CRAFTING MEMORABLE DIALOGUE: TIPS FROM MASTER SCREENWRITERS

In the world of film and television, dialogue is the lifeline of character and story. It can elevate a scene, deepen a character’s complexity, and engage audiences on a profound level. Crafting dialogue that resonates, however, is an art form in itself. This post gleans wisdom from notable screenwriters and examines excerpts of dialogue considered to be among the best in cinema, offering insights and tips for aspiring writers.

The Foundation of Great Dialogue

Great dialogue starts with understanding your characters deeply. Aaron Sorkin, acclaimed for his work on “The Social Network” and “The West Wing,” emphasizes the importance of knowing your characters’ desires. “Every character should want something, even if it’s just a glass of water,” Sorkin says. This desire propels the dialogue, giving it direction and purpose.

Authenticity and Voice

Quentin Tarantino, known for his distinctive dialogue in films like “Pulp Fiction,” stresses the significance of giving each character a unique voice. “When I’m writing, I’m trying to hear the characters in my head,” Tarantino explains. “The test of great dialogue is when you can tell which character is speaking without seeing their name on the page.”

Exemplary Dialogue:

From “Pulp Fiction”:

Jules: “English, mother******, do you speak it?”

This line, iconic for its delivery and context within an intense scene, showcases Tarantino’s knack for memorable and character-specific dialogue.

Subtext and Silence

Sometimes, what characters don’t say is as powerful as what they do. Nora Ephron, celebrated for her work on “When Harry Met Sally,” mastered the art of subtext. “Good dialogue often comes down to the things left unsaid. It’s the space between the lines where the truth often lies,” Ephron observed. Effective dialogue can convey volumes through a character’s hesitation, silence, or evasion, adding layers to their relationships and internal conflicts.

Exemplary Dialogue:

From “When Harry Met Sally”:

Harry: “I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

Ephron’s dialogue beautifully mixes the said with the unsaid, weaving a rich tapestry of character and emotion.

Conflict and Dialogue

Great dialogue thrives on conflict. As screenwriter and director Billy Wilder once advised, “Develop a clean line of action for your leading character.” Wilder’s films, like “Sunset Boulevard,” illustrate how dialogue driven by conflict not only propels the story forward but also deepens our understanding of the characters.

Exemplary Dialogue:

From “Sunset Boulevard”:

Norma Desmond: “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”

Wilder’s dialogue encapsulates Desmond’s delusion and desperation, highlighting her tragic conflict with reality.

Listening to Real Conversations

Finally, great dialogue writers are also great listeners. Greta Gerwig, writer and director of “Lady Bird,” advises writers to listen to how people really talk. “There’s a rhythm and music to dialogue that you can only capture by observing real conversations,” Gerwig notes.

Exemplary Dialogue:

From “Lady Bird”:

Lady Bird: “I wish I could live through something.”

Marion: “Aren’t you?”

This exchange captures the essence of adolescence, marked by longing and misunderstanding, showcasing Gerwig’s ear for authentic dialogue.

Conclusion

Crafting dialogue that resonates requires a deep understanding of character, a keen ear for the rhythms of speech, and an appreciation for the power of what is left unsaid. By studying the works of master screenwriters and applying their advice, aspiring writers can elevate their own scripts, ensuring their dialogue crackles with life, authenticity, and emotion.