How to Write Dialogue

Summary

This video delves into the art of writing effective dialogue in screenwriting, emphasizing that good dialogue is not just about natural-sounding exchanges but serves to advance the story's conflict. It clarifies the three main functions of dialogue: exposition, characterization, and action. The script uses examples from films like 'Glengarry Glen Ross' and 'Gone Girl' to illustrate how dialogue should be contextual and purpose-driven, moving the narrative forward. It advises writers to focus on the scene's purpose and character motivations, rather than striving for flashy or stylistic dialogue, which can detract from the story's core.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Dialogue is not just conversation; it serves specific functions in storytelling.
• 📝 There are three primary functions of dialogue: exposition, characterization, and action.
• 🔍 Understanding the context of a scene is crucial for writing effective dialogue.
• ❓ David Mamet's three questions for writing dialogue: Who wants what from who? What happens if they don't get it? Why now?
• 🎭 The context and meaning behind dialogue are more important than witty or stylistic dialogue.
• 🚀 Dialogue should move the story forward and help characters achieve their goals.
• 🔗 Building character beliefs and desires is essential before writing dialogue.
• 📚 Focus on the purpose of the scene and what the characters want to achieve.
• 💬 Make characters sound fluid and natural through consistent writing practice.
• 🖋 Great writers develop their unique style by writing in a way that feels natural to them.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the eighth video in the series on screenwriting and storytelling?

The main focus of the eighth video is to explore the concept of dialogue in screenwriting, distinguishing it from everyday conversation and emphasizing its role in advancing the story's conflict.

What are the three primary functions of dialogue in storytelling according to the video?

The three primary functions of dialogue in storytelling are exposition, characterization, and action.

How does the video suggest writers should approach writing dialogue?

The video suggests that writers should focus on the context of the scene and the characters' wants and needs before worrying about the style or flow of the dialogue.

What are the three key questions that David Mamet recommends focusing on when writing dialogue in a scene?

The three key questions are: who wants what from whom, what happens if they don't get it, and why now.

Can good dialogue be taught or is it an innate talent?

The video implies that while some may have a natural talent for writing dialogue, it can also be taught and learned through understanding its purpose and function within a story.

What is the importance of context when writing dialogue?

Context is crucial when writing dialogue because it helps determine why a scene exists, what the characters want, and how their dialogue contributes to the story's progression.

How does the video use the scene from 'Glengarry Glen Ross' to illustrate the principles of dialogue writing?

The video uses the 'Glengarry Glen Ross' scene to demonstrate how the characters' desires and the scene's context drive the dialogue, moving the story forward.

What is the role of stylistic dialogue in storytelling according to the video?

Stylistic dialogue can be enjoyable, but it is not the foundation of a story. The video emphasizes that the context and meaning behind the dialogue are more important for making a scene work.

Why does the video suggest that dialogue should not be the primary focus when building a scene?

The video suggests that focusing on dialogue before understanding the scene's context and the characters' motivations can lead to writing that feels forced and unnatural.

What advice does the video give for making dialogue sound more natural and fluid?

The video advises writers to write a lot and get used to the process, as this will help dialogue sound more natural and fluid as they become more familiar with their characters and the context of their scenes.

What is the video's stance on the common advice given to writers about dialogue?

The video argues that much of the common advice about dialogue, such as focusing on subtext or specific emotional verbs, can be more harmful than helpful, as it interrupts the writing flow and leads to overthinking.