The Experimental Film Scene

Every so often, I'll run across a scene that I have defined more by its effect than its content. I try not to do this, because that's when writing tends to get contrived. But sometimes, you just need something to happen. Something--but you're not sure what, just what it's supposed to accomplish.

I call this an "Experiment Film" scene, based from a line in the They Might Be Giants song of that name.

I already know the ending,
It's the part that makes your face implode.
I don't know what makes your face implode,
But that's the way the movie ends.

The scene that I was dreading two days ago was something of an Experimental Film. There's a lot of weight riding on this little scene, since it has to support motivations for a couple different characters moving forward. I knew what it had to do, but I didn't quite know how to carry it off.

And in reality, I don't think I quite managed it. All the pieces were there, but it lacks smoothness and consistency. I'm going to leave it behind and continue on with the story, secure in the knowledge that I can revise it later. Maybe when I do, it will make your face implode properly.