Writing Subtext - The Secret to Writing What's Under the Surface
Writing Subtext in Screenplays - covering three key ways a screenwriter can add a secondary and unspoken meaning in their scripts, including subtext in dialogue, actions, and performances.
What is Subtext? ►► bit.ly/pa-sx
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro - What is Subtext?
01:27 - Subtext Definition and History
04:57 - Technique 1: Embedding Subtext in Dialogue
11:32 - Technique 2: Writing Subtext through Actions
14:42 - Technique 3: Allowing Subtext in the Performance
17:34 - Scene Study: Subtext in Sound of Metal
20:56 - Final Takeaways
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WRITING SUBTEXT IN SCREENPLAYS
In storytelling, as in life, what we say and do is only a fraction of what we really mean. That unspoken or secondary meaning is called subtext, and it is a skill many writers seek to master. In this video, we will cover the mechanics of how to write good subtext in a screenplay, including subtext examples in dialogue, action/description, and the actors’ performances.
WHAT IS SUBTEXT
This idea of “subtext” can be traced back to a legend in the theatre world - Konstantin Stanislavski. As a lesson for actors, he had this to say about subtext: “Keep in mind that a person says only ten percent of what lies in their head, ninety percent remains unspoken.” It’s an insightful truth - think about how much of what’s in your head actually gets expressed. And for writers to capture “truth” in dialogue, character action, and behavior, logic suggests that their screenplays should leave most things “unsaid.”
Another way to understand and define subtext is to explain the relationship between text and context. Text is the surface-level meaning of our words and actions. It is the words we actually say or the actions we take. Context is the circumstances around the text - the culmination of information and events that have led up to the text. Subtext, then, is created by combining the text and context. For example, let’s say the text is someone blowing out birthday candles. But in Scene 1, the context has the character surrounded by friends and family, while Scene 2 has them completely alone. The same text, two different contexts, and two very different subtexts.
HOW TO WRITE SUBTEXT
Subtext in dialogue is perhaps the most obvious way to reveal what’s beneath the surface. When Don Corleone says, “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse,” what he really means (the subtext) is, “If he doesn’t do what I’m asking him to do, I will kill him.” Leaving that direct meaning unsaid is far more powerful and menacing.
Beyond dialogue, subtext can also be written into a character’s action. In Pulp Fiction, Jules takes a massive bite out of Brett’s hamburger. Without saying it, this simple act creates a clear message: Jules has all the power.
Finally, the actor’s performance is a more nuanced but huge opportunity for subtext. With clues the writer provides in the script, the actor can use body language to suggest what lies beneath the surface. In Moonlight, Black stares at the door, debating whether to escape another possible heartbreak.
Writing subtext in screenplays is not easy. The temptation writers face is to put everything onto the page as text but, going back to Stanislavski, it’s better to leave things unsaid.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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"The Alien" - Annihilation OST
"Casino" - Mathaus Passion
"Dust My Broom" - Elmore James
"Track 1" - The Cell Soundtrack
"Everything Thing in its Right Place" - Radiohead
"From Rusholme with Love" - Mint Royale
"Svefn-G-Englar" - Sigur Ros
"Hang me, Oh Hang Me" - Oscar Isaac
"What Have We Done to Each Other" - Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
"Consummation" - Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
"The Big Smoke" - Audiomachine
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"Prelude" - Bernard Herrmann
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Chapters: 00:00 - Intro - What is Subtext? 01:27 - Subtext Definition and History 04:57 - Technique 1: Embedding Subtext in Dialogue 11:32 - Technique 2: Writing Subtext through Actions 14:42 - Technique 3: Allowing Subtext in the Performance 17:34 - Scene Study: Subtext in Sound of Metal 20:56 - Final Takeaways
Please do a video on how to write and direct comedy
*Subtext:* juxtaposed the two black males in a sexual relationship (15:54) with a "white-ish" couple in a sexual relationship (17:34 ). Foh👎🏽👎🏽
Contrasting the “hi, doggie” scene from The Room with the coin toss scene from No Country for Old Men was brilliant
😂😂
This channel literally posts free lessons (masterclass level). I can't appreciate it enough.
