Movies That Tell, Don't Show: Examples & Analysis

Hey guys! Ever watched a movie or show and thought, "Wow, they really told us everything instead of letting us figure it out?" It's like, sometimes filmmakers feel the need to spell everything out, leaving little room for our imaginations to wander. We're diving deep into the fascinating world of "just tell, don't show" in film and television. We'll explore what this concept really means, why it sometimes misses the mark, and hunt down some prime examples of movies and series that might have leaned a little too heavily on exposition. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started!

What Does "Just Tell, Don't Show" Really Mean?

Okay, so let's break down this whole "just tell, don't show" thing. In the world of storytelling, it's a golden rule: Show, don't tell. But what happens when a story tells instead of shows? Well, imagine you're reading a book where the narrator constantly tells you how a character is feeling instead of letting you see it through their actions and expressions. It can feel a bit... distant, right? You're not really connecting with the character because you're being told the emotions instead of experiencing them firsthand.

In film and TV, this translates to characters explicitly stating their feelings, motivations, and backstories, often through lengthy monologues or clunky dialogue. Think about a scene where a character turns to another and says, "I'm so angry and betrayed because of what you did! My entire life has been a lie!" It's like, woah, hold on a second! That's a lot to take in, and it might have been way more powerful if we saw that anger and betrayal through their actions, their facial expressions, the way they interact with others. When movies and shows over rely on telling, audiences will find the storytelling experience unfulfilling.

Why is "Showing" So Much More Effective?

When filmmakers show, they engage our imaginations. They give us clues, hints, and visual cues that allow us to piece together the story ourselves. This creates a much more immersive and satisfying experience. We feel like we're actively participating in the story, not just passively receiving information. We should be able to infer character traits through their dialogue, actions, and interactions, and how they deal with various situations. If a show does not show a character's personality, it will come across as disingenuous and leave the audiences disengaged.

Think about a classic movie scene where a character is silently weeping. We don't need anyone to tell us they're heartbroken; their tears, their slumped posture, the trembling of their hands – it all speaks volumes. It's a universal language of emotion that we can instantly understand and connect with. Showing instead of telling allows for nuance and depth. It lets the audience read between the lines and draw their own conclusions, making the story feel more personal and impactful. It is also more artful and helps make the show or movie appear well written. In fact, some of the most famous scenes in cinema history are the ones with no dialogue because their actions speak louder than words.

The Pitfalls of Over-Exposition

Now, don't get me wrong, there's a time and place for exposition. Sometimes, you need to provide certain information to move the plot forward. But the key is to do it subtly and organically, weaving it into the narrative in a way that feels natural and not forced. However, sometimes writers and directors can overdo it.

Over-exposition, which is another way of saying "just tell, don't show", is a common pitfall in storytelling. It can make a story feel clunky, predictable, and even condescending to the audience. When characters spend too much time explaining things that could be shown through actions or visuals, it slows down the pacing and sucks the life out of the scene. Over exposition also fails to connect the audience emotionally to the story. One of the most common complaints about a movie that tells too much is that it is boring. Characters who just tell the story and their motivations are not dynamic, complex, or particularly interesting.

Imagine watching a mystery movie where the detective constantly narrates their every thought process out loud. It would completely ruin the suspense and take away the fun of trying to solve the puzzle yourself. We all like to think we could be the detective in our own minds and guess who committed the crime. However, when the detective tells us how they solve the crime, we do not get to participate in the storytelling experience.

In essence, over-exposition insults the audience's intelligence. It assumes that we're not smart enough to figure things out on our own, and that can be a major turn-off. We want to be challenged, to be engaged, and to feel like we're active participants in the story, not just passive observers. As much as is possible, it is best to avoid telling the audiences anything at all, and just let them experience the story through the characters and the scenes. The more you tell, the less they experience.

Examples of "Just Tell, Don't Show" in Movies and Series

Alright, let's get to the juicy part – specific examples! Now, I'm not going to name and shame any particular movie or show (too much!), but we can definitely explore some common scenarios where "just tell, don't show" tends to rear its ugly head. We want to learn how to be good storytellers, so we can take away some lessons about what to avoid in our own writing and creative endeavors.

The Monologue of Doom:

Ah, yes, the dreaded monologue! This is a classic example of "just tell, don't show" where a character launches into a lengthy speech, usually revealing their entire backstory, motivations, and innermost feelings. While monologues can be powerful in certain contexts (think Shakespeare!), they often feel forced and unnatural in modern film and TV. You have to wonder, in what real life scenario would a person ever make an announcement of their inner feelings in a speech to another human being? It would have to be a very dramatic situation, which is exactly why it often comes off as cheesy and cliche.

Imagine a scene where a villain captures the hero and instead of immediately enacting their evil plan, the villain spends five minutes explaining their entire tragic backstory. We get it, you had a rough childhood, but couldn't we have figured that out through flashbacks or subtle hints throughout the story? The monologue is a common trope and is widely criticized by audiences because it is not creative or nuanced.

The Exposition Dump:

This is when a character (usually a newly introduced one) spends an inordinate amount of time explaining the rules of the world, the history of the conflict, or the intricacies of the plot. It's like the writers are afraid we won't understand what's going on, so they resort to spoon-feeding us information. One classic scenario of this trope is when a new character is introduced and they must have everything explained to them by the main characters. So, as the main characters tell the new person all about this world, they are really telling the audience. This technique is widely seen as poor storytelling, and it is far more elegant to introduce the world in other ways.

