A lot has changed over the course of this trip—both in my personal life and in how I want to approach this project. While traveling through Italy, I found myself reflecting deeply on my family, my future, and what this story is really about. Originally, I planned for queerness to be the central theme, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that wasn’t quite right. My identity has shaped me, of course, and it influenced my home life, but it wasn’t always the biggest thing on my mind. The heart of this story lies in family—the tensions, the moments of connection, and the things left unsaid.
During my travels, I also spent time studying different film openings, particularly those that establish character, tone, and relationships in an engaging way. Three films stood out to me: *50 First Dates*, *Mamma Mia!*, and *The Proposal*.
Story Structure
I originally considered structuring the story in a way that spanned different life stages but I’ve realized I don’t feel ready to write about a future version of myself that doesn’t exist yet. Instead, I want to focus on a smaller window of time, exploring the weight of the past while keeping the story grounded in the present.
Film Openings & What I Learned
Each of these films opens in a way that immediately establishes the protagonist’s personality and world.
*50 First Dates*
The film begins by showing multiple women recounting their experiences with Henry, played by Adam Sandler. Each woman describes an amazing romance, only for us to realize Henry never follows through—he’s only interested in short-term flings. This montage establishes Henry’s character in a lighthearted, engaging way before we even meet him directly.
*Takeaway:* A strong opening doesn’t need to start with the protagonist in action—it can build their character through external perspectives. This made me consider whether I could open my story with the family discussing the protagonist before we actually meet them. It might be an interesting way to establish their place within the family dynamic.
*Mamma Mia!*
The movie opens with Sophie reading her mother’s old diary entries, setting up the central mystery of her father’s identity. The combination of voiceover, visuals of the Greek island, and Sophie’s excitement immediately establishes the film’s setting and conflict.
*Takeaway:**Using letters, recordings, or indirect storytelling can quickly establish relationships and stakes. While I don’t want to use voiceover, I do like the idea of incorporating an object or piece of writing that hints at family history or tension—maybe something the protagonist brings home with them.
*The Proposal*
This film opens with a fast-paced sequence showing Margaret (Sandra Bullock) in her high-powered job. We quickly learn that she’s a demanding boss, and her assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) is constantly scrambling to keep up. The dynamic is established in under two minutes, giving us immediate insight into their relationship.
*Takeaway:*Movement and pacing are key to immersing the audience. While my story isn’t as fast-paced, I want to make sure the opening keeps the momentum going. I might consider using the protagonist’s train ride as a way to establish their mental state—showing their anxious energy through pacing, quick glances at their phone, or adjusting their backpack.
Next Steps
These films have helped me refine my approach—not just for the opening but for the overall tone of the story. Now that I’m focusing more on family, I want to explore more films that develop a strong supporting cast while keeping the protagonist at the center.
I’m also interested in films about travel and transition—stories where movement plays a role in character development. Since the protagonist is coming home after time away, I want to explore how physical travel can mirror emotional shifts.
By the end of the week, I’ll finalize a storyboard, plot breakdown. From there, I’ll refine my approach and prepare for production.
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