How to Begin a Story: Andrew Haigh’s “45 Years”

Most writers and other storytellers are familiar with the advice to begin their tale in medias res (in the middle of things), but what, exactly, does that look like?

Andrew Haigh, writer and director of the film 45 Years, shows us in this “Behind the Scenes” video of a scene that occurs five minutes into the film, the first time the two main characters are shown together. As you watch it, ask yourself how the tone and point of view and details would be conveyed with writing.

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