Writing Great Scenes — 4 Elements Every Scene Should Have
What makes a scene truly great? Is it a captivating performance like Robert De Niro asking, “You talkin’ to me?” in Taxi Driver? A gut-wrenching line of dialogue like, “I’ve abandoned my child,” from Kramer vs. Kramer? Or maybe it’s a perfectly framed shot, or a poignant song choice that elevates the moment. While there’s no guaranteed formula for cinematic greatness, some essential elements can guide you toward crafting unforgettable scenes.
Consider this your blueprint for creating captivating scenes, your own “Anatomy of a Great Scene.” Let’s break down these fundamental building blocks and see how they work together to create impactful storytelling.
What Makes a Scene Great?
Scenes are the lifeblood of any narrative film. They’re the individual cells that, when combined, create the living, breathing organism of your story. But what exactly is a scene? In his book, The Craft of Scene Writing, screenwriter Jim Mercurio defines a scene as “a small unit of story unified by time and space, which encapsulates a single action and culminates in a change. The change should involve both the story and the character.” Essentially, scenes are the bricks and mortar of your narrative, meticulously placed to create a sense of natural progression and believability.
Think of each scene as a miniature movie, a self-contained story with its own arc. Just as a film needs a captivating plot, compelling characters, and a sense of purpose, so too does a scene. And just like a film can be broken down into scenes, scenes themselves can be dissected into beats – those subtle emotional shifts that propel the sequence forward. These beats create a rhythm, guiding the scene through its own beginning, middle, and end.
In this exploration, we’ll delve into the anatomy of a scene, examining the universal elements that form its core structure. These elements serve as the foundation upon which technical aspects like cinematography and editing can build upon. So, let’s dive in, starting with the lifeblood of any great scene: conflict.
Chapter 1: Conflict
From the clash of swords to the battle of wits, conflict is the engine that drives a story forward. Most great scenes are infused with some form of conflict, a clash of wills or desires that creates tension and compels the audience to lean in. This conflict usually stems from a character or group of characters having a goal, with an obstacle preventing them from achieving it.
Think of the iconic line, “You want to fight me…for her?” from The Princess Bride. This simple question highlights the core conflict of the scene: the hero’s desire to rescue his love versus the villain’s determination to stop him.
Conflict can manifest in various ways. The most obvious is physical: a character must fight, outsmart, or outmaneuver another. Imagine the heart-stopping chase sequence in Mad Max: Fury Road, where Max and Furiosa must escape a relentless horde of pursuers. This physical conflict keeps us on the edge of our seats, wondering if they’ll survive.
Then there’s verbal conflict, where words become weapons. In Good Will Hunting, Will Hunting, a troubled genius, uses barbed wit to deflect from his emotional vulnerability during a therapy session with Sean Maguire. The verbal sparring between them is a dance of escalating tension, culminating in an explosive confrontation that reveals the rawness beneath their carefully constructed facades.
Conflict can also originate from a character’s environment. Picture the devastating flood in Parasite, which upends the lives of the characters and underscores the film’s exploration of class inequality. The characters are forced to contend with this external force, which adds another layer of complexity to their struggles.
But sometimes, the most compelling conflicts are internal. In Hitchcock’s Vertigo, Judy, struggling with a dark secret, attempts to fulfill the desires of Scotty, a man haunted by his past. A bittersweet kiss underscores the internal turmoil brewing within both characters. Hitchcock masterfully utilizes lingering shots and a slowed-down pace to emphasize this internal struggle, adding a layer of emotional depth to an otherwise simple act.
It’s crucial to remember that conflict shouldn’t be gratuitous. It should serve a purpose, informing the overall narrative arc and raising the stakes. The tension-filled dinner scene in Django Unchained, where Django and Schultz find themselves at the mercy of the ruthless Calvin Candie, is so impactful because we’ve witnessed Candie’s cruelty and understand the immense risks involved. The conflict here isn’t merely for entertainment; it carries significant weight, putting the characters’ hard-won progress and their very lives in jeopardy.
This brings us to another critical component of compelling scenes: character development. A great scene should not only move the plot forward but also reveal something new about the characters involved.