Think about a fantasy series where a wise old wizard sits down and explains the entire history of the magical realm in painstaking detail. It might be interesting information, but it's way more engaging to learn about the world through the characters' experiences and interactions with it. Instead of one wizard who tells, the writer could introduce multiple characters, each of whom reveals a little about the world.

The On-the-Nose Dialogue:

This is when characters say exactly what they're thinking and feeling, with no subtext or subtlety. It's like they're reading from a script instead of having a natural conversation. We are supposed to believe characters are real people with lives, motivations, and complexities of personality. When characters reveal their exact thoughts, they cease to become real people. Instead, they are simply mouthpieces for the writer to explain the story. Real people tend to be more complex than that.

Imagine a romantic comedy where one character says, "I'm falling in love with you!" out of the blue. It's like, okay, we get it, but wouldn't it be more impactful to see that love develop through their actions, their glances, their shared moments of laughter? You could show the characters going on dates, or thinking about each other, or longing for each other when they are apart. There are many ways to show, and most are more elegant and powerful than telling.

The Unnecessary Flashback:

Flashbacks can be a powerful storytelling tool, but they can also be a crutch. Sometimes, writers use flashbacks to show us something that could have been easily conveyed through dialogue or character interactions in the present. Flashbacks should be used sparingly, as they can be confusing to audiences. Too many flashbacks can be difficult to keep track of, and audiences may find themselves spending more time trying to remember what is going on than enjoying the show.

Think about a scene where a character has a flashback to a traumatic event that happened in their childhood. If the flashback is just reiterating something we already know about the character, it might feel redundant. It would be more impactful to see them dealing with the emotional fallout of that event in their present-day actions. The flashback should only be used when you need to show the audience something critical to the plot that is difficult to convey in the present.

Why Do Writers "Just Tell" Sometimes?

So, if "just tell, don't show" is such a storytelling sin, why do writers do it? There are a few reasons:

• Lack of Confidence: Sometimes, writers are afraid that the audience won't understand the story if they don't spell everything out. They might feel the need to over-explain things just to be safe. A newer writer may not be confident that the audience will understand their story, but that is where good feedback and editing come into play.
• Time Constraints: In TV, especially, writers might feel pressured to cram a lot of information into a limited amount of time. This can lead to exposition dumps and rushed dialogue, telling instead of showing.
• Plot Complexity: If a story has a particularly intricate plot, writers might resort to exposition to ensure the audience is following along. This is especially common in shows that use a lot of time travel, or plots that are told out of order.
• Lazy Writing: Let's be honest, sometimes it's just easier to tell than to show. Showing requires more creativity, more nuance, and more effort. It can be a challenge to show the story in a new and exciting way, so some writers may simply resort to telling the story through dialogue and narration.

The Art of Subtlety: Tips for Showing, Not Telling

Okay, so how do we avoid the "just tell, don't show" trap? Here are a few tips:

• Trust Your Audience: Give your audience some credit! They're smart enough to piece things together on their own. Don't feel the need to over-explain everything. If you give them just a few clues, the audience can participate in the storytelling process, making the show more engaging for them.
• Focus on Actions and Reactions: Show your characters' emotions and motivations through their actions, their facial expressions, their body language, and how they react to situations. Let the audience infer their inner world.
• Use Dialogue Sparingly: Dialogue is important, but it shouldn't be the only way you convey information. Think about what can be shown visually or through subtext. Many of the most powerful cinematic moments involve no words at all, just actions and visual cues.
• Embrace Subtext: What is left unsaid can be just as powerful as what is said. Use subtext to create layers of meaning and complexity in your story. It can make the audience feel smart for figuring it out and let them feel like they are in on a secret.
• Show, Don't Tell (Literally!): Look for opportunities to show key plot points or character developments visually. A well-placed visual can be far more impactful than a page of dialogue.

Let's Celebrate the "Show, Don't Tell" Masters

Before we wrap up, let's give a shout-out to some movies and shows that truly excel at the art of "show, don't tell." These are the stories that trust their audience, embrace subtlety, and create a truly immersive experience:

• Silent Films: The silent film era is a masterclass in "show, don't tell." With no dialogue to rely on, filmmakers had to become incredibly creative in conveying emotions and plot points through visuals and physical acting.
• Classic Westerns: Many classic Westerns are known for their understated storytelling. Characters often communicate through glances, gestures, and stoic expressions, leaving much unsaid.
• Psychological Thrillers: These films often rely on suspense and atmosphere to create a sense of unease, rather than explicitly stating what's going on. This allows for a slow burn that makes the audience squirm in anticipation.
• Indie Dramas: Many independent dramas excel at showing the complexities of human relationships through subtle interactions and realistic dialogue.

So, there you have it, folks! The world of "just tell, don't show" and why it's so important to embrace the art of subtlety in storytelling. Remember, trust your audience, show don't tell, and let your story unfold organically. Now, go forth and create some amazing stories!

What Movie or Series Best Exemplifies the Pitfalls of "Just Tell, Don't Show"?

To really nail down this concept, what movie or series do you think best showcases the problems with "just tell, don't show"? Which ones went overboard on the exposition, the monologues, or the on-the-nose dialogue? Let's discuss in the comments below! I'm eager to hear your thoughts and dive deeper into this fascinating topic. Maybe we can even learn from these examples and become better storytellers ourselves. So, share your opinions, your examples, and let's have a conversation about the art of showing versus telling in film and television!