I have been polishing a sci-fi script lately, and one question keeps coming back:
Should dialogue be treated as an unbreakable law, or just a starting point for actors to play with?
Some filmmakers insist on every word being spoken exactly as written (very Sorkin-style). Others thrive on spontaneity and let actors reshape lines to capture the moment.
Curious - how do you approach it in your work?
6 people like this
Their Actors, let them act their best! Improv definitely. Just make sure to get a really good Script Sup!
3 people like this
Chaz Fatur Totally agree — it is often best to have a few takes with different tonalities, as long as they stay in the same key. The only exception, I think, is when a line carries real weight for a character’s arc — then it needs to be word-for-word.
2 people like this
some actors need a lot of freedom some stick to the script but all performers need that freedom to express themselves in the way they want to get the best out of themselves. So it really depends on where u draw the line and what kind of actors u wanna work with.
3 people like this
Depends if the line is contributing to the script story on more than one level... and whether the actor is deeply tuned into character at the time the line is said. If an actor wants to explore then do a few more takes and the best line should win as long as it serves the totally of the story.
2 people like this
it depends. I'm an improv guy (have been for over thirty years!), so I appreciate the gems that can come from a bit of leeway when it comes to dialogue, so long as the information that is necessary to be conveyed gets out. SCRUBS would have some definite gems utilizing this (like with the Janitor). That said, sometimes lines are written in a particular manner (cadence, wording, etc.) where the joke/moment doesn't land unless you are married to the script (a la Aaron Sorkin). Whenever I've written something that is being made, my philosophy is always, "If you come up with something better than what's on the page, then go for it, because then we both look good. But, it has to be better than what is written."
1 person likes this
I tell a lot of my actors "don't be afraid to give me what's not on paper". It's about the story and the emotion behind the situation. If they feel passionate about adding a line or action, then do it. If I don't think it makes sense with the story or character, I just say, "let's stick to what's on the script" or adjust it to make sense. The most important thing is to capture that passion and direct it in the direction I need it to go.
3 people like this
I think it can really change depending on the mood of the moment. If a script feels a bit too rigid, and an actor wants to feel more comfortable, I think it’s okay to play with a few words here and there—as long as the meaning and weight of the line aren’t lost. In fact, those slight changes can sometimes give even more authenticity and impact to the project.
1 person likes this
Improvising is fine as long as performer does not stray too far from the “desired” status quo of the scene. Adding their unique take can prove fruitful but going off on a tangent may distract from the crucial message. Often I discuss what performers themselves feel the words really mean, offer my insights, ask questions & then give them free rein. We mine material together & try different ways. In addition I always get a read of word verbatim on the script page. As mentioned above certain words maybe crucial arcs & also punch lines or plot points. However, first I try to find out how excited performers are about their character role & how they fire off each other at table reads well before individual takes. Action & subtext too can be explored. Recently the act of crying was swapped when a performer anxiously rotated one ankle instead but still starred ahead wildly as instructed. The fact she did not voice her thoughts made it more horrific. Holy Cow moments do happen.