It's what we do :)
So much so my college professor taught from them, anyways I’m no longer going to pay for free
EXACTLY.... I am an Acting Teacher... and think I'm pretty good... until I watch something like this HOLY MOLY..... ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC UNBELIEVABLE SUPERBE SIMPLISTIC VIDEO... "WOW" Then I (steal), I mean SHARE this with my students... Did you get my "Subtext" BAHAHAHAHA
@@StudioBinder THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
It's enlightening how often that scene from No Country for Old Men features in the analysis of cinema. It really is a masterclass in writing, cinematography, acting, sound design, subtext, context, everything. The Coen brothers always have been great writers. A shout out to Gene Jones, the other actor in that scene. It's such an important scene in the context of telling you what sort of a person Anton Chigurh is, and they both absolutely nail their performances. The scene is as close to perfection as you'll get on film.
It's the best
What makes it truly great, is that it has ALL the elements you want to study from so many different angles, and NONE of the distractions in other scenes that might have about half or fewer such elements. It's cut and dried, distilled down to a simple conversation with very few actual motions or actions, between exactly two characters. It's as straight forward as you can get, and no weird outside influences. No sexual notions or tensions... No dance number or chasing... No gun play or even threatening... Not even a spare character about to step in and disrupt the flow or break anything. That not only makes it remarkable as a simple scene in a movie, somewhere in the middle, where the Character of Chigurh is being fleshed out a little, BUT it also creates an imminent study piece. There's nothing extraneous or zany. There's no question what's being said or done, and what's meant by it. That makes it the masterclass in not just sub-text, but in Character establishment and controlling tension, both up and down. ;o)
Love the example from Sound of Metal. One of my favorite films. One of my favorite examples of subtext is in Jurassic Park when Grants leaves the kids in the jeep during the T-Rex breakout scene. "He left us," Lex says. But with the context of their parents' divorce, it carries so much weight.
👍👍
Sounds like they did it better than Jurrasic World
This is given more weight to the fact that as Alan pulls Lex out of the car - she isn't just crying. She's calling Alan "dad" over and over again.
@@Veachie woah, I've never noticed that. I'll have to watch it again.
@@jmorgan3977 Some closed captioning shows it, others don't. First time I saw it on CC I was blown away and then immediately emotionally damaged. But yeah, as Alan pulls her out she keeps going, "Dad! Dad! Dad!"
04:16 The subtext is; "His toxic relationship with Lisa is tearing him apart. So Tommy, in a sad attempt at buying her favor, provides her with superficial material possessions as part of his shallow, co-dependent behavior. Hi doggy."
💯
"What's the most you ever lost on a coin toss?" Anton Chigurh still gives me shivers and is quite possibly the most effective villain ever created for the big screen.
an all time great!
Great video lecture as always ! Subtext is like a deeper, metaphorical version of "show, don't tell".
"Silence is NOT 'emptiness'. There are some lessons which sound... cannot teach." --Artemis 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨
Glad you liked it!
Showing the excerpts of the original text is really important. The film audience does not get to see the text, only the result after all the interpretations are finished. To learn how to write, you need to see good examples of that communication. Great job.
I did not expect The Room clip in this video, I did not. Oh hi, Mark.
😂😂
This channel has taught me more than I've ever learnt in drama, film or theater class. You break down the lessons and make everything easy to understand. As a visual learner, I love the show, don't tell approach.
Writing is one of the most underated aspects of filmmaking and probably my favorite! Whiplash is so expertly written!😊
Everything about that film is excellent
Same
Every video of this channel is a gem, but this is probably my favorite. Congrats on such a deep and concise work. The scenes and films you chose... you nailed it!
Enjoy!
You make a 20min masterclass seem like a short. Thank you for putting out this insane level of production
Happy to ❤
I was actually doing research on subtext recently and it seems to be quite an elusive topic. As always you have managed to cast light into the dark, with great distinctions and examples. It already triggered several bulbs in my head. I will read screenplays with a new set of eyes now, and that's something quite amazing. (gently) Thank you.
Good luck!
You can feel the dissapointment, the feeling of lost, and still that sparkle of hope "You are my favourite customer." So simple, yet so deep 😅😂😂😂
“i’m having a friend for dinner” thank you for putting that. it made me chuckle a lot
🍗
4:30 Tommy Wiseu's 'The Room' ah that seminal masterpiece. Thank you for its inclusion among these other great works!
