BRUISED – A lesson on silence. Now streaming on #Netflix. #SpoilerAlert
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Pardon this interruption, too many children live this way. They become adults. #message
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People are emotionally immature. They don’t know how to verbally communicate. Neither should your characters. This film uses silence (read: body language) to show us what our characters are feeling vs telling us.
For example, Jackie doesn’t say a word when:
— Manny is dropped off to her: It’s clear it’s shocking and anxiety-inducing. No dialogue is necessary.
— She leaves her man/manager: She’s been fighting and forgiving since the beginning of the film. We understand it’s her last straw when she makes moves without explanation.
— She shows up at BuddhaKan’s house with Manny: We just witnessed why she needs to go to BuddhaKan. We don’t need to hear her re-explain it. (PUHLEASE DON’T RE-EXPLAIN THINGS TO US 😁)
Not to mention that Manny is mute due to trauma. He only speaks one line at the end of the film to show his growth in trust for his mother.
Silence is golden. Try writing your scenes with no dialogue and see if you can convey the same energy and information.
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Random:
Though I didn’t want to see every gruesome minute of the fight, I appreciated it because it meant Halle was physically fighting. If there was a stunt double, Halle still did the majority of the stunts. Fantastic job.
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Criticism:
– The relationship between Jackie and the promoter was an important storyline that fell off the planet. It would’ve been full circle if when Jackie was walking off and the crowd started chanting her name when she turned back, she could’ve seen the promoter giving his signature clap acknowledging that he reached his goal because she reached hers.
Written By: Shannan E. Johnson