“The dialogue must serve four basic functions:
To move the storyline forward.
To reveal aspects of character not otherwise seen.
To present exposition and particulars of past events.
To set the tone for the film.”
Irwin R. Blacker
The Elements of Screenwriting
Succinct and bang-on. Love it!
Yeah, Trevor, it’s good for me to step aside from time to time and let the big dogs do all the driving.
[…] “The dialogue must serve four basic functions: To move the storyline forward. To reveal aspects of character not otherwise seen. To present exposition and particulars of past events. To set the tone for the film.” Irwin R. Blacker The Elements of Screenwriting Original Source… […]
Show this to those who say screenwriting is easy.
Scott-
Just stumbled across your blog. Soem of your tips have helped me resume attention to my poor, neglected screenplays. So thanks!
Also, do you ever do workshops? I will actually be in Des Moines in October (I live on the west coast – Santa Barbara) and thought I would ask in case you have something happening during that month in Iowa.
The emphasis here is on play writting. I actually ask for the functions of dialogue in speech discuss. Thank you