Filming & Editing a Conversation

Dialogue is essential in any movie, but how do you make a conversation interesting to watch?

Yes, the screenplay is important, but there is so much storytelling you can do in how you choose to edit a scene. When do you show a reaction shot? How long should you hold on a close-up?

We're going to watch the opening scene from The Social Network. As we watch it, I want you think about the following questions:

1. What shots are used for the scene?
2. Who's scene is it? Who's in command?
3. When are they cutting? Why in those moments?
4. When are they utilizing close-up? How often?

Opening Scene - Link

Scene Analysis - Link