A screenwriter buddy and I were chatting about bad endings of great movies. Thor: Ragnorak broke my heart. The Shape of Water delivered a watery cliche. La La Land nearly killed the muse, that fine deliverer of spindly rhyme and barely audible whispers. 500 Days of Summer ruined my sole objective of seeking out my soulmate — probably a good thing for this overly emotional romantic! And then there was Signs… now, I am wholeheartedly an M. Night apologist. Take offense. That’s ok. I admit that he’s jumped many a shark… let alone the same damn shark. I mean, didn’t Signs resolve much the same way as his critical failure The Happening?
And we still, well I still, remain receptive to the possibility of his genius. Now that’s forgiveness — he butchered my favorite franchise of all time with impeccable cruelty! Introducing Avatar: The Last Airbender to the world of live-action cinema as if scribed with little more knowledge than a Wikipedia page and scratched out in a feverish daydream.
Well for those of us who nerd-out over the forms, functions, and shapes of media we tend to seek resolution between brilliance and dullness, tastefulness and vulgarity.
But I tell ya what, there remains one technique, this slippery, all to evasive method of pulling a fast one on audiences we refer to as the Deus Ex Machina.
The deus ex machina” is a storytelling device that refers to an unexpected or sudden resolution to a problem or conflict. It translates from Latin as “god from the machine.” In stories, a deus ex machina can be a character, event, or object that appears out of nowhere and resolves a difficult situation or saves the day.
The purpose of a deus ex machina is to provide a convenient, but often unrealistic, solution to the story’s conflicts. It can serve as a way for the author or creator to tie up loose ends or ensure a happy ending. However, it can also be seen as a weakness in storytelling because it can feel contrived or diminish the impact of the characters’ actions and choices.
The Deus Ex Machina of Jurassic Park…
While a deus ex machina can offer a quick and unexpected resolution, it’s important for storytellers to consider alternatives that maintain consistency and believability within the story’s established rules and characters. This allows for more satisfying and engaging storytelling that encourages the characters to overcome challenges through their own agency and ingenuity.
- Character Ingenuity: The surviving characters could rely on their resourcefulness and knowledge of the park to outsmart the Velociraptors, using the environment or the park’s technology to their advantage.
- Teamwork and Cooperation: The characters could collaborate and devise a strategic plan to fend off the Velociraptors, employing their individual skills and expertise to outmaneuver the predators.
- Scientific Intervention: The scientists in the story could develop a new invention or employ a scientific solution to neutralize or control the Velociraptors, avoiding the need for a sudden intervention.
These are just a few alternative directions the ending could take, emphasizing problem-solving, character development, and scientific ingenuity. Ultimately, it would be up to the creativity of the writers and filmmakers to determine the best alternative that aligns with the story’s themes and maintains a sense of tension and excitement.
But say we deliver both and maintain the Tyrannosaurus rex at the ending of Jurassic Park in a more seamless and satisfying manner. Here’s a potential alternative:
Rather than relying on a sudden appearance to save the day, the characters could intentionally lure the Velociraptors into an area where the Tyrannosaurus rex is already located. This would involve careful planning and strategic use of the park’s infrastructure or terrain to create a scenario where the T. rex becomes an ally against the Velociraptors.
For example, the characters could engineer a controlled encounter between the two species by manipulating their respective territories. This could involve temporarily disrupting the T. rex’s habitat or enticing the Velociraptors into the T. rex’s territory, triggering a confrontation between the two predator groups.
During the ensuing battle, the T. rex’s overwhelming strength and size would give it the upper hand against the Velociraptors, allowing the main characters to escape or take advantage of the distraction to accomplish their objectives.
By integrating the Tyrannosaurus rex into the narrative in a more deliberate and planned manner, this alternative ending maintains the awe-inspiring presence of the dinosaur while avoiding a deus ex machina resolution, making the climax feel more connected to the story’s established elements.
Let’s have a go, shall we.
Disclaimer: scratching out a spec script in a drunken and rough manner can be… rough. Disregard the dialogue, and dig into the effect. We’re writing plot points and fluffing the scenario here.
Speculative Ending for Jurassic Park
INT. MAIN CONTROL ROOM – NIGHT
Chaos reigns as the surviving characters, including DR. ALAN GRANT, ELLIE SATTLER, and IAN MALCOLM, desperately scramble to find a way to outsmart the relentless Velociraptors closing in on them.
