I get this question a lot. How many Acts should I have in a screenplay? While there are several competing structures that help to answer this question, what I found to be the most helpful are the 3-Act and 4-Act structures. The 3-Act and 4-Act screenplay structures are two approaches to organizing a narrative in film, (or anytime of narrative storyline) with each having its benefits and disadvantages. Cultural preferences may influence the choice of structure, although the 3-Act structure is generally more prevalent worldwide. This would be due to the Western World, especially Hollywood, using Joseph Campbell’s monomyth templet or more popularly known as the Hero’s Journey.
3-Act Screenplay Structure:
Act 1 - Setup (Departure): Introduces the characters, the world they inhabit, and the central conflict.
Act 2 – Confrontation (Initiation): The main character faces the central conflict, with rising tension and complications.
Act 3 – Resolution (Return): The climax occurs, the central conflict is resolved, and loose ends are tied up.
Benefits of 3-Act Structure:
Simplicity: Easy to understand and follow for writers and audiences. (We have been using this since the Greeks with Aristotle’s The Poetics.)
Versatility: Can be applied to various genres and stories, allowing creative freedom.
Familiarity: Audiences are used to the 3-Act structure, making it easier for them to engage with the story. (Think Star Wars, early Spielberg, and most Hitchcock films)
Disadvantages of 3-Act Structure:
Predictability: Due to its popularity, it can sometimes feel formulaic or predictable.
Limited Flexibility: Some stories might not fit neatly into three acts, forcing writers to modify their narrative to adhere to the structure.
Example: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Act 1 – Setup (Departure): Indiana Jones is introduced as an archaeologist and adventurer. He learns about the Ark of the Covenant and its potential use as a weapon by the Nazis.
Act 2 – Confrontation (Initiation): Indiana Jones races against the Nazis to find the Ark, facing various obstacles and challenges along the way.
Act 3 - Resolution (Return): Indiana Jones eventually recovers the Ark and defeats the Nazis. The Ark is placed in storage, and life returns to normal.
With the rise of the internet, it’s allowed for easier access to the Far East, especially their stories. No longer are we bound to the Greek and Campbell’s monomyth, but Asian films allow us to explore more of the 4-act structure.
4-Act Screenplay Structure:
Act 1 - Setup: Introduces the characters, the world, and the central conflict.
Act 2 - Complication: The main character faces initial challenges and obstacles, leading to a significant turning point (midpoint) in the story.
Act 3 - Confrontation: The protagonist deals with the consequences of the midpoint and encounters more challenges as the stakes rise.
Act 4 - Resolution: The climax occurs, the central conflict is resolved, and loose ends are tied up.
Benefits of 4-Act Structure:
Greater Depth: Allows for more nuanced character development and pacing. (The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly and The Godfather)
Increased Flexibility: Can better accommodate stories that do not fit neatly into a 3-Act structure. (La Dolce Vita)
Variation: Offers a fresh approach to storytelling, setting a story apart from others. (Pulp Fiction)
Disadvantages of 4-Act Structure:
Complexity: Can be more challenging to execute, particularly for novice writers.
Less Familiarity: Audiences may be less accustomed to this structure, impacting their engagement with the story.
Limited Industry Acceptance: Not as widely accepted in the film industry, potentially making it more difficult to sell a screenplay using this format. You may have to explain the 4-Act as a 3-Act especially if the Executive doesn’t understand Story.
Example: Man of Steel
Act 1 - Setup: The film introduces the planet Krypton, Kal-El (Superman), and his parents. General Zod attempts a coup, and Kal-El is sent to Earth.
Act 2 - Complication: Clark Kent, now on Earth, struggles with his powers and identity while growing up. He learns about his Kryptonian heritage and adopts the Superman persona.
Act 3 - Confrontation: General Zod arrives on Earth, seeking to rebuild Krypton. Superman fights Zod's forces and tries to protect humanity.
Act 4 - Resolution: Superman defeats General Zod and embraces his role as Earth's protector, balancing his dual identity as Clark Kent and Superman.
Cultural Preferences: While the 3-Act structure is the most widely recognized across the globe, cultural preferences may stem from different storytelling traditions, narrative styles, and audience expectations. For example, some Asian films and plays may use a more episodic or nonlinear structure, while Bollywood films often incorporate multiple subplots and extended song sequences, leading to a more fluid structure.
However, globalization and the influence of Western cinema have led to a convergence of storytelling styles, making the 3-Act structure more prominent even in non-Western film industries. Filmmakers from various cultures might experiment with different structures, such as the 4-Act structure or other alternative formats, to suit the specific needs of their story or to cater to their target audience.
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