Scenes That Belong Together
In the hierarchy of story structure, a sequence sits between a scene and an act. It is a collection of scenes—often taking place across multiple locations and times—that are bound together by a single, overarching goal or dramatic question. A sequence functions like a ‘chapter’ in a film, having its own beginning, rising action, and climax that is more significant than the climax of any single scene within it. For example, a ‘bank heist’ sequence would include all the scenes related to that goal: the planning, the infiltration, the cracking of the safe, and the escape.
This structural concept is incredibly useful for managing the middle of a film, which can often sag or lose focus. By thinking in terms of sequences, a writer can break down the sprawling second act into a series of manageable, goal-oriented mini-movies. Each sequence should build upon the last and end with a resolution that launches the story into the next phase. The climax of one sequence often serves as the setup for the next sequence’s central goal.
Examples of Famous Sequences
Identifying sequences is key to understanding a film’s narrative rhythm and structure.
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The Baptism Sequence (The Godfather): This is one of the most famous sequences in cinema history. It cross-cuts between two distinct sets of scenes: Michael Corleone at his nephew’s baptism, calmly renouncing Satan, and the brutal assassinations of his rival dons, which he orchestrated. The scenes are tied together by the overarching goal (Michael consolidating his power) and the powerful thematic idea of the duality of good and evil. The climax of the sequence confirms Michael’s complete transformation into the new Godfather.
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The Training Montage: The training montage is a classic type of sequence. It consists of a series of short, compressed scenes showing a character acquiring a new skill over time. The entire sequence in Rocky (1976) where Rocky trains for his fight against Apollo Creed—running up the steps, punching meat, etc.—is unified by the goal of ‘getting ready for the fight’.
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The Chase Sequence: Any extended chase in a film, like the car chase in Bullitt (1968) or the foot chase in Casino Royale (2006), is a sequence. It’s composed of multiple scenes in different locations (rooftops, streets, construction sites) all held together by the single, continuous dramatic question: “Will the hero catch the villain?”