I found this on YT and whilst it is looking at fantasy writing for novels, all the examples shown are from film!
Well, if you can see past the sales pitch, I hope you get something from the video.
My takeaways were:
1. Dialogue is verbal action. (I like that)
2. Good dialogue doesn’t draw attention to i...
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Dan MaxXx indeed, Dan. Bad films do get made. Bad dialogue in films does get by a hundred eyes.
I was watching a programme on TV - FBI I think it was called. Dreadful dialogue.
Lead Agent - Lithuania?...
Expand commentDan MaxXx indeed, Dan. Bad films do get made. Bad dialogue in films does get by a hundred eyes.
I was watching a programme on TV - FBI I think it was called. Dreadful dialogue.
Lead Agent - Lithuania? Is that in Russia?
Other Agent - No.
Lead Agent - Close enough…
This even got past the writer’s room full of talent.
I decided to not watch anymore of it. If that was the quality of the writing, I’d already had enough
And yet we pore over our scripts thinking that everything has to be immaculately conceived and written to get anyone’s attention.
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John Clive Carter I think it was poorly defined, John. And yet helpful to know that on your nose, or maybe what we might call, ‘stating the obvious’ is just jarring to hear. Like you say, subtext is t...
Expand commentJohn Clive Carter I think it was poorly defined, John. And yet helpful to know that on your nose, or maybe what we might call, ‘stating the obvious’ is just jarring to hear. Like you say, subtext is the key.
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M LaVoie well said!
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I believe it's Robert McKee who says, "Show don't tell." :) To support #2 in the above
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For me, dialog makes or breaks the movie. If the actors have nothing worthwhile. or interesting, to say, what's the point of the action? You've seen one car chase, you've seen them all. The first Batm...
Expand commentFor me, dialog makes or breaks the movie. If the actors have nothing worthwhile. or interesting, to say, what's the point of the action? You've seen one car chase, you've seen them all. The first Batman movie was wonderful ... the rest repetitious until you get to the Joker, that has dialog that makes sense, and is interesting. So, how about show AND tell? Watch a film like Inherit the Wind ... the script was superb in presenting and clarifying the issue of evolution v creationism, free speech v ideological conformity. Yes, I know....movies like that are for people with brains and use them. Very unusual, I know, but stay with me. Today, movies are interchangeable, as are the actors and the dialog. That's why movie makers are going broke.