Happy or tragical Ending

[Lalaith]

Hey!
I'm just ready with my screenplay but I always have problems with the ending. What do you think: Is a happy end better than a tragical one.
I really can't decide.

[Linaewen]

It really depends on what the rest of the story is like. However, I must say, my fave stories are usually tragic... (Anything Tolkien, His Dark Materials for example).

[Lalaith]

Okay, my problem in brief :
My main character is a girl dressing up as a boy because she had a bad life as a girl. She goes to this boys-only school and meets a guy who becomes her best friend. They become a couple (I know, very typical). Now my various endings
- they have Child (called Angel), then the girl dies and the boy has do raise the child
- they have child (called Angel), then the boy dies and the girl has to raise the child alone
- she dies before they have children, in the end we see him looking at a picture of her while he has already his own family
- they break up and meet again years later (thats the ending, the viewer has to use his imagination what happens afterwards)
- they have a child and raise it together (the happy end I have for now)

Uh, I have to tell you that she is a already a girl again in all the endings.

[Linaewen]

Sorry. Will read this soon... got to go now as I told you. I will reply in say, 3 days?

[Lalaith]

Of course, darling. :D










yes, I'm very fond of little Lin, hahaha

[Gwaimir Windgem]

Originally posted by Lalaith
Okay, my problem in brief :
My main character is a girl dressing up as a boy because she had a bad life as a girl. She goes to this boys-only school and meets a guy who becomes her best friend. They become a couple (I know, very typical). Now my various endings
- they have Child (called Angel), then the girl dies and the boy has do raise the child
- they have child (called Angel), then the boy dies and the girl has to raise the child alone
- she dies before they have children, in the end we see him looking at a picture of her while he has already his own family
- they break up and meet again years later (thats the ending, the viewer has to use his imagination what happens afterwards)
- they have a child and raise it together (the happy end I have for now)

Uh, I have to tell you that she is a already a girl again in all the endings.

All of those sound very good to me...Ugh...I can't decide. :p Though her dying before they have children and them breaking up seem to the interesting to me...But I don't know nada about movie-making. :p

[Lalaith]

I know nothing myself but I just tried to. I'm very fond of letting someone die tragically, as you can easily see. but at the moment I've only written the happy end. I'm just wondering if the others wouldn't be better.

[Lief Erikson]

Have you already written all the rest of the screenplay? I mean have you written the beginning and middle already, or did you skip on to the ending?

[Lalaith]

I have already written everything. With the ending. (the happy one).
I make it look as if she is dieing but then it all turns out to end well.
I should have re-read it today, that I'm able to print it this week and then send it to this publisher. Uhu, I don't want to, he could say that it isn't good.
I was just thinking of alternative endings.

[Lief Erikson]

You could give the publisher the list of alternate endings :D. Not having read your story, I don't really know which would fit best. The happy ending is generally most satisfying to the broader audience, though. Sad endings, unless they're very fitting or convey a message, aren't generally quite as well accepted as happy ones.

[Lalaith]

My message only works if
- both survive and have a daughter
- she survives and has a daughter

[Lief Erikson]

I'd go with the happy ending. You can write some of the other endings for fun though, and maybe even post them here. Have you written much besides screenplays and school related things?

[congressmn]

Originally posted by Lalaith
My message only works if
- both survive and have a daughter
- she survives and has a daughter

evrything leads to a daughter eh?

[Lief Erikson]

It's apparently a part of the message of the story. Apparently whether or not the guy survives has little to do with that message, though.

[Lalaith]

I'm writing poems (and songtexts).
I tried to write books but I realized that I can't describe things good enough (remember LotR, Tolkien described everything so well) and so I thought that screen-plays just fit perfectly well.
I would post them here, but at the moment I'm writing all in German. English is too difficult. I can't express myself good enough in english. But one day I will.
I have written down some ideas for short stories already. That will be my next project.

evrything leads to a daughter eh?
That's the point of the story. She was never loved by her father because she was a girl and then she gets a daughter herself but her husband loves this little baby like nothing else. got the point?

[Lief Erikson]

I hope the female main character gets the point :). A death doesn't really sound necessary to a story with that kind of message. It's a very nice message, after all.

[Lalaith]

Thanks.
My main message is:
You can only be happy if you are yourself.

[crickhollow]

to quote Miss Prism, from The Importance of Being Earnest:

"The good end happily, and the bad, unhappily." ;) I agree with Lief--unless the death is necessary to the theme, don't do it.

[IronParrot]

I think death is a device that should be used very sparingly. ("Do not be too quick to deal out death in judgment," as one wise wizard would say.) There is little dramatic, saddening impact to it if it's gratuitous. Death is not necessary for an ending to be tragic: often, the conditions of some of the characters at the end are enough to create a downcast mood.

Maybe it would help to not look at endings merely in terms of "happy" and "sad". Pick the one that makes your story stand out, and says the most about your characters.

