The Importance of Brevity and Humor in Screenplays

Comedy often relies on quick-witted quips and pithy remarks to create memorable scenes. However, one-liners alone are not the be-all and end-all in screenwriting. Humor and brevity are essential skills that can elevate your screenplay and engage your audience. Let's explore why.

Understanding the Power of Brevity

Brevity and specificity are perhaps not the most glamorous aspects of screenwriting, but they are crucial. Oscar Wilde's statement that humor can be condensed into a few epigrams to form an entire play highlights the importance of these skills. In essence, brevity and humor help you capture the essence of a moment in a way that resonates with audiences.

Brevity is not just about saying less; it's about saying more. Take, for example, the legendary line from The Terminator: "I'll be back." This line is simple and powerful, conveying a sense of inevitability and action. Compare it to a lengthier explanation like "I am going to go do fill in the blank, which should take 24-36 hours, so I will see you when I am done." The latter lacks the punch and intrigue of a well-concise statement.

Humor in Screenwriting

Humor is another powerful tool in the screenwriter's arsenal. It can inject vitality and humor into otherwise mundane scenes. The stage production of Shirley Valentine provides an excellent example. In the scene, the character Shirley is talking to a seawall, reminiscing about a fisherman she met abroad. The punchline, delivered in a humorous context, has a strong impact:

"I met a fisherman the other day and he took me out on his boat. His name was Kostos but I call him Christopher."

This line, on its own, may seem innocuous. However, delivered in the right context, it elicits laughter and can dramatically change the scene's tone and dynamic. The power of humor lies in its ability to make the familiar feel fresh and to shift the narrative in unexpected ways.

Example: The Craft of Scene Writing

The Craft of Scene Writing: Beat by Beat to a Better Script is a book rich with examples of humor and brevity in action. The author shares several illustrations, including themes, character summations, and subtexts that illustrate these concepts:

Theme: "Never underestimate the power of denial." (From American Beauty)

Character Summation: "He was burdened with perfection." She was "the Queen of 'can’t.'"

Subtext: "I love you" from The Apartment: "Shut up and deal."

Each of these examples shows how humor and brevity can be used to convey complex ideas or emotions in a concise and impactful manner. They serve as excellent reference points for any screenwriter looking to refine their craft.

Conclusion

In summary, brevity and humor are essential elements in screenwriting. They can elevate your scenes, add depth to characters, and enrich the overall narrative. By mastering these skills, you can create a more engaging and memorable screenplay. So, whether you're writing a romantic comedy or a dramatic piece, don't underestimate the power of a well-delivered one-liner or a well-timed laugh. Happy writing!