Script Techniques

Dialogue Means Nothing: -There is no need to fill a script wtih useless dialogue. -One character needs to be doing something while the other one is talking. -Watch the eyes for the truth.

Keep the Story Simple: -Take out what you don't need , (keep the story simple and the characters unique)

Characters Must Break Cliche: Lisa- simple, blonde, fashionista, but later she becomes a detective. Create unexpected characters.

Use Humor to Add Tension: Postpone the element/outcome of danger.

Two Things Happening at Once: Situations have to be contrasting ( one situation is the main focus and the other one interupts it) Lisa going into the apartment contrasted with Miss Lonelyhearts possibly commiting suicide.

Suspense is Informtaion: Dramatic irony, Thorwall doesn't see Lisa hiding in the apartment.

Surprise and Twist: -Dog dies. - Letter from Mrs.Thornwald,  He=She in Psycho

Warning: May cause MacGuffin:
-Thing that drives the story forward: $40,000


Part II
Some techniques that were used were Dialogue Means Nothing. These were the scenes that were almost all action and no dialogue. Like the scene where Thornwald enters Jeff's home and Jeff begins to flash the camera light towards him.

Two things Happening at Once: When Jeff is about to fall out the window and all the neighbors walk out to witness.