How Tarantino Writes A Scene

Summary

This video script delves into Quentin Tarantino's mastery of dialogue writing, highlighting his use of the 'pledge' to create anticipation and suspense. It explores how Tarantino's films, from 'Pulp Fiction' to 'Inglourious Basterds,' captivate audiences through clever storytelling devices, subtext, and the art of building tension. The script also emphasizes the importance of conflict and stakes in dialogue, suggesting that Tarantino's techniques could be applied to other genres, including horror.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Quentin Tarantino is renowned for his exceptional dialogue writing in the film industry, which captivates audiences with its hypnotic quality.
• 📝 The 'pledge' is a storytelling device used by Tarantino to promise the audience that something interesting will happen, creating anticipation and maintaining viewer interest.
• 🗣️ Tarantino's dialogues often build towards a larger picture, serving not just the immediate scene but also setting up what's to come, keeping the audience in suspense.
• 🔍 The concept of 'subtext' in dialogue is masterfully used by Tarantino, where characters say one thing but mean another, adding depth and intrigue to the conversation.
• 🕊️ In 'Inglourious Basterds,' Tarantino demonstrates subtext by having a character compliment another on their accent, subtly revealing that he knows they are spies.
• 📉 Tarantino's ability to create and sustain tension over long scenes is a hallmark of his storytelling, where the anticipation of a conflict's climax is more engaging than the climax itself.
• 💥 The opening scene of 'Inglorious Basterds' is an example of Tarantino's skill in building suspense, where the audience is aware of a hidden danger before the characters are.
• 👥 Conflict is a constant element in Tarantino's scenes, with every conversation or line of dialogue having some form of tension or stakes involved.
• 🎥 Tarantino's filmmaking style, particularly his ability to create suspense and long-form tension, sets him apart and could translate well into other genres like horror.
• 📚 The video suggests that to improve storytelling and writing skills, one can learn from resources like Skillshare, which offers a variety of courses including writing.
• 🔗 The 'Writing Academy' series by Steve Albers on Skillshare is recommended for those looking to enhance their writing skills, particularly in character creation and dialogue.

Q & A

What is the unique storytelling device discussed in the script that Quentin Tarantino uses?

The script discusses a storytelling device called 'the pledge,' which is a promise to the audience that something interesting will happen at some point in the story. It's a term coined by the speaker to describe how Tarantino captures the audience's attention.

What is the significance of the opening scene of 'Pulp Fiction' in the context of the script?

The opening scene of 'Pulp Fiction' is significant because it exemplifies Tarantino's use of the 'pledge' to immediately grab the viewers' attention, setting the stage for the story to unfold.

How does Tarantino's use of the 'pledge' differ from a 'hook'?

While a 'hook' grabs the audience's attention at the start, a 'pledge' maintains their interest throughout the story. A 'pledge' is more fundamental to storytelling as it builds anticipation and keeps the audience engaged.

What is the role of conflict in Tarantino's dialogue writing?

Conflict is a core element in Tarantino's dialogue writing. It creates tension and keeps the audience engaged, as there is always something at stake in every scene, conversation, or line of dialogue.

What is 'subtext' in dialogue writing, and how does Tarantino master it?

Subtext refers to the unspoken thoughts or hidden meanings behind the words characters say. Tarantino is a master of subtext, often including layers of meaning that are subtle and can be easily missed, adding depth and intrigue to his dialogue.

Can you provide an example of subtext from the script, specifically from 'Inglourious Basterds'?

An example of subtext from 'Inglourious Basterds' is when the German officer, Hans Landa, interacts with the Americans pretending to be Italian. He knows they are lying but instead of directly confronting them, he compliments their accents and makes them repeat their names, subtly revealing that he knows they are spies.

How does the script describe Tarantino's approach to creating suspense in his films?

Tarantino creates suspense by establishing the goals of characters and the potential for a devastating conflict. He then builds tension over the course of a scene by peeling back layers and revealing information, leading to a climax that is both shocking and suspenseful.

What is the significance of the opening scene of 'Inglourious Basterds' in building suspense?

The opening scene of 'Inglourious Basterds' is significant because it demonstrates Tarantino's ability to build suspense by gradually revealing information about the characters' goals and the potential consequences of their actions, leading to a tense and dread-filled climax.

How does the script relate Tarantino's storytelling to Alfred Hitchcock's concept of suspense?

The script relates Tarantino's storytelling to Hitchcock's concept by highlighting how Tarantino, like Hitchcock, provides the audience with information about impending conflict, allowing them to anticipate and feel the suspense, which is a key element of good filmmaking.

What resource does the script recommend for those interested in improving their writing or filmmaking skills?

The script recommends Skillshare as a valuable resource for learning, with over 19,000 courses covering a wide range of topics including creative writing, graphic design, and business management.

What is the offer mentioned in the script for new Skillshare members, and how can they take advantage of it?

The script mentions an offer for the first 699 people to sign up for Skillshare using the provided link, where they will receive two months of premium membership for free. To take advantage of this offer, they need to click the link in the description before the spots run out.