What is Theme — 5 Ways to Layer Theme into a Screenplay

Summary

This video script delves into the concept of theme in storytelling, illustrating how it serves as the core idea that unifies a narrative. It distinguishes between theme and moral, highlighting themes as universal questions that resonate with audiences. The script uses examples from films like 'Jurassic Park', 'The Dark Knight', and 'Parasite' to demonstrate how themes are woven through plot, characters, dialogue, and setting. It also explores the use of motifs and symbols to reinforce themes, and encourages writers to thoughtfully integrate themes into their work for a more profound impact.

Takeaways

• 🎬 A theme in storytelling is a central idea or principle that unifies the narrative, often presented as a question the story investigates.
• 🌟 The theme differs from the moral of a story; the theme is the underlying concept, while the moral is the lesson or message for the audience.
• 📚 The term 'theme' originates from the Latin word for 'subject' or 'thesis', emphasizing its role as the core subject of a narrative.
• 👥 Characters serve as the author's voice, conveying perspectives and opinions, and can be strategically developed using a 'character web' technique to reflect the theme.
• 🏞️ Setting is crucial for expressing themes, as it provides the context where themes are played out, influencing how characters interact with the theme.
• 🗨️ Dialogue is a powerful tool for revealing themes, allowing characters to discuss and debate the central ideas directly.
• 🔍 Motifs and symbols are recurring elements that reinforce a film's theme, with symbols representing abstract concepts and motifs gaining meaning through repetition.
• 🎥 The film 'Nope' by Jordan Peele uses themes of spectacle and the exploitation of animals, with characters' actions and the setting reflecting these themes.
• 🌐 Universal themes are those that resonate across different cultures and times, allowing for diverse exploration in various genres and settings.
• 🖋️ Writers can use theme to anchor their storytelling, influencing plot, character development, and dialogue, with some discovering the theme after the initial writing process.

Q & A

What is the primary function of a theme in storytelling?

A theme in storytelling serves as the central and unifying idea or principle, representing what the story is ultimately about at its core, beyond the surface-level events of the plot.

How does the theme differ from the moral of a story?

While related, themes and morals are distinct. Themes are often presented as questions that the story explores, such as the relationship between man and nature, whereas morals are the messages or lessons the audience is meant to take away, like 'money can't buy happiness.'

Why is it important for writers to be cautious about how they present themes?

Writers should be cautious because audiences typically do not want to be preached to. It is the writer's responsibility to provide a perspective on the central idea while allowing the audience to interpret the ultimate message themselves.

Can you provide an example from the script of how a theme is expressed through a character's dialogue?

In 'The Dark Knight', the theme of faith in humanity is expressed through dialogue when a character says, 'I believe in Harvey Dent.' This line reflects the character's belief in the goodness of people, which is central to the movie's exploration of this theme.

What is the significance of setting in relation to theme?

Setting is crucial as it provides the time and place where a story unfolds, effectively setting the stage for the themes to be played out. It can be used to visually and contextually support the themes, as seen in 'Parasite' where the physical spaces of the rich and poor reflect the film's themes of class divide.

How can motifs and symbols be used to reinforce a film's theme?

Motifs are recurring elements that gain meaning through repetition, while symbols represent something else. They can echo and support a film's theme by visually or narratively reinforcing it. For example, in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', the circle motif is used to represent the concept of everything, aligning with the film's exploration of infinite universes and life's mundane aspects.

What is a 'character web' and how does it relate to theme?

A 'character web' is a technique where characters are not created in isolation but are designed to work together and define each other in relation to the theme. By placing the theme at the center of this web, writers can understand how characters relate to the theme and to each other, facilitating the exploration of the theme through their interactions.

How does the script suggest that a writer can discover the theme of their story?

The script suggests that a writer may discover the theme of their story by considering the characters, setting, and other elements of the narrative. Some writers start with a theme, while others, like Paul Thomas Anderson, may only identify the theme after the story is written, indicating that the discovery process can vary.

What role do characters play in expressing a theme?

Characters act as the mouthpiece for the writer, delivering perspectives and opinions that relate to the theme. They can be designed to represent different viewpoints on the central theme, creating conversations and conflicts that explore the theme from various angles.

Can you explain how the film 'Nope' uses the theme of spectacle?

In 'Nope', the theme of spectacle is explored through the characters' obsession with capturing and viewing visually striking displays. This is manifested through the use of cameras, the act of looking, and the characters' willingness to risk their lives for the ultimate spectacle, reflecting society's unhealthy relationship with visual entertainment.