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Wednesday 5 December 2012

Dialogue planning

Because the plot of the film is so intricate, dialogue is a necessity for us to express some of this detail more clearly. There are several criteria that our dialogue must fit:


  • Foregrounding
  • Clarity
  • Details of the plot
  • Introduction of the main character and sidekick.
  • Good, believable scripting.
So, these are the demands that need to be met. What we don't want is a cliche, hackneyed script that would detract from the quality of the film by its predictability and "cheesiness". We must steer clear of cliches; avoiding them like the plague. So, this calls for a subtle, well planned approach to scripting- after all, planning is key here. 

The scene which contains dialogue must not only express the plot; but also the characters. Perhaps the more simple character to depict is the protagonist; who is meant to be weary, tense and short tempered. (Think of Brad Pitt's character in Se7en- easily angered and quick to the punch.) So, what is the best way to create this character? While a large part of this will depend on who we use as an actor, the real basis will come with the scripting. The methods that have been seen in the presentation of    this character type can be seen in Agent Starling,(silence of the lambs),and Detective Mills (Se7en). Dialogue will be constructed mainly of a range of simple sentences and interrogatives on the protagonists' part- this will make him seem blunt and abrupt thus creating the intended character. 



1st detective should be sitting at desk reading through notes/ folder when 2nd detective enters.

1st: (standing in doorway) It happened again.

2nd: (now crossing room) Yes. Killed and left by some random roadside.

1st: Are we sure its the same person doing this? 

 The second detective places a bag marked "evidence" on his desk.

2nd: (bluntly) Yes.

(Here we would need a reaction shot of the first detective)

2nd: This person-the victim-was from a pretty wealthy family. Her parents run a large company; she was set to inherit.

1st: (looks through notes) Hmm.

2nd: (quietly) Is it about the money, d'you think?


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