Distinguishing Poorly Written and Poorly Directed Scenes

When it comes to evaluating a scene in a film, it's crucial to understand the difference between a poorly written scene and a poorly directed one. Let's explore a couple of intriguing examples to make this distinction clearer.

A Poorly Written but Well-Directed Scene

The final scene of The Game by David Fincher is one such instance. Although the entire movie earlier in the film was well-written, the concluding scene missed the mark. In this instance, the script author's intent was to leave the audience hanging, but it fell flat.

The Scene in Detail

In this scene, the protagonist has successfully played a fictional game where he sieged his money-grubbing boss. However, instead of completing a daring and decisive action, he stands there explaining his plan to his boss, who is about to be assassinated. This excessive exposition is a hallmark of lazy writing and lacks the punch needed to captivate the audience.

David Fincher, as a director, beautifully handled the visual elements of this scene. The camera work, mise-en-scène, acting, and overall production quality were impressive. This example highlights how poor writing can overshadow a director's best efforts.

Final Scene of The Game (Around 4:20 mark)

Some viewers may be advised to view the film to fully appreciate the contrasts. However, you can also check out the clip, which I encourage you to watch after reading this article.

A Well-Written but Poorly Directed Scene

Another interesting example is a scene from Oleanna by David Mamet. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play, although written with great depth and insight, did not fare well under the direction of its author in the film adaptation.

The Scene in Detail

Mamet's direction in Oleanna was critiqued for its uninspired nature. His camera movements lacked dynamism, the art direction was mundane, and the mise-en-scène was unimaginative. Similarly, the actors' performances and the pacing of the scene were lacking, despite the script being a marvel.

By contrast, Mamet himself as a writer does provide a compelling narrative. However, when his writing is paired with his own direction, the result is often disappointing. Consider another Mamet film, House of Games, for a similar case study.

Watch a scene from Oleanna on Tubi to experience the contrast of poor direction on excellent writing. Alternatively, you can compare it with the scene from Glengarry Glen Ross, which was directed by James Foley and is a much more polished adaptation of a Mamet play.

Scene from Oleanna (Tubi)

Conclusion

Through these examples, we see how a poorly written scene can mar what would otherwise be a great film, while a well-written scene can salvage a poorly directed one. These disparities highlight the different roles of screenplay and direction in storytelling. Understanding these distinctions can greatly enhance our viewership experience and appreciation of cinema.

Note: For a more polished example, consider viewing the scene from Glengarry Glen Ross that was directed by James Foley. This will provide a stark contrast to the poorly directed version of Oleanna.

Recommended Viewing

For a better understanding, consider the following films:

Glengarry Glen Ross - Directed by James Foley House of Games - Directed by David Mamet The Game - Directed by David Fincher