Parole in azione. Forme e tecniche del dialogo cinematografico

The essay explores the specificities of dialogue as an element of film language and aesthetics. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines semiotics and conversational analysis with screenwriting theory, the book argues that in a movie dialogue has three main functions. The first one, analyzed in the first section of the book, is to create conflict between characters, especially through a dynamics of progressive framing and reframing of the issue which is cause of disagreement. The second function is to create subtext. In its second section, the essays argues that subtext can be of two types: “strategic subtext”, when characters are negotiating about something, or “deep subtext”, when the issue at stake is the moral destiny of one of the speakers. Finally, the third function is to carry the information which is necessary to understand the development of the story. The last part of the essay highlights the most frequent techniques used to cover exposition, so that information doesn’t interfere with drama.