I came across this great YouTube analysis of movie endings, and what they mean. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to share, as many of the techniques described here can be used in our writing, too.
I particularly liked the idea of closing with a return to everyday life as a way to increase the feel-good factor. I must confess, I’d never thought of that!
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing. I like the bookend method and, of course, the all-is-not-fine ending. I’m sure you’re probably shocked. lol
Lol – absolutely 😀
Nicholas, thanks for confirming that a good-feeling, return to normal ending works. I’ve thought about that for the two books I’m writing. Yep, makes me feel good too! ? Elizabeth
Same here 🙂
Really interesting, Nicholas. I am a huge fan of the Searchers, so loved to see it included! I’ve used “returning to the real world” as the ending of my latest book, interestingly!
It is a great technique!
Interesting clip, Nicholas. I like that feel-good factor too. In fantasy, I see that a lot in the form of epilogs. I think overall I’m for happy endings, or at least hopeful endings. Those other ones still with me though. Interesting to think about as techniques.
Indeed! I was surprised myself 🙂
Totally agree this type of ending gives great closure to any story.
Same here 🙂
That was interesting. Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Nicholas. Interesting points to chew on. 🙂
So glad you enjoyed it, Tess 🙂
I did. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this very interesting information, Nicholas.
A pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
When I arrived, I recognised John Wayne leaving instantly. I’ve used a similar scene as done in The Searchers to begin and end a book. It’s the same scene, but readers know the character’s story and that something has changed.
I’ve also used the ‘return to normal life’ idea in my recent fantasy novel.
Not all endings are for all genres…I believe. The creepy shot of the car being dragged from the river wouldn’t work for a love story. But it certainly works for horror and mystery.
Thanks for sharing.
That’s a good point; keep it within the genre’s conventions, or you risk enraging a lot of readers who will feel cheated otherwise!
It’s funny because that ‘return to a normal life’ is one of my favorite endings to use. There’s a sense of closure and positivity that comes from that. Guess I just like knowing that the hero earned a healthy retirement and found happiness.
Sounds like you’re a romantic at heart (and, as you know, it takes one to know one) 🙂
Some days. Have to admit that it’s hard to maintain that mentality this year. I always thought about if romantics are more susceptible to stress.
An interesting clip, Nicholas. Describing an ending in a book can be more challenging than visuals, but I like an ending that makes you think.
Best wishes, Pete.
Well said! Thank you, Pete 🙂
Thanks, Nicholas, for sharing this interesting and useful information. 🙂 — Suzanne
So glad you enjoyed it, Suzanne 🙂
That is so cool! (And I liked the fact it mentions The Searchers). I’m going to have to look up that Vimeo video it mentions too. Thanks. This was a great share. 🙂
So glad you enjoyed it 🙂