synonym of 'climax'

Status
Not open for further replies.

Tan Elaine

Key Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
English
Home Country
Hong Kong
Current Location
Hong Kong
What is the synonym for the climax of a movie?

Is it 'highlight' or 'pinnacle'? If neither, what is the correct word?

Thanks.
 
I'd say that the climax of a movie is when the plot and sub-plots become clear and the viewer understands or appreciates all that he has seen.
Peak or crescendo come to mind.
 
What is the synonym for the climax of a movie?

Is it 'highlight' or 'pinnacle'? If neither, what is the correct word?

Thanks.
The denouement.
 
What is the synonym for the climax of a movie?

Is it 'highlight' or 'pinnacle'? If neither, what is the correct word?

Thanks.

A usage - specific to movies - that is dying out (because of the introduction of digital technology) is 'the final reel': 'In the final reel, the baddy dies and the two young lovers get start a new life together'. I doubt if this sage will die out completely.

I'd say that the climax of a movie is when the plot and sub-plots become clear and the viewer understands or appreciates all that he has seen.
Peak or crescendo come to mind.
I was hoping we could avoid that one! My conductor is alway saying 'Where the music says crescendo, it doesn't mean "Get suddenly loud". What does it mean?'

An obedient chorus replies: 'Getting louder'. ;-)

b
 
I always thought of the denouement to be the part after the climax, before the epilogue.
I think that view is coloured by a faux ami - the image 'tidying up loose ends'. It's tempting as a translation, but it's not accurate - dénouement is literally unknotting.

So I agree with John, though I imagine the feeling is common among people who've neen told that dénouement 'means' "tidying up loose ends".


b
 
I think that view is coloured by a faux ami - the image 'tidying up loose ends'. It's tempting as a translation, but it's not accurate - dénouement is literally unknotting.

So I agree with John, though I imagine the feeling is common among people who've neen told that dénouement 'means' "tidying up loose ends".

I admit I don't know what you're trying to say. I don't know any French, so I'm not sure faux ami applies? I don't believe climax and denouement are necessarily synonyms. “strands of the plot [being] drawn together and matters [being] explained” can happen separately from what I’d call a climax.
 
I admit I don't know what you're trying to say. I don't know any French, so I'm not sure faux ami applies? I don't believe climax and denouement are necessarily synonyms. “strands of the plot [being] drawn together and matters [being] explained” can happen separately from what I’d call a climax.

:oops: Sorry. Faux ami - 'false friend' - similar-looking word that leads to a mistaken translation. I was obviously wrong - as K's response shows.

b
 
No harm no foul!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Ask a Teacher

If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know:

(Requires Registration)
Back
Top