From the Top or In Media Res?

I have a story idea.

Basically, it's about a high school student who starts out as an incredibly nice, honest, caring person, then after a number of hard-hitting failures, becomes a corrupt shadow of what he thought he would be, the exact opposite of how he wanted to end up.

As it stands, I have the story beginning at the beginning, with him starting off his high school year. It seems alright, but it might be better if I start with his at one of his lowest points, and having the audience wonder how a person like him could be so debased.

It's basically a choice between How We Got Here or having the reader experience his failure as he goes along. I'm not sure which would have more impact.

starting at the beginning has more impact

As much as I love In Medias Res usually, given the kind of story it seems like from the top is the way to go.

edited 17th Jan '11 7:26:51 PM by tilitzd

I like In Medias Res for action-y works before backtracking into softer parts but this kind of concept really is better suited to telling it from the top.

Alright, that means I don't have to change anything! Thanks everybody.