Would've been a crime not to :)
@@StudioBinder You’re my favourite customer
Is The Room the worst movie ever? I've never seen the entire thing, just scenes in video essays such as this one, and always in the context of "This is bad dialogue" or similar.
@nictheartist there are 6 sex scenes in 1 and a half hours. the plot is paper thin, the characters have no depth, and it’s incredibly stupid. needless to say, it’s a masterpiece
I've been waiting for this Inspiring video. Subtext is the Secret of what Dialogues means in storyline. The Key element of Performance. This is the Magic of Cinema. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder.
Exactly!
The performance section put its finger on the process of acting that's been lurking at the edge of my consciousness, unarticulated, for years. And so clearly and precisely too. Thanks!
A great lesson on subtext. Thumbs up to all hard-working people at Studio Binder. Clear and concise, masterly designed. Much appreciated. Quoting greats such as Robert McKee, Stanislavski, plus digesting pieces from scripts by super great writers (with supporting scenes from their films), adds immeasurably to this brilliant presentation. 👍🥂
I really appreciate the effort you put into your videos. I love how you put together all these different, perfect examples and you are doing it beautifully. It never gets boring. I also love the narrator, what a nice voice and use of tone.
I think most people tend to overlook superhero movies in general but the "welcome to the planet" line at the end of Man of Steel is one of the coolest examples of subtext I have ever seen.
Another great example of subtext is in 'Pulp fiction' . The bar scene where John Travolta calls Bruce Willis a 'palooka'.
That shot of Maverick standing outside the bar is a magnificent example
Agreed!
Thank you StudioBinder. Been a faithful student for a year now. You've taught me so much!
Thank you for the lesson. It really means a lot to me because I've been struggling with how to create a good storyboard for the animated series. I've always wanted to solve the problem of having a boring conversation and acting, this video enlightened me.
It is so delightful to watch this academics again and again... Curated with such a care and richness. Amazing...
Excellent video. I first started learning about subtext 7 years ago & it’s marginally less difficult to incorporate today into scripts as it was then.
I'm still new to screenwriting but I've found it easier to write subtext if you write the dialogue first and on your second draft to replace that dialogue for subtext.
that's a well-established strategy that people use! good on you
@@LeahNechama76 Thanks.
Interesting idea!
I think a cool topic to discuss would be the different ways to structure, shoot, and edit a phone call conversation. Like split screen, cut between the people on the call, and do we even get to hear both sides of the call? I like phone calls in movies. There are so many different ways to show an audience a phone call.
Can u explain deeply please 🙏
@@actingsirf3782 Phone conversations are one of those things that are done wrong (from a realism stance) so often, and in so many ways. Like when you only hear one side of the call and you see someone pick up the phone and immediately start a conversation, or never wait long enough for a proper reply, or repeat what the person on the other end is supposed to be saying. "Hello? Bobby's in trouble? What was he doing? He was fighting in school, and you want me to come in and pick him up?" It's one of those things where, once you notice it, you start seeing it everywhere.
A very great job. Thank you. ❤ My native language is not English, so thank you for the subtitles and the narrator's calm and clear narration. You are very up-to-date and use the latest movies in your content.
Appreciate the comment!
I have to watch this again…it is so much to dissect in such a short video!
In the sound of metal, I like to think that after his struggle with accepting the fact that he can't cure his deafness and learning sign language, Reuben is better as non-verbal communication in general. After watching the movie I happened to go walk past this stall at a festival where they were giving people an intro to sign language. One thing they really enphasised is the fact that facial expressions are equivalent to the tone of your voice. So they said be expressive with your face. Maybe Reuben is much more observant of these subtleties now. So in one realisation, they capture the change that Reuben has gone through and the pain of realising this relationship is no lomger healthy.
One of the thoughest topics about screenwriting I had doubts. Thanks for the explanation. You are the best.
its interesting that you showed the leonardo dicaprio moment from once upon a time in Hollywood, im pretty sure i saw that was improvised, and if im correct that shows how much he understood what his character was going threw. also id like to shoutout the subtext in the hbo's show "the leftovers" where the music plus the facial expressions of actors create a new kind of layer in my opinion, between the actor and the viewer.
