In screenwriting, the first five minutes are make-or-break. Whether you’re pitching to a producer, entering a competition, or writing your debut feature, the opening scene must grab attention, raise questions, and introduce tone and genre—fast.
But how do great films do this?
Let’s break down five types of movie openings used by top screenwriters and directors—complete with iconic examples and practical tips on how to use them in your own screenplay.
1. In Medias Res
“Start in the middle of the action.”
What it is:
You drop the audience straight into a moment of high tension—no introductions, no exposition. They’ll catch up later.
Why it works:
It creates immediate momentum, forces the audience to pay attention, and establishes tone without hand-holding.
Example: The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan opens with a perfectly orchestrated bank heist already in motion. We don’t know who’s behind the masks, but within minutes, we’re introduced to the Joker’s ruthlessness, intellect, and flair for chaos.
How to use it:
- Start at the height of a conflict that’s about to change the protagonist’s life.
- Let dialogue, visuals, and sound fill in the context as the scene unfolds.
- Circle back later to explain how things reached this boiling point.
Pro tip: Use this if your story is driven by tension, urgency, or crime.
2. Flashforward
“Show the future, then rewind.”
What it is:
You open with a scene that takes place later in the film—often near the climax—then rewind to show how the characters arrived there.
|Why it works:
It creates curiosity. Audiences stay engaged to figure out the path from A to B.
Example: Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
We begin with Jamal being interrogated by police after winning “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” The intrigue: How did a slum kid know the answers? The film then retraces his life in flashbacks that answer this question.
How to use it:
- Choose a scene filled with emotional, physical, or moral stakes.
- Ensure it doesn’t give away your twist ending—but still raises the right questions.
- Structure your plot around gradually unpacking how that flashforward came to be.
Pro tip: Use this for stories where transformation or identity is central.
3. Emotional Hook
“Hit them in the heart, not the head.”
What it is:
An emotionally charged moment—often personal, quiet, or poignant—that creates an instant connection with the protagonist.
Why it works:
Empathy makes audiences invest early. If they feel something for your characters, they’ll stick with them.
Example: Up (2009)
Pixar’s legendary prologue shows Carl and Ellie’s life together: marriage, shared dreams, infertility, loss. In 4 minutes, we experience decades—and the heartbreak of Carl’s loneliness.
How to use it:
- Introduce a meaningful relationship or a life-defining moment early.
- Use visual storytelling and minimal dialogue for maximum impact.
- Set up the emotional stakes that will drive the rest of the film.
Pro tip: Use this in dramas, coming-of-age stories, or character-led films.
4. Mystery or Intrigue
“Confuse us—but make us want more.”
* Played at Raindance in 2001
What it is:
You start with a strange image, an unexplained event, or a surreal scene that sparks immediate questions.
|Why it works:
Curiosity is a powerful hook. If something feels just out of reach, the audience will lean in.
Example: Donnie Darko (2001)
Donnie wakes up on a mountain road. He bikes home to find a jet engine has crashed into his bedroom. We’re left wondering: What’s happening? Is it real? Who is Donnie?
How to use it:
- Pose a visual or narrative question in the first scene.
- Don’t explain it right away—create tension through ambiguity.
- Let atmosphere, setting, and sound design carry the weight.
Pro tip: Great for thrillers, sci-fi, or psychological dramas where reveals come later.
5. Voiceover Setup
“Let a character frame the story in their own words.”
What it is:
The film opens with narration—often from the protagonist—offering backstory, reflection, or thematic setup.
Why it works:
It quickly conveys tone and worldview—especially if the character’s voice is strong or unreliable.
Example: Goodfellas (1990)
“As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.” In that one sentence, we understand Henry Hill’s desire, the world he’s entering, and the film’s point of view.
How to use it:
- Use the voiceover to reveal character perspective—not just facts.
- Keep it tight and rhythmical. Don’t overwrite.
- Let it echo or evolve as the story progresses.
Pro tip: Best for character studies, memoir-style stories, or morally complex journeys.
Fade Out: Which One’s Right for Your Story?
Choosing the right movie opening isn’t just about what’s cool—it’s about what sets up your story’s DNA:
- Is it action-packed? Go In Media Res.
- Does your character change drastically? Try a Flashforward.
- Is the emotion the core of the film? Use an Emotional Hook.
- Do you want to build slow-burn tension? Start with Mystery.
- Is the character’s voice your selling point? Consider Voiceover.
Whatever you choose, your opening should do three things:
- Hook attention
- Establish tone
- Plant a narrative seed that will pay off later
Because in the age of short attention spans and high competition, the first five minutes don’t just start your story—they decide whether anyone will hear the rest of it.
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