Reversing the Screenwriting Process: An Explanation and Its Implications
In the world of screenwriting, a strategic technique known as reverse plotting is gaining popularity among professionals. This approach involves starting with the ending and mapping out the screenplay in reverse, ensuring that every scene, character action, and plot point is purposefully aligned to lead to a satisfying and coherent conclusion.
By anchoring the entire script to a known ending, reverse plotting fosters stronger narrative purpose, tighter structure, and meaningful connections between scenes. It clarifies character arcs and plot causality, encouraging precision and eliminating unnecessary scenes, creating a tighter, more focused narrative.
Prominent filmmakers, such as the Coen Brothers, have used a similar "reverse-engineering" method, which distinguishes their storytelling by crafting complex but clear narrative structures. This method allows writers to intentionally place clues, obstacles, and developments that echo the ending throughout the story, enhancing thematic cohesion.
Eric Roth, in scripts like Forrest Gump, reverse engineers from the final message or transformative moment and fills every space with purpose. This approach benefits not only the main plot but also supporting characters' arcs and subplot resolutions.
Reverse plotting gives you the disciplined method trusted by pros and the edge to develop scripts at industry speed. However, it's essential to remember that scenes risk feeling forced if not revisited and revised. Iteration is key to avoiding this.
Clarity and control from page one are achieved by grabbing the climax and using it as a bullseye. Practical tools for working backwards include bullet lists, index cards, digital outlining software, and Q&A workshopping.
Endings can evolve during the drafting process, so staying flexible is important. If you want focused stories, bigger emotional impact, and smoother collaboration, challenge yourself: Draft your next climax first. Then work backward.
Greenlight Coverage tools are here to elevate each draft and help you reach your next level faster and smarter. Masterclass case studies of reverse-engineered screenplays include Memento, Jaws, and Rocky.
In summary, reverse plotting is a strategic technique that improves storytelling by anchoring the entire script to a known ending, fostering stronger narrative purpose, tighter structure, and meaningful connections between scenes. If you're looking to improve your screenwriting skills, consider giving reverse plotting a try.
- Reverse plotting can also be beneficial in other areas of writing, such as lifestyle articles, where it can help ensure a coherent and purposeful flow of ideas, from a captivating conclusion back to the opening paragraphs.
- For instance, a fashion-and-beauty blog post about the latest trends in haute couture could employ reverse plotting, starting with the grand finale design and working backwards to discuss the inspiration, processes, and details that led to that design's creation.
- Similarly, a food-and-drink blog about the culinary traditions of a specific region might employ reverse plotting, beginning with an iconic, timeless dish and delving into the history, techniques, and ingredients that have shaped its development over time.
- In the realm of home-and-garden magazines, a feature on a beautifully landscaped garden might follow a reverse plotting structure, starting with the finished garden and describing the design process, choices, and challenges that led to the final visually stunning result.
