The Art of Showing

I feel like getting really descriptive, visceral narrative going is a skill I need to work on. I'm not terrible, by any means, but I see some of the bigger named authors go pages without the need for dialogue. They're able to convey emotion, intent, and desire without anyone uttering a word. Honestly, it made me think of a old Hollywood.

Now, if you know my story, you'll know I'm a media geek. I've filmed, editing, been on TV, and of course there's the whole pro wrestling thing. But all this thinking about describing without the need for words brought this to mind.

That's the master himself, Buster Keaton. Silent films forced people to get creative with their storytelling. Everything had to be conveyed unambiguously through actions alone. Watch this short little clip and you can see so much subtlety. The way he looks at her. The hesitation in his action. The movement. Her quick and definite response. There's a whole story going on in this scene that takes no words, but shows so much more than what's on the surface.

This is, admittedly, a little silly, but the art form is there, no doubt. I'm working every day to refine my craft in the hopes that I can rely a little less on dialogue, a little more on context, and convey an even deeper meaning with my words.

Be Excellent To Each Other.