Filmmaking Deep Dive: Bad Dialogue
Professional filmmaker Alan Seawright does a deep dive on bad dialogue. Bad dialogue in one scene doesn't make the whole movie bad, but it's worth recognizing where the dialogue falls short... at least so you can impress people at parties. Alan shares three examples: bad dialogue in a bad scene in a bad movie, bad dialogue in a bad scene in a good movie, and bad dialogue in a good scene in a good movie.
Comments (9)
That's very interesting, thank you! I'd like to push back a little on the feelings thing: I actually enjoy when people talk about their feelings and name them in the movies. It is indeed unusual for us, as we were not raised this way. And thus it does not sound natural. But I find it to be a good role model in the mass culture - reflecting on your feelings and be able to express them in words instead of hiding them. Although Anakin himself definitely isn't a good role model :D
this was really interesting. i like when you, Alan explain filmmaking strategy (or bad strategy). movies with great dialogue: Rear Window, The Princess Bride, and Black Panther
😍😍😍 love love love love love this!! Thank you!! 🩵🍿🥤☀️
Great video Alan!
And here I thought you were going to talk about sand. “You can write this shit George but you can’t say it”
Writing dialogue was the first subject that I knew something about. It was such fun watching Alan break it down. And a nice reminder of what not to do.
I haven’t watched this yet, but I’m guessing the quote will be: Sand. I hate sand. It’s rough, and it’s coarse, and it gets everyone. Such a bad line that it funny as all get out. That Ani had such great pickup lines. Question is: is this the bad line from a bad scene in a bad movie? Or is the bad line, bad scene, good movie? I can’t imagine that it will be the bad line, good scene, good movie. The anticipation is killing me. I need to watch this right now!!! (Btw Alan, watch Ani: A Parody from Team Starkid … that will make you feel better about the prequels.)
Dang, got the right movie, but the wrong bad line! LOL. Thanks, Alan!
Short and sweet. I'm not a moviemaker, but I'll use this advice in my public speech / when I teach. Thanks Alan!