How To Write Great Dialogue

Summary

This video explores the art of writing compelling dialogue in film, emphasizing the role of conflict in making dialogue memorable and impactful. It discusses the importance of subtext, purpose, and how great lines of dialogue serve multiple functions within a scene. The video highlights the balance between realism and theatricality, explaining how dialogue should feel authentic while still being more polished than everyday conversation. Using examples from iconic films, the speaker demonstrates how good dialogue can create tension, develop characters, and even break conventional rules, particularly in comedy, to enhance the storytelling experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Conflict is the key to compelling dialogue. High-stakes moments of tension often lead to the most iconic lines in film.
• 😀 Every line of dialogue must serve a purpose, whether it’s exposition, character development, advancing the plot, or creating humor.
• 😀 Great dialogue serves multiple purposes at once, as seen in the *Lord of the Rings* example where a single line reveals character traits and feelings.
• 😀 Dialogue with no purpose makes scenes feel boring and pointless, as shown by the infamous lines in *The Room*.
• 😀 Subtext is crucial in making dialogue great. It’s the difference between what a character says and what they actually mean.
• 😀 Subtext allows for a deeper, more nuanced exchange, like in *Silence of the Lambs*, where Hannibal and Clarice engage in a power struggle beneath the surface.
• 😀 On-the-nose dialogue, like in *Interstellar*, where themes are explicitly stated, can break immersion and feel patronizing to the audience.
• 😀 Realism in dialogue is often overrated. Real conversations are messy, but great dialogue is structured to be more efficient and purposeful.
• 😀 The key to authentic-sounding dialogue is making it feel real while still serving the narrative, as seen in Quentin Tarantino's *Inglourious Basterds*.
• 😀 In comedy, breaking the realism rule can enhance the humor. Self-aware or absurd dialogue, like in *22 Jump Street*, can work if it serves the comedy.
• 😀 Writing good dialogue requires balance: sometimes following the rules and sometimes breaking them to keep the audience engaged and entertained.

Q & A

Why is conflict essential for great dialogue?

Conflict acts as the catalyst for compelling dialogue. Iconic lines of dialogue often emerge from moments of high tension between opposing forces. When characters are in conflict, the stakes are higher, making the dialogue more charged and memorable.

What are some purposes that good dialogue can serve?

Good dialogue can serve multiple purposes: advancing the plot, revealing character traits, providing exposition, creating tension, or even offering humor. A skilled writer can craft dialogue that accomplishes several objectives at once.

What makes the dialogue from *The Lord of the Rings* a great example?

Bilbo's dialogue in *The Lord of the Rings* serves multiple purposes. It reveals Bilbo's personality, his wit, and social awkwardness, while also advancing the narrative. The line is both meaningful and entertaining, showcasing how great dialogue can serve several functions simultaneously.

Why is the dialogue in *The Room* considered bad?

The dialogue in *The Room* is considered bad because it lacks purpose. Lines like 'Hi Johnny, you're my favorite customer' don't contribute to the plot, character development, or theme, making them feel hollow and unengaging. The lack of depth and relevance renders the scene boring.

What is subtext in dialogue, and why is it important?

Subtext refers to the underlying meaning behind a character's words. It's what the character really means, beyond what they explicitly say. Subtext is important because it adds depth to dialogue, making it more nuanced and engaging. Without subtext, dialogue can feel flat and overly direct.

Can you give an example of good subtext in dialogue?

A great example of subtext is the exchange between Hannibal and Clarice in *Silence of the Lambs*. Although they're discussing topics like Buffalo Bill and Hannibal's paintings, the real tension lies in their power struggle. The subtext of their conversation is a battle of wits, not just the surface-level discussion.

Why is the line from *Interstellar* about love considered poor dialogue?

The line from *Interstellar* ('Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space') is considered poor because it’s overly on-the-nose. It explicitly tells the audience the film’s theme without the subtlety or nuance that good dialogue typically requires.

How does the script explain the difference between 'conversation' and 'dialogue'?

The script distinguishes conversation from dialogue by emphasizing that real conversations are often disjointed, meandering, and lacking in direction. Dialogue in scripts, however, is purposeful and efficient, driving the narrative forward and keeping the audience engaged.

How does Quentin Tarantino’s style relate to dialogue writing?

Tarantino is known for his ability to make tangents and seemingly irrelevant side discussions serve the master purpose of a scene. His dialogue feels authentic because it mirrors real conversations, but it’s always purposeful, adding depth to the characters and building toward a significant outcome.

What role does realism play in comedy dialogue?

In comedy, realism is often sacrificed to serve the humor. The focus in comedy is on creating laughs, so breaking the illusion of realism—such as through meta-humor or exaggerated tropes—is acceptable and often enhances the comedic effect.