticking clock in different genres:
Romantic Comedy: In the romantic comedy "The Proposal" (2009), the main characters face a deadline for getting married in order to avoid deportation. The impending immigration deadline serves as a ticking clock, pushing the characters to embark on a fake engagement and navigate a series of humorous obstacles before they realize their true feelings for each other.
Science Fiction: In the science fiction film "Interstellar" (2014), a team of astronauts embarks on a space mission to find a new habitable planet for humanity. The ticking clock comes in the form of time dilation, where the crew faces the challenge of time passing differently depending on proximity to a black hole. The time limit they have to find a solution adds tension and urgency.
Psychological Thriller: In the psychological thriller "Gone Girl" (2014), the main character's wife goes missing, and a countdown begins as the evidence starts pointing towards the husband as the prime suspect. With the police closing in and public opinion turning against him, the protagonist must unravel the truth before he is arrested for a crime he didn't commit.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of incorporating a ticking clock in storytelling. It can add depth and complexity to characters, drive the plot forward, and keep the audience engaged and invested in the outcome. By leveraging the element of time, you can create a sense of urgency that propels the narrative and enhances the emotional impact of your screenplay.
Remember, the ticking clock is not just a plot device; it also serves as a catalyst for character growth and development. The pressure of time forces your characters to make difficult choices, face their fears, and take action. It reveals their true nature and drives their motivations, leading to transformation and growth.
Whether it's a race against the clock, a looming deadline, or a time-sensitive challenge, find ways to heighten the stakes and keep your audience on the edge of their seats. Adapt and innovate, putting your own unique twist on this technique to surprise and captivate your audience.
Now set that desktop egg timer and see how many words you can generate before that airplane lands and the mercenaries realize John Matrix isn’t onboard! Alyssa Milano might not make it to “Who’s the Boss?”
