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Is it ok to have a 20 minute resolution?

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Firm1

So, I'm writing my first feature length. It's a 50 minute movie where you pretty much don't know what's going on or at least you sort of think you know what's happening until the last 20 minutes. Then the twist comes in. Here's where I get nervous.

A good twist comes and goes, but this twist requires a 20 minute explanation. Should I figure out a way to shorten this or is it acceptable to have a 20 minute resolution scene where the twist is expanded on for 20 minutes. It's the most interesting 20 minutes of the movie, but still...I'm not sure if that's going to mess up the flow.

The first 10 minutes is the set-up that establishes the two stories that eventually merge at the end. The next 7 minutes is the plot point that leads to Act II. Act II is roughly 20 minutes and then the conclusion is around the same amount.

So I guess to sum it all up, is it acceptable to make your conclusion a little longer than the normal length if its really interesting and connects well to the rest of the movie or should I sacrifice some of the interesting aspects and make it shorter?
 
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There's no easy answer to that. There are basic "rules" to writing a screenplay. Syd Field has a great book on it, so does Robert McKee. If you read either one of them, they'll give you excellent information on the structure and makeup of a properly written screenplay.

That being said, I think both writers admit that once you know the rules to proper screenwriting, it's completely okay to break them if the story calls for it.

So to answer your question, it's up to you to decide if it's okay. But ask yourself if you're keeping the audience engaged and interested enough in your story to keep watching until the end. If you are, you should have no problems.
 
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If it's interesting it's okay.

But that's a mighty big "If."

WhyTH are you making a 57 (10+7+20+20=57, not 50) SHORT (not a feature)?

WhereTH are you going to show this mini-monstrosity?

Don't you have something a little more... conventional to pursue?

It just seems like a big risk involved, as I completely respect the equity of effort involved in writing, producing, directing, distributing any project.
 
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rayw said:
If it's interesting it's okay.

But that's a mighty big "If."

WhyTH are you making a 57 (10+7+20+20=57, not 50) SHORT (not a feature)?

WhereTH are you going to show this mini-monstrosity?

Don't you have something a little more... conventional to pursue?

It just seems like a big risk involved, as I completely respect the equity of effort involved in writing, producing, directing, distributing any project.
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Well, yeah there's definitely a lot of risk involved, but as long as you're careful about it, the collateral damage would be minimal. Obviously, you don't want to use too much out of your own pocket. You want to get investors involved and the free talent via connections to friends and what not.

Getting the money will be the most challenging hurdle, but if I can get my hands on 10k, then I can definitely make it happen. I know all the right people. I just need the money. But of course, all this rests on one thing first...Is this movie fucking awesome? That, I don't know because I haven't shown it to a lot of people yet, since I'm still in the editing phase, but time will tell. The rest is all about how you organize your marketing efforts for the film.
 
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TheArtist said:
Do a first cut.

Go do something else for two days.

Come back to it and your answer will pop up to your face.
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Yeah, I actually think I just found the source of the problem. Somewhere in the middle of that conclusion was a sizable chunk of action that needed to be cut out. That brought it down to 15 minutes, which I think is acceptable for the film.
 
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Well I am not sure if it's okay with most viewers but as a basic viewer, I wouldn't mind. But if it told in flashback, I would think it's probably too much. But if it's not told in flashback, then it should probably be okay as long as it good. But I'm not sure if other's will agree. My first feature length script has long resolution that might come out to 15 minutes at least, as I their is a large aftermath of twists and consequences that have to be resolved, after the tragic climax.
 
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To be honest, if you need 20 minutes to "explain" the twist to the viewer, then it means the twist either isn't very clever, clear or interesting.

Look at the twists in The Usual Suspects. It takes all of a few minutes to reveal everything you need to know.
20 minutes of dialogue or explanation through visuals could get mighty boring mighty quickly.
 
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I think I figured out how to bring it down to 12 to 15 minutes, which I think is an acceptable time for a resolution. I should also probably clarify that the twist actually occurs within seconds at the beginning of the resolution and the rest of the movie expands on the twist.

It's one of those movies where reality isn't what it seems. When he finally discovers this, the truth is explained to him in about 10 minutes.
 
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TheArtist said:
Says who ? Can you prove that ?

Please just stop saying stuff.

BTW, i think the Ocean's films have long resolution.
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I'm just being honest. If it's a 50 min film, and it needs 20 mins to tie up the previous 30 mins, then something isn't right... I'm not saying what he's got is bad, I'm just saying it needs to be done tighter and better.
 
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Sulaco said:
I'm just being honest. If it's a 50 min film, and it needs 20 mins to tie up the previous 30 mins, then something isn't right... I'm not saying what he's got is bad, I'm just saying it needs to be done tighter and better.
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You're giving more of a personal opinion.

I really believe it goes case by case. If you feel like the twist is worth it, go for it.
 
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And? I love seeing different things! Especially if it's done well. Just because it's twenty minutes doesn't mean it'll be boring. And just because it's the resolution/twist, doesn't mean it'll just be people talking. Other things can be going on. I'm interested in seeing it. I'm not going to say it's a bad idea before I see it. I'd rather him do it and learn from his mistake then not do it and risk missing out on awesome ending.
 
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