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William Goldman

William Goldman. Humor in Dialogue: The Princess Bride. William Goldman. American novelist and screenwriter Best known for his screenplays of: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid The Stepford Wives The Princess Bride Hearts in Atlantis. The Princess Bride.

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William Goldman

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  1. William Goldman Humor in Dialogue: The Princess Bride

  2. William Goldman • American novelist and screenwriter • Best known for his screenplays of: • Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid • The Stepford Wives • The Princess Bride • Hearts in Atlantis

  3. The Princess Bride • In 1987 William Goldman adapted his novel “The Princess Bride” into a screenplay for a movie of the same name.

  4. The Question How does this author employ dialogue to great effect in a particular scene or with a particular character?

  5. Selection The Cliffs of Insanity One of the greatest scenes in the entire movie, and also an excellent example of how William Goldman incorporates humor into the dialogue of this scene. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClzaP8HN2wc

  6. Analysis of the Dialogue • “I wonder if he is using the same wind we are using” • Inigo’s thoughtful observation is ironic because obviously the other ship is using the same wind.

  7. Analysis of the Dialogue • “Hurry up. Move the thing!And... that other thing. Move it!” • Vizzini is the leader and supposedly the smartest of this group, yet he does not know basic ship terminology; nor does he help out with what he is demanding of the others.

  8. Analysis of the Dialogue • “Inconceivable.” • A running joke in the movie, Vizzini is constantly declaring that the actions of others are inconceivable events.

  9. Analysis of the Dialogue • “You were suppose to be this colossus. You were this great legendary thing. And yet he gains” • Vizzini is insulting the man who is providing his escape, but he does so, because he knows the giant will not retaliate.

  10. Analysis of the Dialogue • Fezzik: “Well I’m carrying three people, and he got only himself” • Vizzini: “I do not accept excuses. I’m just going to find myself a new giant, that’s all” • Fezzik: “Don’t say that Vizzini, please?” • Ludicrous given the situation, Vizzini’s life is in Fezzik’s hand yet makes this comment. Fezzik could easily kill Vizzini, but does not because of his gentle nature. Vizzini also talks like finding a giant is a common occurrence.

  11. Analysis of the Dialogue • “Did I make it clear that your job is at stake?” • Vizzini continues to harass Fezzik in the most absurdly humorous way. Just like the nagging boss at an office job, Vizzini treats the situation all the same.

  12. Analysis of the Dialogue • Vizzini: “He didn’t fall, inconceivable” • Inigo: “You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means” • Inigo is supposedly not as intelligent as Vizzini, yet points out that every time Vizzini says this word, the extraordinary happens. • Inconceivable = Unbelievable, so really Vizzini is using the word properly. This statement would have been just as effective if it were delivered by Fezzik, but being delivered by Inigo makes it more “believable.”

  13. Analysis of the Dialogue • The dialogue is the key to the success of this screenplay. Each of the dialogue statements help establish the humor in the scene and entire movie. • Goldman’s entire screenplay is saturated with humor, and because of his expertise, the audience does not realize the elements that compose his story, thus, the story flows naturally.

  14. Answering the Question • This scene was used to progress the story, but could have been delivered without any dialogue (but where’s the fun in that?) • Without Goldman’s choice of dialogue, although, the movie would have been exciting, it would have have been just like every other faerie tale romance. • William Goldman uses situation, characters personalities, and dialogue to his full advantage. The use of these elements in combination creates a lasting effect on the audience, presenting a story flawlessly to the audience. • It is because of Goldman’s use of dialogue that made “The Princess Bride” an instant classic.

  15. Why is this important? • Because without an effective writing ability, the audience would be fully aware of what the writer is trying to accomplish. • Dialogue being a key element in most stories (and especially in this one), it is imperative that the author be able to execute it well; and being able to deliver a story seamlessly is essential to successful writing.

  16. Questions???

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