Writing a screenplay that uses a series of eavesdropping scenes, each one a progressively more intense game of cat and mouse and realization who-knows-who is listening. Oddly, I've never written an eavesdropping scene, and other than The Lives of Others and The Conversation, I've not read many. Thoughts on how to effectively structure/write/execute tension in such an interesting confined arena?
Screenwriting : Eavesdropping? by Erick Mertz
Eavesdropping?
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Structuring the scene wouldn't be to difficult. The Conversation revolves around an eavesdropping sequence. The time period and level of technology used will determine the setting.
Figure out where the tension is coming from and what is generating suspense within the scene.
Actually, I was asking for on-the-page advice. What devices? INTERCUT? Swap POVs back and forth with alternating slug lines?
Switching points of view will work best; otherwise you're directing from the page.