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COG's BIGGEST CRIMES, PART 1:
The missing 2nd Act (aka, why most Hogwarts Scenes are totally unnecessary)
A Thread
The missing 2nd Act (aka, why most Hogwarts Scenes are totally unnecessary)
A Thread
Big thanks to @eveneechan, who shared me this video which eventually led us to a very fiery conversation 
Despite the title, it's actually very insightful and non-subjective, i really learned a lot! So do check it out to understand this thread more
Despite the title, it's actually very insightful and non-subjective, i really learned a lot! So do check it out to understand this thread more
Basically, the video explains that COG's biggest flaw is having no 2nd Act, or as we say, the rising action. Obstacles and conflicts that build up tension to the climax.
Almost 75% of the movie is a 1st Act, then suddenly jumped to 3rd Act.
Almost 75% of the movie is a 1st Act, then suddenly jumped to 3rd Act.
What is 1st Act?
In the 3-Act-Structure, the 1st Act is the 'Set Up'. Includes the introduction of the characters, the story world, and the inciting incident that leads to the 2nd act.
Source: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/three-act-structure/
In the 3-Act-Structure, the 1st Act is the 'Set Up'. Includes the introduction of the characters, the story world, and the inciting incident that leads to the 2nd act.
Source: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/three-act-structure/
"Who are the characters? What do they want? What motivates them?"
Example: in FB1, the flashes of newspapers established the story world. And then we're introduced to the characters, stumbling across one another. Then ended with Newt's beasts escaped the case in Jacob's place.
Example: in FB1, the flashes of newspapers established the story world. And then we're introduced to the characters, stumbling across one another. Then ended with Newt's beasts escaped the case in Jacob's place.
And hence the plot, "Oh so the beasts escaped and Newt has to find them!" 
COG, on the other hand, stuck in the 1st Act because they repeated the same exposition in three different scenes:
1. Newt's interrogation
2. Grindelwald & his Acolytes
3. Dumbledore & Newt
4. HOGWARTS.
1. Newt's interrogation
2. Grindelwald & his Acolytes
3. Dumbledore & Newt
4. HOGWARTS.
They all serve different purposes:
1. Newt's obstacle from going to NY
2. Introduction of the Acolytes
3. Dumbledore luring Newt in
4. Pure, 100% nostalgia. (Also blood pact)
But they all tell us the very same thing: "why they need to find credence."
1. Newt's obstacle from going to NY
2. Introduction of the Acolytes
3. Dumbledore luring Newt in
4. Pure, 100% nostalgia. (Also blood pact)
But they all tell us the very same thing: "why they need to find credence."
In result, the story became inefficient, repeating the exposition over and over again when in fact it's enough to explain it up until Dumbledore&Newt scene. Including the Blood Pact (which is more explained in the video, i'd really recommend you to watch it)
Out of those 4 scenes, there is 1 that serves no other purpose than exposition and ahem, nostalgia.
Yes, you guessed it: HOGWARTS.
Yes, you guessed it: HOGWARTS.
Aside of the mirror of erised scene, the rest was not necessary because:
1. Travers didn't need to explain the grindeldore relationship, bcs we'll see it again in the mirror scene.
2. Even if Travers needed to meet Albus and put him under surveillence,
1. Travers didn't need to explain the grindeldore relationship, bcs we'll see it again in the mirror scene.
2. Even if Travers needed to meet Albus and put him under surveillence,
Theseus and the rest didn't need to come with him bcs (ahem) one's brother illegally went to Paris and is close to Credence and they should've like, idk, maybe split the team?
3. There are ways for us to see Newleta bittersweet flashbacks without Leta having to reminiscing in Hogwarts. And as much as i love her scene with Albus, there is another character that can persuade her to tell the 'truth'. (Which, i will elaborate on part 2!)
Does that mean we shouldn't see Hogwarts at all?
Even though the youtube video says it could be completely wiped out. There's still some bits that to me, still important: Mirror of Erised scene (for Albus' arc)
Even though the youtube video says it could be completely wiped out. There's still some bits that to me, still important: Mirror of Erised scene (for Albus' arc)
Seeing Hogwarts is nice, guys. But it doesn't have to take so much space. Accoding to the video, the whole hogwarts scene took 11 minutes alone!
Which could've been more useful for 2nd Act, same as the other 3 scenes that repeatedly explain about Credence.
Which could've been more useful for 2nd Act, same as the other 3 scenes that repeatedly explain about Credence.
In conclusion, COG heavily lacks the build-up, which is very essential, because ineffective characters intros and plot establishment, all for Credence and hiding the blood pact.
Twists and nostalgia are nice, but it wasn't about how big it is, but how much it serves the story.
Twists and nostalgia are nice, but it wasn't about how big it is, but how much it serves the story.
Now i want you to remember, that i didn't make this to hate on COG, or Hogwarts, or Jkr. This is purely an observation by me and ka Eve.
I'm also not perfect and still learning, i'd love to hear your thoughts and discuss with you! :D
I'm also not perfect and still learning, i'd love to hear your thoughts and discuss with you! :D
Stay tuned for part 2: Characters arcs and deleted scenes that are totally wasted by the filmmakers, and how they could make the story more effective than we thought.
