Of course many would agree that films should be told through pictures and not through words (especially when it comes to exposition). I tend to naturally think this way when writing anything. Probably because I’m more interested showing the choices people make than explaining why they make them. Choices define character and when you see strong characters make choices instead of blabbing about why they made a choice, it sometimes means the difference between a well told story through visuals and a sitcom or something.

However, it seems when some filmmakers cross the bridge from writing the annoying talky characters in the coffee shop to pure visuals with virtually no dialogue, they tend to take it a bit far. I’ve read many amateur short films where I find myself wondering why these characters won’t even say “hello” when they approach each other. Worse, this can sometimes lead to the dreaded “eyebrow acting”.

It should be clarified that visual storytelling doesn’t mean visuals with no dialogue. If a couple is having a friendly argument about whether to cook or go out for dinner… while taking a pregnancy test; what’s telling the story?

Justin