Writing Subtext — The Secret to Writing What's Under the Surface

Summary

This video script from 'Page to Picture' delves into the art of writing subtext in screenwriting. Subtext, the unspoken meaning beneath dialogue and actions, adds depth to characters and engages audiences. The script explores the concept through examples like 'The Princess Bride' and 'Chinatown,' highlighting how text and context intertwine to convey layered meanings. It also discusses techniques for creating subtext, such as using dialogue, scene descriptions, and parentheticals, and emphasizes the importance of showing rather than telling in character actions. The script concludes by encouraging writers to explore subtext for richer storytelling.

Takeaways

• 🗨️ Subtext refers to the underlying motivations and truths that are not explicitly stated in dialogue or actions.
• 💬 The concept of subtext is rooted in the work of Constantin Stanislavski, who emphasized the importance of the unspoken in performance.
• 📝 Subtext is created through the combination of 'text' (spoken dialogue or actions) and 'context' (external circumstances that inform meaning).
• 🎭 Subtext adds depth to characters and narratives, prompting the audience to engage more deeply with the material.
• 📽️ Film examples like 'The Princess Bride' illustrate how subtext can convey a different meaning from the surface text.
• 🏷️ Context is crucial in determining subtext, as the same text can have different meanings depending on the situation.
• 🗣️ Dialogue can be used to convey subtext directly or indirectly, with indirect dialogue often being more intriguing.
• 🎭 Actions and behaviors can also communicate subtext, sometimes more powerfully than words.
• 👀 The performance of actors can bring subtext to life, adding layers of meaning beyond what is written in the script.
• 🖋️ Writers can use scene descriptions and parentheticals to guide the interpretation of subtext by actors and directors.

Q & A

What is subtext in the context of screenwriting?

Subtext refers to the motivations and truths beneath our words and actions. It is the unspoken meaning beneath the surface of everything we say and do, which adds depth and complexity to characters and dialogue.

Who is Constantine Stanislavski and what is his contribution to the concept of subtext?

Constantine Stanislavski is one of the seminal figures in theater who contributed to the concept of subtext by stating that a person says only ten percent of what lies in his head, with ninety percent remaining unspoken.

What is the formula for creating subtext as mentioned in the script?

Subtext is created by combining text and context. Text refers to the spoken dialogue or actions, while context encompasses the external circumstances or situations that inform the ultimate meaning of the subtext.

Can you provide an example of subtext from the script using dialogue?

In 'The Princess Bride', Wesley uses the phrase 'As you wish' as text, but the subtext is 'I love you', showing his true feelings for Buttercup.

How does context affect the subtext in a scene?

Context, which includes external circumstances or situations, can change the subtext of the same text. For example, the act of 'drinking tea' can have different subtexts depending on the scene's context, such as conformity, romance, danger, or rebellion.

Why is subtext important in screenwriting?

Subtext is important because it creates layered and complicated characters, giving the audience something to decode and keeping them engaged with the material. It adds depth and encourages the audience to read between the lines.

What are the three main ways to create subtext in a screenplay as discussed in the script?

The three main ways to create subtext in a screenplay are through dialogue, actions and behaviors, and actor's performance.

How can a writer indicate subtext in dialogue without making it too obvious?

Writers can add subtext to dialogue by using specific words or constructions, indicating a specific tone through scene description, or using parentheticals to guide the delivery.

Can you give an example of how a character's action can convey subtext?

In 'Pulp Fiction', when Jules takes a bite out of Brett's hamburger, the subtext is a gesture of dominance, showing who is in control without using words.

What is the advice for writers regarding the use of subtext in dialogue?

Writers should remember the principle 'less is more' and ensure that dialogue is natural sounding while still leaving ninety percent of thoughts and feelings unsaid to create interesting subtext.

How can an actor's performance contribute to the subtext of a scene?

An actor's performance can contribute to subtext through body language, eye contact, fidgeting, or posture, adding layers of meaning beyond what is written on the page.