Great performance on his part!
I have to say, this is truly a fantastic video. Extremely well made and thought out.
“I know writers who use subtext and they’re all cowards.” - Garth Merenghi: author, visionary, dreamweaver, plus actor
#findmadeleinewool
😂
“I’m one of the few people you’ll meet who’ve written more books than I’ve read.” -Garth Marenghi
And there is subtext even in that quote 🤷♂️.
😂😂
There's no better clinic in subtext than the Call It scene.
I needed this video in school back then ... Kind of odd to find this kind of content on YT ... But it's super well made, kudos for that.
Oh man, I was waiting for this video forever. Glad it's out now.
Enjoy!
Very good job StudioBinder! Every new filmmaker and screenwriter needs to see this video!
Let's get it seen!
13:20 I feel like her pouring out the rest of the soda is more like saying, "I know it's 'wrong' but you need this". Other than that minor "correction" (if that's even the case), the video was really entertaining and informative.
Glad you liked it!
Shounen anime fans: "What is subtext? Sounds like an alien concept."
Anime is the bane of all form of modern writings. A lot of those shounens have good concepts, but rarely do they deliver their story in a more human way which is the subtle way.
This was a beautiful video. Thank you so much for you hard work in producing it.
You do a wonderful educational work! Thank you so much! 💐
WOW! Just stumbled on this channel. Brilliant and inspiring, thank you!
I got to know about a lot of movies through this channel! And to learn the beauties of them is just another fantastic thing!🙂😎
Thanks for these bite size video lessons, this is a podcast I'd listen to. That said, I'd love to hear about unconventional heroes/villains, deviation from "formulas" (e.g. 3-act structure), more on subverting genre and subgenres (horror, sci-fi, and fantasy would be nice), writing within sociocultural context (i.e. how the writer's surroundings affects the story), or even on the state of the industry (direct-to-streaming vs. theatrical releases). Thanks again for the vids!
Thanks for the feedback!
The first two ideas sound interesting. We all know thr "rules" on film making and storytelling, but it would be interesting to see the films where they broke these rules but still made a great film.
@@williamshakespeare9815 I know there are lists and essays out there, e.g. how Godard did this in "Breathless", but more like speaking of these rules that sometimes even seem to hinder writers because they're not following the "instructions" on how to create a character or develop conflict.
Reservoir Dogs introduces us to all of the characters in the movie and their pesonalities just by conversations about Madonna and waitresses!
Fantastic way to start a movie
Literally the best channel ever
Thanks for watching!
StudioBinder + Team Deakins Podcast = My version of film school over the years
Good combo :)
This is a work of art.
The single best sub text I've ever seen (and I didn't see it myself until my friend pointed it out) is in the Manga movie Ninja Scrolls. The main character, a ronin named Jubei has been poisoned and has only 1 week to live. He'll get the antidote once he completes a task for the government spy who poisoned him. Later on he met a low level female ninja named Gegeiro with a very defensive and headstrong attitude and together they performed the tasks. By the way Gegeiro is a poison taster and she is very poisonous herself. Spoiler alert! Gegeiro learned that Jubei can be cured by sleeping with her. In the end she literally throws herself at Jubei pleading to do the deed otherwise he'll die. Jubei silently pushes her away and walked away towards the final battle. The sub text is: admit that you love me instead of treating me like a charity case.
This all sounds super easy, barely an inconvenience. 😅
This Video is so much better then your other ones
Man yall are so great! Love these little vidz!
New subscriber here. Fantastic presentation-masters level teaching. My new binge channel. Abundant gratitude, sir, abundant gratitude.
Great work! Such a helpful and informative video.
Cheers!
Mind blowing content sir! Thank You 🙏
The biggest purpose of subtext is to make credible and interesting performances. We speak in subtext every day, evermore so when we're emotional. Since conflict is the driving force of any story, emotions arise. When my girlfriend yells "I'm fine", she's not fine. When people are frustrated with their boss and act nice, that's subtext. It's real. Rarely do people speak literally, especially when emotions are present. Literal dialogue feels unnatural because it is unnatural. The interesting quality of subtext comes from the layers of emotion going on, and many times showing the audience something that the other characters in the scene don't know.