You're doing a screenplay, so I'll use the mother of all screenplays as my example: Casablanca. The "happy or tragic ending" question was up in the air until most of the film was already shot, but ultimately, it ended on a note that said a lot about the characters, rounded out a lot of the themes in the story, and made the film stand apart from every other one out there (and it still does today). This would not have been achieved with a purely "happily-ever-after" sort of ending.

In essence: think about what is most important about the message you want to send. Then send it.

[Jonathan]

I prefer sad endings before happy ones. I think sad endings are more likely to evoke emotions, at least that's the case with me. When I read a story with an ending where everything goes well, I tend to think "Wow, everything worked out just fine", then I don't think of it anymore. However when I read a sad ending, I can go thinking of it for days.

It's impossible to tell which ending is the most suitable if we've not read the screenplay. I recommend you to ask yourself what you want the readers to think when they've just seen your play. If you want them to be happy, pick a happy ending. If you want them to feel a little low, pick the sad ending. As long as you've made your message clear, the kind of ending you choose doesn't really matter as long as the ending itself is good.

[Gwaimir Windgem]

I agree with Jonathan. Sad endings I often find much more touching and emotional. Though my all-time favourite ending for a movie is wildly joyous...But as a whole, I prefer sad endings. Especially if they deal with themes of sacrifice, like Frodo having to give up Middle-earth, or the ending of one of my trilogies.;)

[Starr Polish]

Realistic or bittersweet endings (LOTR being an example of the latter), or ambiguous.

[Lief Erikson]

I seem to be a loner then. I like happy endings.

But I do enjoy the bittersweet or sad endings also, with some books. I just find them more of a let down or a disappointment, sometimes. LoTR is the primary series that breaks that rule for me. Scarlet Letter and His Dark Materials, though I liked their endings some, they were very sad :(. I suppose that's just the point though. You guys like saddness :D.

[Starr Polish]

No, I like realism (in a sense). When everything wraps up and it's all hunky dorey I feel rather jipped and get angry at the characters. Happy endings can work. An example of a story that wraps everything up happily and is extremely irritating is I Know This Much is True. Uhg.

I'm not fond of books that end extremely depressing though, where nothing good at all comes out for any single character talked about in the book. A Fine Balance, I think it's called, is an example of that type of ending. Bad bood anyway.

[Starr Polish]

Lalaith, about worrying about being rejected:

If you're seriously looking into being a screen writer, or any type of writer, don't be afraid of rejection and be prepared to be rejected so much you feel like you'll never lift up a pencil again. But keep writing, and keep submitting, and keep getting rejected until you're accepted. Don't be afraid to recieve criticism, even the harsh kind.

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by Starr Polish
Lalaith, about worrying about being rejected:

If you're seriously looking into being a screen writer, or any type of writer, don't be afraid of rejection and be prepared to be rejected so much you feel like you'll never lift up a pencil again. But keep writing, and keep submitting, and keep getting rejected until you're accepted. Don't be afraid to recieve criticism, even the harsh kind.
Thanks, that's so cute.

And about the ending. You all helped me a lot. I think I'll take the happy end, because it fits more into the story. This story is meant to end happily and the sreen-play isn't that deep that death would really work. It's a little shallow. I guess I'll take a sad or open end when I write a new one.
Thanks to all of you.

[Jonathan]

Lalaith, will you ever post an extract of your screenplay here, when you're done writing it?
I think we the 'Mooters would enjoy reading it.

[Lalaith]

If I have corrected and sent it to the publisher I will maybe find the time to translate a part of it.

[Linaewen]

Originally posted by Lalaith


And about the ending. You all helped me a lot. I think I'll take the happy end, because it fits more into the story. This story is meant to end happily and the sreen-play isn't that deep that death would really work. It's a little shallow. I guess I'll take a sad or open end when I write a new one.
Thanks to all of you.

Achhh. Now I feel bad about telling you the wrong thing....

*sad in addition to being mad because of Baby-K*

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by Linaewen
Achhh. Now I feel bad about telling you the wrong thing....

*sad in addition to being mad because of Baby-K*
You wanted a tragical ending? My next screenplay will have an open end, that't tragical too.

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by Jonathan
Lalaith, will you ever post an extract of your screenplay here, when you're done writing it?
I think we the 'Mooters would enjoy reading it.
Hiya, just thought that I will post a part of my screenplay here. A special part. A poem.
In the story the main character, Hayden, is supposed to write this. It's her point of view.


PS: Please note that it is only a bad translation of the german version.

[Lalaith]

Hayden

The world doesn't understand me
I'm a unrecognised genius
Or a moron
Who is recognised as the person she is

I want to jump
But I can't
I want to absquatulate
And still keep standing
I want to scream
But my voice fails

I am captured
In this trap
I try to escape
But my feet are stuck
That makes me fall
And everybody sneers

I try to move
But I'm standing still
I push forward
And fall back
Want to change
And remain still the same

I can't take it anymore

[Gwaimir Windgem]

Quite interesting, indeed. The last line especially makes you wonder what she's gonna do...:eek:

Just curious: Do you have anyone in mind to play her?

