Pictures Say More than Words
Who to write without words. [video]
Writing novels and films is very different. In fact, one of the biggest differences between novels and films is how the emotions and thoughts of characters are conveyed. In novels, this is done primarily though a narrator or character telling the reader their inner thoughts. In writing parlance, this is also known as the inner dialogue. Assuming that the characters have a colorful inner life, this can make for a great novel. But in films this present a unique challenge because there is no way to hear it.
Show it, don’t say it.
The challenge for the screenwriter is how to get this powerful inner dialogue to the screen. If characters speak their thoughts, it often seems forced or didactic. Another method is narration. But this can only be used for one character, and get’s old fast. And narration doesn’t use films greatest power – the image.
A foundational rule in good writing is, show it, don’t say it. It’s best to learn the characters through the choices that they make. Choices demonstrate motivations. Actions do speak louder than words.
A THOUSAND WORDS, directed by Ted Chung.
The short film below tells an engaging story with no dialog. It has a clear narrative, inciting incident, romantic goal, road trip and some surprising twists. Great use of the camera, too. See it all done in just four minutes.
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- Think Different, Be Happy | Chasing Truth - [...] - Click here for more on the inner voice in novels and [...]
- The Black Hole | Chasing Truth - [...] another case of a great story where no dialog is necessary. Like the short film, A THOUSAND WORDS, shown ...
Very well done story. You immediately like the characters. The sound design is what I like, nothing better than everyday sounds recorded well.
Great post, Andrew. I believe this is where your blog needs to focus. Let’s discuss today.