I found this very helpful. Thanks for sharing
Glad it helped!
Best filmmaking channel ever
Thank you for this video !
Fantastic as always!!!
Cheers!
Wow what an emotionally powerful episode 😦
3:20 That's one hell of a parenthetical!
One of the finest video produce, My FAV 😁
best studiobinder vid yet
Glad you liked it!
This was an excellent video!
Thank you for this!
Great video. But I disagree the line from Banshees lacks subtext. He is not just saying he’s changed his opinion of his friend. He’s worried he’s going to die having not accomplished anything.
A video on stunt work and it's use in specific films. Similar videos on special effects in specific films would be great! 2001 for Special FX and John Wick for stunt work perhaps. Videos on Sound FX would also be great! As always, love your content!
stay tuned ;)
Big THANKS . From London
Brilliant! Thank you Studio Binder. I'd love to see a video on how to write scenes in which characters are bonding. Either becoming friends or becoming romantically interested.
We have a video on writing a meet cute you might like! kzhead.info/sun/mdCRm7CAp4h5h4E/bejne.html
Wow, Great video - I love all the examples!! ^_^
Funny, the subtext within the video about subtext when the narrator states, "A rule of thumb in screenwriting is to avoid telling the director how to direct and telling the actor how to act..." and then the narrator implies to do exactly that. Excellent use of subtext.
amazing once again you guys killed it !!
Cheers!
How about doing a video on the topic of "double entendres" --"statements or pieces of dialogue that has hidden messages that are sexually subliminal without being overtly obvious". Film noirs use this quite often in their dialogue; especially the heated relationship between the private investigator and the femme fatale", i.e. Fred McMaurry and Barbara Stanwyck in the scene where Fred's character starts a dialogue with Barbara about "how fast she was going" after the plan to murder the woman's husband. The dialogue between them is definitely sexual innuendo between the two; even though the dialogue we hear is about speeding. Or another example: The dialogue between any of the characters on the 70s sitcom "Three's Company".
Not a bad idea!
A video is a gift for an artist ❤
I'd just like to put across a different perspective about Yorgos Lanthimos' dialogue being devoid of subtext, although I could be wrong. I feel that his dialogue is loaded with subtext; it's just more layered than normal subtext that we're used to seeing in movies. For example, the video refers to The Lobster and the scene where Colin Farrell's character says to Rachel Weisz how she can tell him if he's walking too slow and he'll pick up his pace. In the film, the context(SPOILERS) is that these two become lovers in secret and on their visit to the city, they're trying to express their affection for each other in the only way they know how while also trying not to draw suspicion(and miserably failing at it) to the head of the group, Lea Seydoux, who forbids any kind of romantic relationships. I think it's beautifully done and makes the world of The Lobster more complex and real because in life, even in socially awkward or life-threatening situations, we always express ourselves verbally or non-verbally whether we''re aware of doing it or not. GREAT CONTENT as always though! 😁
👌
10:18 BOOKSMART is a great movie! John Hughs would love to claim it as his own.
Wow I Love this!
Honestly, I think I’m horrible at subtext. I hope to get better; these tips help! Thank you!
Now I want to see The Sound Of Metal... Great vid. Thanks. :)
Well worth a watch!
Thank for this...ever since I heard Tarantino talk about it, I hadn't gotten some one explain it to me plain.
Hope this helps!
@@StudioBinder it does...much Love
This channel is godsent.Honestly..
🙏🙏
This is so helpful
5:29 "Snape said calmly"
wow...... thank you, its enlighting me.
Nice explanation
Lovely Videos as always. Would be lovely to have examples in your videos, from films of other climes too. Asia, Africa, Oceania.....
Great video. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Yay! More free film school lessons!
Amé este video... interesante en las explicaciones y los ejemplos.
Thanks for watching!
This is Quality Stuff❤
There should be a video on themes and motifs and symbolism.
Don't know if this would be considered subtext, but Umineko no Naku Koro ni is a story where sometimes even 5+ stories are told at once because of the underlining meaning of the text and the structure of a scene.
I love this channel, but can you make the font for the title of the movies a bit easier to see. 🤓
Thanks for the suggestion!
The theme is about: "The meaning, behind the action".