LET'S TALK DIALOGUE   

TWO UNIQUE TYPES OF ANALYSIS 

What is dialogue that is too "ON THE NOSE"? 

We all know that movie dialogue is supposed to sound "natural". That doesn't mean it's supposed to resemble normal,everyday conversation. Movie dialogue must not only "flow" it must either further the plot or provide insight into character. 

Not in So Many Words

Because movies are by their nature limited, you as the screenwriter, must learn to pack as much punch into every word as possible. This does not mean that your characters are to recall their entire background every time they open their mouths. Background should be shown, preferably through action, or reaction, not by telling. 

Nor should your characters constantly address their friend as "friend", lawyer as "lawyer", etc. You should be able to gage the relationship between these people fairly automatically.

How do you add subtext? And what the *&^%$#  IS that?

Every script needs a bit of humor, if only to relieve the tension.

The Cart and the Horse: Each setup gets a payoff and every payoff gets a setup. Do you realize how much this affects your DIALOGUE?