Do you find it harder to turn a movie off in the first five minutes than it is to shut a book in the opening pages? Movies have an edge over books because they engage our senses. We can see and hear the movie taking place. We can watch the characters speak and pick up clues about their body language. We don't need to be told the film is set in present day New York City because the information blares at us through the screen.
Also, movies have opening credits to gently, or not so gently, draw us in. Filmmakers can get away with sweeping panoramas of the countryside with little or no action happening. Or maybe the main character walks to work during the opening credits. He doesn't even have to talk, and we learn things about him through his clothing, the way he walks, the expression on his face, and how he interacts with those around him.
The tone of the movie can be shown through music, color, landscape, and character action--all without the character uttering a single word.
Authors cannot devote five minutes, or the equivalent of several pages, on a sweeping landscape or a character walking to work without any dialogue or thought. Readers need to be plunged into the story immediately, on page one, or they might not read further. Writers need to insert enough sensory details into the opening page to let the reader draw his own visual picture without overwhelming the scene.
While we all read different messages in movies, we physically see and hear the same images as every other movie goer. Books allow readers to create their own vision of the characters, the setting, and the soundtrack, and I believe books offer a personal freedom to readers, a way to tap into their imaginations in ways movies cannot.
I love movies and books, but each offers a unique sensory experience. Authors can emulate some techniques from films such as snappy dialogue, great pace, taut tension, and a general lack of unnecessary scenes. Also, it's good practice to analyze the story arcs in movies.
When you watch a movie and think it's terrific, spend time considering why. If at all possible, brainstorm ways to incorporate these reasons into your writing.
Do you enjoy movies? What type of movie do you love the best?
Join me on Wednesday when I'll share the beginning of my writing journey.
Showing posts with label movies vs. books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies vs. books. Show all posts
Monday, April 19, 2010
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