Chapter 2: Character Development
Memorable characters are the heart and soul of any great story. A scene should contribute to their development, whether by introducing us to their core traits or by illustrating how they evolve throughout the narrative.
The “funny guy” scene in Goodfellas masterfully introduces us to two iconic characters: Tommy DeVito and Henry Hill. We see Tommy’s volatile nature as he shifts between charismatic entertainer and menacing gangster, creating a palpable tension that reveals the unpredictable danger lurking beneath his surface. This scene not only establishes these characters but also subtly foreshadows their fates, highlighting Tommy’s impulsiveness that ultimately leads to his downfall and Henry’s people-pleasing tendencies that draw him deeper into the criminal underworld.
In Michael Mann’s Heat, a tense coffee shop encounter between master thief Neil McCauley and relentless detective Vincent Hanna illuminates their shared drive and dedication, despite being on opposite sides of the law. This scene delves into their backstories, allowing them to articulate their motivations and histories to each other. We leave the scene understanding why they are who they are, setting the stage for their inevitable final showdown.
Character development can also emerge from subtle interactions. In Manchester by the Sea, a poignant exchange between Lee Chandler, burdened by guilt and grief, and his ex-wife, Randi, seeking closure, reveals the complexities of their past relationship. While Randi takes a significant step towards forgiveness and peace, Lee demonstrates he still has a long journey ahead in coming to terms with his past. The scene’s power lies in its quiet observation of two characters at different stages of processing shared trauma, revealing their individual journeys through a nuanced interaction.
Remember, a scene should leave your characters changed in some way. If your characters exit a scene unaffected, it might indicate the scene isn’t serving its purpose within the larger narrative.
Chapter 3: Plot Function
Every scene must contribute to the overall plot. A strong scene isn’t an isolated island; it’s a vital part of the narrative continent, shaping the landscape of the story.
Think of a subtle glance between characters in Wong Kar-Wai’s In the Mood for Love. While seemingly insignificant on its own, this fleeting moment hints at a growing connection, subtly moving their relationship forward. Other scenes, however, act as crucial turning points, propelling the plot in a new direction.
In A Star is Born, the scene where seasoned musician Jackson Maine invites aspiring singer Ally to join him on tour marks a pivotal shift in their relationship. Initially hesitant, Ally’s reluctance melts away as she’s captivated by Jackson’s sincerity. Though a seemingly small moment, it speaks volumes about their deepening connection and serves as the climax of their initial courtship.
Screenwriting guru Robert McKee categorizes these significant plot-altering scenes as “Sequence Climaxes,” moments that mark a turning point in a particular storyline. Even more impactful are what McKee calls “Act Climaxes” – scenes that introduce major revelations or twists, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the narrative.
Consider the chilling moment in The Sixth Sense when Cole Sear confesses to Malcolm Crowe, “I see dead people.” This line is more than just a spooky reveal; it’s an Act Climax, redefining our understanding of the story and propelling it into new, uncharted territory.
These pivotal scenes are often heightened through specific filmmaking techniques. In John Ford’s The Searchers, the horrifying Comanche raid that sets Ethan Edwards on his quest for vengeance is punctuated by stark lighting and a dramatic push-in shot. This visual emphasis underscores the gravity of the moment, highlighting its function as the film’s “Turning Point.” McKee describes turning points as having four key effects: surprise, increased curiosity, insight, and a new direction. This scene in The Searchers masterfully embodies all four elements, shifting the film’s tone, piquing our curiosity, offering insight into the harsh realities of the American West, and setting Ethan on his path of relentless pursuit.
This brings us to the final element: blocking and staging, the visual choreography that breathes life into a scene.
Chapter 4: Blocking & Staging
Blocking refers to the movement of actors within a scene, while staging refers to the camera’s position and movement. These elements work in tandem to create a visual language that enhances the story being told. Even the simplest movements can profoundly impact a scene’s meaning and impact.
