Film is almost entirely a visual medium, so that when the scriptwriter writes, it is of dire importance that he properly brings the images on the pages to life. One way to go about doing this is through the heavy use of visual language. The scriptwriter cannot simply describe a scene or action in plan terms, very detailed, image producing vocabulary is needed. I like to think that a scriptwriter is more like a newspaper reporter, as he has to accurately and visual describe the moment in the now sense. Space is also an issue, as it is limited, so that he cannot afford to drone on as the novelist does. Similes and metaphors are not allowed, as you must only write and describe what can be filmed. The scene "The table's supply of food stretched like a summer sunset" is nothing and would be better supplemented by "The table was chocked with more food than you ever seen before". It's all about tapping into the readers mind, and you have to use the right words to properly do this.
-Matthew Ballinger
Discussion Questions
1. Do you think Goldman's novelist background made his visual language better or worse when it came to his screenplays?
2. Did the visual language of Witness allow the film to come alive in the script?
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