Directed by: Punctuation (part ii)

The power of punctuation

Each punctuation mark has its own meaning. It defines how we read a sentence, where we pause, and what inflection we impose on the words. They also have informal corresponding implications when writing visual description in a screenplay.

As we get into the dots, dashes, slants and curves, there’s a lot of information to impart. To make it easier to grasp, I’m going to break this section into three parts.

Point of reference

As an example, let’s use an excerpt from one of the most respected writers in Hollywood, Shane Black. Shane is a screenwriter, director, producer and actor. In 1987 he wrote Lethal Weapon, which defined the action genre for over a decade.

In 2005, his directorial debut was the film Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Let’s look at an excerpt from the very first page of that script for clues how to use punctuation and grammar:

The girl starts to SCREAM.

SHRIEKING. Writhing in agony. Tears streaming. Harold stares dumbly. The kid with the saw, horrified –

Chaos. ADULTS converge on the scene. The girl is twitching. In shock, her DAD leaps to the stage. Grips the lid, HEAVES OPEN THE BOX. Eyes wide, staring –