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by Gwaimir Windgem
Quite interesting, indeed. The last line especially makes you wonder what she's gonna do...:eek:

Just curious: Do you have anyone in mind to play her?
altogether it doesn't turn out that bad in the end (as I decided to have a happy end). but now that you mention it, I want to make it more dramatical ....
No, I have no one in mind. As she is a teenager the girl shouldn't be too old (unlikely to other movies, series) and therefore it should be a new face I guess

[Lalaith_Elf]

it's good.
a happy ending sound good.... though happy or sad you can't really go wrong.
i'm talking in circles again... just ignore me, i have no idea what i'm talking about, i just like making it sound like i do!!! LOL

we have such talented mooters

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by Lalaith_Elf
it's good.
a happy ending sound good.... though happy or sad you can't really go wrong.
i'm talking in circles again... just ignore me, i have no idea what i'm talking about, i just like making it sound like i do!!! LOL

we have such talented mooters
Thanks.
Talking in circles. lol

[Lalaith_Elf]

i can't help it, my brain is in overload.... i HATE exams!!!!!!!!

[Jonathan]

Nice poem. It's fun that you include poems in your screenplay. It's like mixing two different kinds of writing.

[Lalaith]

It was necessary that the audience knows what is going on in her mind .... in the first part she is the story teller, but I switch the point of view in the second part so the audience doesn't know anymore what is going on in her mind ... therefore I needed the poem ... and that her best friend can read it (by chance)

[Linaewen]

Wow, Lai. I followed the link from the 'some poems' thread.
I like it, and you try to tell me that you are bad at English. (Though, I must add, you beeing a Christ is rather funny)
I don't even know what absquatulate means! *Adds to to ever-growing new word list (Half of which have come from Mooters)*

That's a fantastic poem. I wish I could write that well.

[Lalaith]

The point is that I searched a word in a dictionary and it said this a.... word (have never heard of it) and then I wrote it.
PS: Glad you're back.

[Linaewen]

Originally posted by Lalaith
The point is that I searched a word in a dictionary and it said this a.... word (have never heard of it) and then I wrote it.
PS: Glad you're back.

Ahhh. But the dictionary is not always reliable; you are not always sure what how exactly to use a word. An example is the word 'ingratiate' which i think means something along the lines of 'to suck up'. If you used it like that you would say something like 'She was ingratiating to him', but it's actually used like 'She was ingratiating herself to him'. I think. :rolleyes:

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by Linaewen
Ahhh. But the dictionary is not always reliable; you are not always sure what how exactly to use a word. An example is the word 'ingratiate' which i think means something along the lines of 'to suck up'. If you used it like that you would say something like 'She was ingratiating to him', but it's actually used like 'She was ingratiating herself to him'. I think. :rolleyes:
Did I use this word? Didn't notice. But thanks you told me. Soooo glad you're on. :D

[Linaewen]

No, you didn't use it. My point was that sometimes dictionaries are not reliable, because they may required a certain context to make sense.

Glad you're on also. A bit late tho.

[Lalaith]

I hate school. Our server has broke down and now we have to do all the work again. For our practise firm.
BTW, had English test today.

[Linaewen]

At least you can go on the Moot at school. Our net just stuffs up.
Must go now, a hope *crosses fingers* that I get an A+ on my Biology test tomorrow. Bye bye Lai! Don't spam too much!
-Linky Winky

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by Linaewen
At least you can go on the Moot at school. Our net just stuffs up.
Must go now, a hope *crosses fingers* that I get an A+ on my Biology test tomorrow. Bye bye Lai! Don't spam too much!
-Linky Winky
you've got a biology test too? bye, cya on friday or sunday
(won't spam without you)

[Earniel]

Originally posted by Lalaith
(won't spam without you)

*sighs of relief* ;)

[Linaewen]

Originally posted by Eärniel
*sighs of relief* ;)

You would think it is a relief, but she's only lying. She does a whole lotta posting when I am gone.

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by Linaewen
You would think it is a relief, but she's only lying. She does a whole lotta posting when I am gone.
No, I'm not. Thats not true (BTW, was too busy the last days to spam, there you have it)

[Ninquelote]

I usually vary when it comes to endings myself... I'm currently thinking up a plot where it ends tragically, but I'm writing another where it's very happy.

[Ninquelote]

It really depends on the plot, I suppose.

[durin's bane]

Originally posted by Lalaith
they break up and meet again years later (thats the ending, the viewer has to use his imagination what happens afterwards)


I'd say that's your best pick. I like endings that are happy, but with a mysterious close, like Tolkien's "Well...I'm back" line, so I'd use this ending.

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by durin's bane
I'd say that's your best pick. I like endings that are happy, but with a mysterious close, like Tolkien's "Well...I'm back" line, so I'd use this ending.
yeah, I like the idea that the viewer himself has to decide what happens afterwards
but then I think again and I hate such endings ....