ABSTRACT
Dialogue is the essence of screenwriting and supersedes description. This chapter delves into the intricacies of dialogue. Like special effects, which don’t have to be real, just look real, the same is the case with dialogue. It doesn’t have to be real; it just has to sound real. Noteworthy scenes, such as the opening of The Social Network, help illustrate issues of pacing, engagement, and subtext. Other well-crafted two-person dialogue scenes are explored, along with accompanying excerpts from the script pages of The Imitation Game and Hidden Figures. The value of subtext is explored, taking an example from the brilliant comedy Birdcage, highlighted by the dinner scene where all participants have a secret.
