Dialogue from a Famous Movie

Dialogue from a Famous Movie
The Dynamic Media Project

by Marius Žalneravicius
by DA Academy of Arts (Vilnius, Lithuania)

The main idea is to select a dialogue scene from a cult film or series (e.g., classic western, Q. Tarantino, M. Scorsese thriller, historical political dialogue, etc.). To take the original dialogue and present it in a different genre. For example, if the original dialogue is dramatic, present it in a comedic way, and vice versa. To use music, sound, and visuals to change the genre. Students research the selected film, read film critic reviews, and analyze the filmmakers' perspectives to understand the context. Additionally, they study similar dialogues to understand why they are effective in their respective genres.

This assignment provides students with the opportunity to examine classic films from various perspectives. They will assess the contributions of the screenwriter, director, film editor, art director, composer, and actors to understand the elements that contribute to the creation of a celebrated cult film. Students are expected to explore film and animation genres, crafting their own narratives while drawing inspiration from the dialogue of iconic cult films. The primary objective is to develop the ability to observe and analyze exemplary films, appreciate their nuances, and incorporate these insights into their creative endeavours. By selecting a renowned dialogue, students can effortlessly construct a story and immerse themselves in reenacting a segment of a cult film, creating an exhilarating experience.

Much of the curriculum is based on practice and the knowledge of experts who attend lectures. Semiotics, film art, directors, editors, animation artists are invited to provide theoretical knowledge.

The purpose of the entire task is to improve creative thinking, attentiveness, consistency, and time planning.

The project entails collaborative work in groups of 2-3 individuals, with bi-weekly meetings lasting 3 academic hours each, wherein the teacher engages all students of the course in discussing the progress of each group.

Students are required to conduct thorough research to comprehend the artist’s underlying intent in creating the selected piece. Armed with this knowledge, they are tasked with interpreting the artist’s work and formulating an original 3-5 minute film script.

The workflow mirrors the established practices in Dynamic Media professions, encompassing phases such as ideation, concept exploration, script development, cinematography, animation, 3D modelling, sound design, post-production, and editing. Professional assistance and acquisition of new software may be necessary if students and the instructor deem it essential to acquire additional skills, such as sound design, 3D modelling, and editing techniques.

This undertaking aims to enhance students’ aptitude for creative ideation, storytelling, and proficiency in dynamic media creation encompassing animation, cinematography, photography, 3D modelling, editing, and direction. Evaluation of students’ work will factor in the degree of surprise elicited by the film in terms of conceptual innovation and technical execution, as well as its coherence, suitability of the chosen technique, and artistic direction.

Students are strongly encouraged to seek inspiration from unrelated sources, particularly nature, movement, and environmental observations. They are advised to document and capture elements that may aid the creative process, such as scenarios, textures, shadows, lighting, and characteristic human and animal behaviours. Deliberate analysis of successful film editing techniques and dynamic curves is recommended, along with a commitment to experimentation with new filming and animation techniques to achieve original and compelling performances.

— [How To Write Great Dialogue]: What makes great dialogue? In this video essay I talk about subtext, purpose, and realism. The three pillars of what makes great dialogue. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEgsIV98ZmU)

— [The Secret to Writing Compelling Plot Twists — The Art of Misdirection Explained]: How to Write Compelling Plot Twists — a writer’s guide to writing plot twists, including the three most important elements to consider (misdirection, clues, and structure). (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHbOVOZWhZM)


—[10 Movies with the Best Dialogue and Famous Movie Quotes]: Between France and America, from punk beginnings to Hollywood blockbusters: A journey into the fascinating world of French filmmaker Michel Gondry, famous for his offbeat and inventive music videos and visually arresting feature films. (https://thescriptlab.com/blogs/36044-movies-with-the-best-dialogue-and-famous-movie-quotes/)


— [A Beginner’s Guide to Czech Animator Jiří Trnka]: This video serves as a beginner’s guide to the very famous and influential Czech animator Jiří Trnka. His films include The Hand, The Czech Year, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Old Czech Legends, and Cybernetic Grandma. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mace_OE4K)


— [Yuri Norstein and Tale of Tales: An Animator’s Journey]: A pioneering study of the greatest animated film of all time. (https://www.amazon.com.be/-/en/Clare-Kitson/dp/0253218381?language=en_GB)


— [Hayao Miyazaki on Running]: Hayao Miyazaki on Running. A lesson in animation timing. (https://animationobsessive.substack.com/p/hayao-miyazaki-on-running)


— [Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting]
(https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0385339038/ref=as_li_tl?%20ie=UTF8&linkCode=gs2&linkId=08139bde037bbb5ab41009821a266386&creativeASIN=0%20385339038&tag=danielgrin0a8-21&creative=9325&camp=1789)

A digital scene with stylized characters. On the left, a purple humanoid figure with round glasses and a white outfit sits in a futuristic chair, facing another purple humanoid figure on the right, who wears a white hat. The background consists of translucent, overlapping geometric shapes in pastel tones.
Stills from the movie dialogue interpretation animation made by Simonas Kisielius. Tutor Assoc. Marius Zalneravicius https://youtu.be/fAic1BHSxic

I8_img1 by Marius Zalneravicius is marked with CC0 1.0 Universal.

Two stylized humanoid figures, one on the left with a purple head and glasses, and one on the right wearing a white hat, stand against a background with soft geometric shapes and a gradient sky. The figures are shaking hands, and the scene has a futuristic, minimalist aesthetic.
Stills from the movie dialogue interpretation animation made by Simonas Kisielius. Tutor Assoc. Marius Zalneravicius https://youtu.be/fAic1BHSxic

I8_img2 by Marius Zalneravicius is marked with CC0 1.0 Universal.

Bold white 3D text reading
Stills from the movie dialogue interpretation animation made by Simonas Kisielius. Tutor Assoc. Marius Zalneravicius https://youtu.be/fAic1BHSxic

I8_img3 by Marius Zalneravicius is marked with CC0 1.0 Universal.

Marius Žalneravicius, an associate professor, has been a part of the Vilnius Academy of Arts faculty within the Department of Graphic Design since 2012. His primary responsibilities include instructing visual narrative and visual communication courses. In collaboration with Assoc. Sigitas Gužauskas, he established The Creative Pain Studio TYMES, a visual communication studio. Preceding his academic tenure, he held the position of art director at several prominent advertising agencies, including Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA\Vilnius, Adell Taivas Ogilvy, and Leo Burnett Vilnius. Currently, he is primarily engaged in curating and designing art exhibitions.