In Citizen Kane, Orson Welles utilizes blocking to subtly illustrate the power dynamics between Charles Foster Kane and his guardian, Mr. Thatcher. Initially, Thatcher towers over Kane, emphasizing his authority. As the scene progresses, Kane gradually asserts himself, subtly shifting their positions until he’s the one looking down at Thatcher. This visual representation of their shifting power dynamic elevates the drama, wordlessly conveying Kane’s ascent.
But compelling scenes don’t necessarily require constant movement. In All the President’s Men, director Alan Pakula and cinematographer Gordon Willis utilize a split diopter shot to keep both Bob Woodward and his colleagues in focus, creating a sense of dynamic tension within a static frame. This technique highlights the initially isolated nature of Woodward’s investigation, showcasing the bustling newsroom as a backdrop to his solitary pursuit of the truth.
Masterful blocking and staging are essential for longer takes, allowing directors to guide the audience’s attention through a scene without relying on rapid cuts. In Spielberg’s A.I. Artificial Intelligence, a captivating conversation between David, a robotic boy, and Professor Hobby unfolds in a single, meticulously choreographed take. The camera gracefully moves between the characters, highlighting their emotional nuances and emphasizing the artificiality of David’s existence.
In Singing in the Rain, the iconic “Singin’ in the Rain” sequence showcases the power of dynamic movement. Gene Kelly’s joyous performance interacts with the environment – the lampposts, the rain, even the sidewalk – creating a sense of exhilaration and freedom. The camera, primarily wide to capture the full scope of Kelly’s movements, occasionally pushes in to emphasize his infectious joy. This harmonious blend of blocking and staging transforms a simple song into a celebration of pure cinematic joy.
Whether you’re crafting a scene filled with movement or a static conversation, careful consideration of blocking and staging can elevate your storytelling, adding layers of meaning and visual intrigue.
Deep Dive: The Silence of the Lambs
To illustrate the power of these four elements in action, let’s examine a scene that has become a cinematic touchstone: the meeting between Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter in Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs.
Tasked with gleaning information from the infamous cannibalistic psychiatrist to aid in the capture of another serial killer, Clarice enters Lecter’s meticulously controlled domain. The scene’s conflict is deceptively simple: Clarice needs information, while Lecter aims to penetrate her mind and expose her vulnerabilities. Each line of dialogue becomes a carefully calculated move in their psychological chess match.
The scene is crucial to Clarice’s development. Though initially seemingly outmaneuvered by Lecter’s piercing intellect, she learns valuable lessons about his methods and how to approach him in future encounters. Lecter’s character is equally developed, cementing his status as a brilliant, manipulative sociopath while also hinting at a potential path to freedom through his interactions with Clarice.
In terms of plot function, this scene serves as an “Act Climax,” propelling the narrative from its initial setup into a new phase. The initial act establishes Clarice’s world and the threat she faces. After this pivotal encounter, the story shifts, forging an unlikely partnership between Clarice and Lecter as they embark on a twisted game of cat and mouse with Buffalo Bill.
Demme masterfully utilizes blocking and staging to underscore the power dynamics and emotional tension between these characters. At first, Lecter maintains control, forcing Clarice to approach him, emphasizing the inherent danger of their encounter. As the scene progresses, the blocking shifts, placing Clarice in a vulnerable seated position while Lecter looms over her. Tight close-ups on Lecter, often looking directly at the camera, further enhance his dominance.
The blocking also symbolizes their evolving relationship. When Clarice oversteps, Lecter disengages, turning away to demonstrate his displeasure. But in the final moments, as he offers a crucial piece of information, they stand side by side, separated only by the glass barrier of his cell. This visual unity foreshadows their twisted partnership, signifying a shift in their dynamic as they embark on a shared pursuit.
Jonathan Demme and the entire Silence of the Lambs team flawlessly demonstrate how these four elements – conflict, character development, plot function, and blocking/staging – work together to create a scene that is not only captivating but also integral to the film’s overall power.
Takeaways
Scenes are the building blocks of your cinematic world, each one a microcosm of the story you’re trying to tell. By mastering the interplay between conflict, character development, plot function, and blocking/staging, you can craft scenes that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. Remember, every scene is an opportunity to engage, surprise, and move your audience. Embrace these elements, and you’ll be well on your way to creating truly memorable cinematic moments.