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Lecture 12: Writing Strategies / More on Exposition. Professor Christopher Bradley. The Invisible Man (1933) Screenplay by R. C. Sherriff, based on the novel by H.G. Wells. Previous Lesson. Dramatic Irony Scene Analysis Define the Conflict Note Opening Value Break into Beats
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Lecture 12:Writing Strategies / More on Exposition Professor Christopher Bradley The Invisible Man (1933) Screenplay by R. C. Sherriff, based on the novel by H.G. Wells
Previous Lesson Dramatic Irony Scene Analysis Define the Conflict Note Opening Value Break into Beats Compare Closing & Opening Values Locate the Turning Point Tootsie (1982) Screenplay by Murray Schisgal and Larry Gelbart Based on a story by Don McGuire and Larry Gelbart
This Lesson Exposition The Facts Furthering the Conflict Action and Revelation Flashbacks and Dreams Montages Voiceover Narration Ordinary People (1982) Screenplay by Alvin Sargent based on the novel by Judith Guest
This Lesson (Continued) A Writer’s Method PLAN! Write From the Inside Out Story to Step Outline to Treatment Assignments Casablanca (1942) Screenplay by Julius J. Epstein and Phillip G. Epstein and Howard Koch Based on the play Everyone Comes to Rick’s by Murray Bennett and Joan Alison
Exposition Ordinary People (1982) Screenplay by Alvin Sargent Based on the novel by Judith Guest Lesson 12: Part I
Exposition (2) The Facts Furthering the Conflict Action and Revelation Ordinary People (1982) Screenplay by Alvin Sargent Based on the novel by Judith Guest
Exposition (3) Flashbacks and Dreams Montages Voiceover Narration
Casablanca Clip • Pause the lecture and watch the clip from Casablanca. Casablanca (1942) Screenplay by Julius J. Epstein and Phillip G. Epstein and Howard Koch Based on the play Everyone Comes to Rick’s by Murray Bennett and Joan Alison
Casablanca Clip (2) This scene turns on Action Conflict: “I want to explain myself.” “I want to punish you.” We learn: That Rick was left at the train station That Ilsa had an important relationship before even knowing Rick
Ordinary People Clip • Pause the lecture and watch the clip from Ordinary People. Ordinary People (1982) Screenplay by Alvin Sargent based on the novel by Judith Guest
Ordinary People Clip (2) There are three scenes. Notice: How the conflict is furthered How, through the conflict what facts we learn in each scene Whether the scenes turn on Action or Revelation
Ordinary People Clip (3) The first scene turns on Action. Flashback: Calvin loses his footing because of the jumble of conflicting thoughts assaulting him. Furthering the Conflict: It’s clear he won’t be able to continue this way. The conflict is damaging him, his marriage and his son.
Ordinary People Clip (4) The second scene turns on Revelation: “I’m here to talk about myself.” Conflict: “I don’t believe in psychiatry.” “I refuse to look at this problem honestly.” We learn: That Beth always favored Buck That she won’t forgive Conrad That Beth is not affectionate to Calvin
Ordinary People Clip (5) The third scene turns on both Action and Revelation Conflict: “I want you to look at what your behavior means.” “I don’t want to look at what my behavior means.” We learn: That Calvin’s doubts are not new How Beth deals with conflict
A Writer’s Method Diabolique (1955) Screenplay by Jerome Geronimi and H.G. Clouzot and Frederic Grendel and Rene Masson Based on the novel Celle Qui N'était Plus by Boileau and Narcejac Lesson 12: Part II
Writing from Inside Out As opposed to writing from the outside in: In short, don’t do it! Research, journaling in character, clarifying your story, being clear about goals, themes and subplots, all of these will make your writing faster and a more joyous experience.
Story Step Outline Treatment First, know your story! Logline: Be able to tell it in three or four sentences What are the goals of your main characters? What are the stakes if these goals aren’t reached? What is the climax of each act? Of the entire story? Work backward from your climax to discover your theme
Assignments Diabolique (1955) Screenplay by Jerome Geronimi and H.G. Clouzot and Frederic Grendel and Rene Masson Based on the novel Celle Qui N'était Plus by Boileau and Narcejac Lesson 12: Part III
Reading • Review Chapter 15 in Story, “Exposition” • Read Chapter 19 in Story, “A Writer’s Method” • Read pages 84-86 in The Screenwriter’s Bible, “Summoning Your Muse” • Do the Reading Review to be sure you’re clear on what you’ve read!
E-Board Post Post at least one example of exposition in a film. Say whether you think the exposition was well-done or poorly-done. Remember, well-done exposition forwards the conflict first, and gives new information second. 20
End of Lecture 12 Next Lecture: Transitions Boys Don’t Cry (1999) Screenplay by Kimberly Peirce & Andy Bienen