TODAY'S NUGGET: Manhunter (1986) - What "Cinematic" Looks Like On the Page

[Quick Summary: Graham, a forensic specialist needs Dr. Lecter's help to track down the Red Dragon, a serial killer.]

I've always known that screenwriting was difficult, but I didn't know WHY.

So far, I've realized:
1) It requires a certain kind of skill set.  Some have it, others don't.
2) NO ONE has been able to explain it well.
3) Reading scripts for gems is the only way I've been able to figure it out.

For example, you'll see the phrase "cinematic" thrown around a lot.  A script should be "cinematic." Do you know what that is?  I couldn't figure it out (see #2 above).

Luckily, there's a great example in today's script.

In the scene below:
- Graham (protagonist) has asked for Price to do further tests.
- They are getting results from Price over a speaker phone.
-  I think it's cinematic and lands well because its visuals rely on: a) the non-reaction of Graham AND b) the reaction of Springfield.
- I will also note that this is a skill only born from a lot of writing experience and the confidence from having written a great deal.*

INT. ATLANTA DETECTIVE BUREAU - SQUAD ROOM

...CRAWFORD: Jimmie, it's me, Jack Crawford, and you got Will Graham here.

JIMMIE PRICE (V.O.): I got a partial print with a tented arch that's probably a thumb and a fragment of a palm off the nail of Mrs. Leeds' left big toe. (beat) Thumbprint came off the oldest kid's left eye. It stood out against an eight-ball hemorrhage from the gunshot wound.

CRAWFORD: Can you make an identification off it?

JIMMIE PRICE (V.O.): Maybe. If he's ever been printed and in my Index.  It want to work these up in my own darkroom. I'll fax the prints down to you this afternoon.

Hangs up.

SPRINGFIELD

thought Graham was ridiculous about the eyes and the killer touching Mrs. Leeds. Now Springfield's expression is very changed.

GRAHAM'S

face is blank as he leaves. The gratification is all in Crawford's look to Springfield. Springfield watches Graham all the way to the door, then follows him out.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED: Though it was visual, I really felt Graham get his due from Springfield. To me, that's what is cinematic: Seeing what the characters feel.**

Manhunter (1986)(8/12/85 draft)
by Michael Mann
Based on the novel, "Red Dragon," by Thomas Harris

*Why do I say this? Because the writer is ending a scene in a very cinematic, visual manner and it works.  Because only someone who has written a lot and knows what works does not care that every screenwriting book will say it is "incorrect" because it should "show, don't tell."

**Or as actor Toby Jones put it: "...the thing about screen acting is that you can read people's thoughts. You are trying to register something inside and usually the eyes in cinema are where you will register that."