Dialogue...

 Put simply, I am a complete NOOB at writing dialogue. Any time I've tried to write dialogue for past projects of mine, or even in short stories, it always feels overbearingly corny. Come along with me as I learn how to write better dialogue and try to suck less.

CONFLICT

All of the best examples of dialogue one can think of are likely motivated by conflict: the clashing of ideologies/beliefs/positions. 

This example from The Silence of the Lambs (1991) demonstrates a perfect example of the power of conflict. Clarice, the protagonist (representing good), engages in a mind-bending, odd conversation with the infamous Hannibal Lecter (representing evil). The obvious conflict between the two builds tension, and makes the conversation feel forced, yet natural. The audience knows both characters must possess their own individual motivations, drawing close attention to and amplifying the impact of their words. The shot/countershot technique also allows the conversation to flow easily. This entire concept of conflict is suggestive of Levi Strauss' Binary Opposition Theory, stating that stories are driven by the conflict of opposition. Conflict is a very useful tool in getting inspiration to write dialogue, and enhancing the impact of a character's words.

PURPOSE

Every single fluid ounce of dialogue should, at the bare minimum, do at least one thing: serve a purpose. There is no limit on how many different purposes one piece of dialogue can ser-actually its like 674, but for the sake of this argument lets pretend its infinite. Dialogue can serve countless purposes, but it always must serve at least one, to prevent it from sounding inauthentic, unmotivated, or dare I say... corny.

Here's a few different purposes dialogue can serve:

-Make the audience laugh

-Characterize

-Further a relationship

-Advance the plot

This clip from The Room (2003) is a great example of horrible dialogue. Aside from the absolutely atrocious acting, the dialogue throughout this movie is boring, and fails to serve purpose. Even a touch of humor, or reference to the ongoing plot of the movie would've improved this scene by so much.

Aside from having a weird obsession with feet(!?), Quentin Tarantino is the undisputed G.O.A.T. of crafting purposeful dialogue. His dialogue never fails to flow smoothly and naturally, and even if at surface level it seems purposeless at times, it always ends up revealing itself to serve some larger role in the end.

Take for example this scene from Pulp Fiction (1994). The dialogue in this scene is so natural you almost forget that you're watching a movie. While the dialogue may originally seem to serve no purpose at all, it truly serves too many purposes to count on one hand (unless you have more than 5 fingers). The dialogue characterizes the hitmen as brothers, makes the audience laugh, establishes the lighthearted mood of the scene, and creates juxtaposition with the upcoming violence that will unfold, just to name a few. It seems as if the secret to writing good dialogue is remaining true to your characters, and all the hidden purposes will come naturally.

SUBTEXT

Another way I can take my dialogue to the next level is through the use of subtext, or the incorporation of hidden, underlying themes. Audiences are intelligent (for the most part), and they don't need all information spoon fed to them.

This scene from Whiplash (2014) captures the concept of subtext perfectly. At first glance, it seems as if Fletcher's purpose is to welcome Andrew into the ensemble and learn more about him. He comes across as warm, kind, and approachable. However, it is soon revealed that his underlying purpose was to manipulate sensitive information out of Andrew to leverage and humiliate him in front of his bandmates.

Fletcher never outright told Andrew to give him sensitive information about himself so that he can take advantage of it and cause Andrew emotional turmoil, but he instead had a hidden agenda, which in retrospect greatly amplifies the meaning and effect of his words. He is also characterized as an evil, manipulative figure who will prove to be an insurmountable obstacle throughout the duration of the film.

Overall, I feel this research has greatly enhanced my understanding of how to go about crafting impactful and meaningful dialogue, through the use of conflict, purpose, and subtext. Instead of crafting characters out of thin air, I am basically meeting them for the first and bringing them to life. I can't wait to implement all this new knowledge into my film opening.

Sources:

Look, C. (2019). How to Write Great Dialogue. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9ilXLsz0KE

Berke, T. (2025). How to Write Freakishly Good Dialogue. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9ICVrx5PKo