Writing Tips from Megamind

Megamind is one of those movies that came out just a little too early to reach the level of popularity it could have had if it came out a different time. It has a big name cast (Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Jonah Hill, and Brad Pitt to name a few). It has a great plot and is absolutely hilarious. It's just a pretty perfect movie and no one talks about it.

So that's why I'm going to talk about it today and share with you the many writing lessons we can learn from this movie. Go get some gadgets and let's begin.

1. Reverse stereotypes

My favorite thing about Megamind is how they reverse every classic superhero stereotypes. It's kind of a spin-off of the Superman story, with Metroman being the hero, the reporter Roxanne, and the villain, Megamind.

However, as the story shows, they don't have to fulfill those roles if they don't want to. Roxanne isn't a damsel in distress. Instead, she goes fearlessly into life. Megamind doesn't have to be the bad guy (although he is deliciously evil). He can be the hero. And the new hero he creates to stop him doesn't decide to be good.

Can you reverse the stereotypes in your story to add more depth? Instead of making your classic buff strong hero, could the hero be the science nerd with glasses? Instead of an airhead cheerleader, what if she's actually going to Harvard after graduation? People make their own choices and as much as we try to shove them boxes, it doesn't work.

2. Strong character relationships

There are many strong relationships in this film. Between Megamind and Minion. Between him and Roxanne. And even between him and Metroman. These relationships are important to the movie and make the whole thing work. Without his love for Roxanne, Megamind wouldn't have been able to change. Without Minion's ever-present help, he wouldn't be able to do half of what he does.

Inter-character relationships are what ties a story together. They are kind of the backbone. Without good relationships, then how can we know what sort of person your hero is?

I swear this picture makes sense in context

3. Want vs Need

Early in the movie, Megamind gains the thing he wants- to finally defeat his archenemy and rule over Metro City. However, as he quickly finds out, sometimes getting what you want isn't what you actually need. Through this movie he moves from one want to another, before finding out what he actually needs is to be true to himself.

Giving a character what they want is always an interesting course of action. Because most of the time, what they want is not what they actually need to be happy and fulfilled. But sometimes the only way your character can realize that is through gaining what they need first. Consider that for your next novel.

4. Empathy is key

The story starts off by showing us Megamind's backstory. And without that, I don't think we would like him so much. By showing us how Metroman is a jerk and Megamind was a bullied child with a trouble background, we form sympathy for Megamind. Even when we see that he's pretty much a failure of a super villain, we still cheer for him to win.

Even if your character is a "villain" or someone unlikable, you need to have your readers empathize with them. Show us why we should root for this character, or at least not completely hate them, and show us quickly. Otherwise you have characters that suddenly show a sorry backstory and by then it's too late.

5. Don't forget failure

I think one of the most interesting things about this movie is the fact that the main character just can't seem to win. He sucks as a super villain. He can't get the girl. When he creates a new superhero, he goes evil. Megamind is followed by a long list of failure, and yet he never gives up. And in the end, he does win. I think that's a powerful message for anyone.

Let your hero fail over the course of the story. Show us how he hits the ground again and again before he finally rises to triumph. It will be so much more powerful than just letting them win without a struggle.

Have you seen Megamind? What have you learned from it? Tell me in the comments.

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