Directed by: Punctuation (part iii)

Backwards and forwards

As we continue our exploration of how to use punctuation in the narrative description of a screenplay, don’t forget the example we’re looking using. It’s from the first page of Shane Black’s 2005 directorial debut, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang:

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 –

Exclamations points

Exclamation points are often used in a script. An exclamation point indicates the notion that something is of major significance. It’s can also indicate surprise or strong feelings.

Surprise, strong feelings, new and significant visual information are all excellent things to have in a screenplay. It is a natural writing instinct to want to indicate these moments with exclamations points. But you have to be careful…

The danger with exclamation points is overuse

In dialogue, an exclamation point implies emphasis on an idea or a strong emotional response underlying a character’s line. This can be used to great effect. But if…