Flashbacks...here we go again

[geozero]

I know this subject has been discussed, but the reason I'm bringing it up is that in a recent read of my screenplay, the prodco suggested the use of flashbacks in the story to help better define the backstory.

Originally, I had written some flashbacks, but felt these were too contrived. Now I'm wondering...

Am I over thinking this?

I realize there are no "rights" or "wrongs", but just about every advice I have seen (from books or comments) has conditioned me to avoid flashbacks in the story.

What say you?

[alex whitmer]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

I use them to help tell a story. Not always, but some ned it to establish history, and drop in explanitory dialogue to help fill gaps.

A woman flashes back on her daughters death. In real time her emotional fragility is more understandable.

Also, using images can tell a lot in les time than words.

A

[-XL-]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

Great post here:

http://www.wordplayer.com/forums/scr...cgi?read=43730

[alex whitmer]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

Great post here:

http://www.wordplayer.com/forums/scr...cgi?read=43730

Thanx. Very interesting!

A

[odriftwood]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

the prodco suggested the use of flashbacks in the story to help better define the backstory.

Is this a prodco company who has optioned your screenplay or just someone who read it. If it is the latter, do what you think best serves your story. If it is the former, start flashing....

[Joe Unidos]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

Flashbacks and v/o are absolutely fine --even essential, if the story requires them.

















Yours doesn't.

[Furry Mound]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

If the flashback can also move the story forward, instead of freezing it to a stop? I say go for it.

[Berlin Stardust]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

Enough movies in this day use them as to have made them more appropriate than what the older textbooks considered in the past.

[Han Shot First]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

Flashbacks are only listed as a "no no" because new writers use them as a crutch. Much like V.O., flashbacks are a legitimate film technique that are to be used appropriately to advance the narrative. Saying "don't use flashbacks" is like saying "don't use dialogue." What we should be saying is "don't use flashbacks inappropriately" just as we'd say "don't use dialogue inappropriately."

If you can convey your story without a flashback, you don't need it. However, if your story is better, more interesting, more clever, etc. with flashbacks, by all means young Spalding, go forth and flash away.

[Furry Mound]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

It's the same with montages. If they're used well, and written well, then go for it.

It's just like cooking: use the whole kitchen to bake your masterpiece, just don't get the onion powder and onion salt confused.

[earlyman75]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

One needs to look no further than Batman Begins, arguably one of the most kick-ass films in that past few years, to know that flashbacks are absolutely fine.

Where this "never use a flashback" mentality came from completely escapes me.

[Wildgrace]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

See if you can find an interesting way to convey the flashback. In my horror script, we flashback when the spirit of the character is being pulled towards Earth. It establishes why she is filled with anger, and would go on a killing spree against the people who have done her harm.

These two or three flashbacks only take a few moments, but I found a device that makes the flashback feel uncontrived. It works because in Heaven she's very happy, and then as she moves to Earth she remembers why she's angry, she remembers why she died. And it would make sense if you were being pulled towards Earth you might remember what happened to you while you were there before.

The another common flashback device that I used at the beginning of the script of having a reporter talk/show the event that took place in the past.

Another would be looking at photographs or even a home video.

[earlyman75]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

Another would be looking at photographs or even a home video.

You description of the flashback while a soul is being pulled back to Earth sounds cool, but you lost me at the above comment. In my opinion, that's exactly what you DON'T want to do simply because it has been done SOOOOO much.

As I stated in an earlier post, I don't know why people hate flashbacks so much, but flashbacks started by looking at photos or a video are so overdone that even myself, a firm flashback believer, has to say no. Sorry, Wildgrace, but it's just been done in every film ever made.

[geozero]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

Great replies...many thanks. The thing is I have several characters who meet not relaizing that they know each other...

I'm sure you've run into someone but couldn't remember their name? It's like that in my story.

So rather than have 4-5 flashbacks that would detract from the story, I'm thinking of doing a montage type of flashback where we see how the characters are linked... we see the revelation, as well as the characters themselves. I'm thinking of doing it in that style...

[vig]

Re: Flashbacks...here we go again

here's some advice. taboo to newbies is the repetition of what they hear on websites.

facts are, flashbacks are a powerful storytelling device that helps bridge some of the story gaps otherwise told in exposition.

execs love them. movie goers do as well.

vig