Falling Action: Definition, Illustrations, and Application in Writing Scripts
In the realm of storytelling, falling action plays a crucial role in bridging the height of drama and the end. This narrative slope, which comes after the climax of a story and ends before the resolution, is a common feature in films and television shows.
A prime example of falling action can be found in James Cameron's epic film, "Titanic" (1997). After Rose (played by Kate Winslet) and Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) share their dream-like reunion aboard the sinking ship, Rose floats on the debris and is eventually rescued, marking the beginning of the falling action. The elderly Rose concludes her poignant story in the film's final moments, adding a sense of closure to the narrative.
Rose's decision to give a false name to start her new life is another element of the falling action in the film. This choice, along with the emotional resolution and thematic reinforcement of themes such as survival, memory, and eternal love, helps ease the audience from the story's climax into a satisfying conclusion.
Falling action also plays a significant role in blockbuster films like "Avengers: Endgame" (2019). The falling action in this Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) instalment includes Tony Stark's funeral, Thor passing leadership of Asgard to Valkyrie, Peter Parker reuniting with his friends, and Steve Rogers returning the Infinity Stones and choosing to stay in the past. Each of these falling action beats gives closure to major character arcs and sets up future stories in the MCU.
Common examples of falling action in film and television storytelling typically occur after the climax and serve to resolve the story's conflicts and lead toward closure. Falling action scenes often depict the consequences of the climax, showing how characters deal with the aftermath and setting up the story's resolution. In narratives, characters often face the aftermath of the climax, such as surviving harrowing events, making critical decisions, or coping with losses.
In "The Shawshank Redemption", for instance, the falling action provides a sense of resolution after the climax and leads to the story’s conclusion, wrapping up character fates and loose ends effectively. Similarly, in the film *Gravity*, after the intense climax involving life-threatening space debris, the falling action follows Dr. Ryan Stone as she struggles to survive and re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, resolving the tension and leading to a conclusion.
Falling action matters because it provides emotional resolution, thematic reinforcement, satisfying endings, strong pacing and rhythm, and helps prevent a 'wait, that's it?' feeling. It is made up of four main elements: characters reacting to the climax, subplots wrapping up, decreasing tension, and the 'new normal' beginning to take shape. However, it's important to note that falling action should not introduce a new, major conflict, as it could undercut the original climax and throw off the pacing completely.
In summary, falling action in film and television serves to resolve the central conflict, depict characters’ responses to climax outcomes, and transition toward the story’s conclusion, often with emotional reflection or decisive actions that stabilize the story world. Whether it's the poignant tale of Rose and Jack on the Titanic or the epic saga of the Avengers, understanding falling action is key to appreciating the full narrative arc of these beloved stories.
- For avid screenwriting enthusiasts, incorporating a well-crafted falling action can enhance the emotional depth and thematic resonance of a narrative, as effectively demonstrated in the film "Titanic" (1997), where Rose's decision to start her new life with a false name and her poignant final moments serve as key elements of the falling action.
- The fashion-and-beauty industry offers numerous opportunities for individuals interested in education and self-development, such as learning the art of costume design, which plays a crucial role in the creation of believable and engaging film characters, as exemplified by the iconic wardrobes in "Titanic".
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might enjoy exploring the food-and-drink elements that can contribute to the overall mood and narrative arc of a story, like the catering of the luxurious first-class dinner in "Titanic", which enhanced the film's portrayal of the lavish Titanic lifestyle of the early 20th century.
