Shakespeare for Screenwriters by Evenson J. M

Author:Evenson, J. M. [Evenson, J. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Michael Wiese Productions
Published: 2013-10-30T00:00:00+00:00

LESS ACTIVITY, MORE ACTION

One of the greatest temptations for writers is to add activity, rather than true action, to their scenes. “Activity” is busywork given to characters. Characters can sip a drink, shuffle papers, or nibble at food. These minor activities keep the actor busy while they’re delivering their lines, but the activity involved has little or no impact on the plot or their character. “True action,” by contrast, is an action that is integral to the plot and works to define your characters in a unique and interesting way.

For example, let’s look at the famous fake orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally . . . (1989). The scene starts with Harry and Sally (Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan) sitting at a restaurant arguing about fake orgasms. While they’re arguing, Sally fusses with her sandwich. This is the activity in the scene. But the true action starts when Sally loudly — and quite convincingly — pretends to have an orgasm. The action defines Sally’s relationship with Harry in a unique and interesting way: these two characters overshare intimate secrets.

The scene pops because it showcases true action. What’s more, in the final moments, it manages to draw the busywork activity of eating into the final line of dialogue when the woman sitting next to Sally says to the waitress, “I’ll have what she’s having.” The zinger weaves together both elements of action and integrates them into the fabric of the scene.

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