DR. ALAN GRANT (thinking) We need something big… something that can turn the tide in our favor.
ELLIE SATTLER (looking at the park layout) What about the Tyrannosaurus rex? It’s still out there.
IAN MALCOLM (smirking) That might just be crazy enough to work.
INT. PARK GROUNDS – NIGHT
The group moves swiftly, guided by their knowledge of the park. They activate the park’s speaker system, amplifying the sounds of distressed herbivores, echoing through the night.
INT. TYRANNOSAURUS REX ENCLOSURE – NIGHT
The massive Tyrannosaurus rex stirs from its slumber, alerted by the cacophony. It lets out a thunderous roar, its presence commanding attention.
INT. MAIN CONTROL ROOM – NIGHT
The Velociraptors, drawn to the distress calls, change course, heading towards the sound.
DR. ALAN GRANT (urgent) Now, let’s lead them into the Tyrannosaurus rex’s territory.
INT. PARK GROUNDS – NIGHT
The characters skillfully navigate the park, using their knowledge to draw the Velociraptors toward the T. rex’s enclosure.
INT. TYRANNOSAURUS REX ENCLOSURE – NIGHT
The Velociraptors enter the enclosure, growling and hissing, unaware of the massive predator lurking within.
INT. MAIN CONTROL ROOM – NIGHT
The group watches on surveillance monitors, breathless with anticipation.
IAN MALCOLM (grinning) This is it.
INT. TYRANNOSAURUS REX ENCLOSURE – NIGHT
The T. rex emerges from the shadows, its enormous frame towering over the Velociraptors. A fierce battle ensues.
INT. MAIN CONTROL ROOM – NIGHT
The characters seize the opportunity, racing against time to regain control of the park’s security systems.
ELLIE SATTLER (intense) Hurry! We need to restore power and secure the park!
INT. TYRANNOSAURUS REX ENCLOSURE – NIGHT
With thunderous roars and crushing bites, the T. rex dispatches the Velociraptors one by one.
INT. MAIN CONTROL ROOM – NIGHT
The power is restored, and the park’s defenses come back online.
DR. ALAN GRANT (relieved) We did it. We’re back in control.
The surviving characters share a moment of relief and exhaustion, knowing they have successfully outmaneuvered the Velociraptors.
EXT. PARK GROUNDS – NIGHT
The dawn breaks, casting a soft golden light over the once tumultuous park. The Tyrannosaurus rex, victorious, roams its territory once again.
FADE OUT.
Reimagining the Ending:
To address the limitations of a deus ex machina ending, alternative approaches can be explored. Instead of relying on a sudden and improbable rescue, writers can emphasize character ingenuity, teamwork, or scientific solutions that stay true to the established world and themes of the story. These alternative endings not only maintain tension and engagement but also allow characters to overcome challenges through their own agency and resourcefulness.
The Importance of Spec Scripts:
Spec scripts, or speculative scripts, are invaluable tools for aspiring writers to showcase their skills and creativity. Reimagining beloved stories, such as Jurassic Park, provides an opportunity to demonstrate one’s ability to breathe new life into established narratives while respecting their core essence. It allows writers to display their understanding of character development, plot structure, and thematic coherence.
Portfolio Pieces with a Twist:
Crafting a spec script that reimagines an ending or explores alternative narrative paths serves as a portfolio piece that can captivate industry professionals and demonstrate a writer’s unique voice and perspective. By tackling well-known stories, writers showcase their adaptability, creativity, and understanding of storytelling fundamentals while offering fresh and thought-provoking ideas to familiar narratives.
While the deus ex machina ending of Jurassic Park had its impact, it is crucial for writers to tread carefully when utilizing this device. Balancing the desire for a satisfying resolution with the need for consistency and character agency is vital in creating compelling stories. By writing spec scripts that reimagine beloved tales, aspiring writers can showcase their talent and create engaging portfolio pieces that offer a fresh perspective on cherished narratives. Ultimately, the power lies in reimagining and rewriting, breathing new life into beloved stories while respecting their essence.
Well audience what do you think? Should we polish this revision and blast it across the internet? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?
Tell me your favorite bad endings!
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