What is Tone in Writing a Screenplay?

When I brainstorm new ideas for movies, one of the things I work on right away is the tone of the story. To me, it informs so much more than even the genre.

The term ‘tone’ in screenwriting refers to the overall mood or atmosphere of a story.

It’s a crucial element that sets the stage for the narrative and guides the audience’s emotional response. Understanding and effectively using tone can greatly enhance a screenplay’s impact.

So today, we’re going to go over this together and make sure you’re thinking about it in your writing as well.

Let’s get started.

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Tone Definition in Screenplays

Tone is the emotional coloring of a screenplay. It shapes the audience’s expectations and perceptions.

Unlike genre, which categorizes the story, tone conveys the writer’s attitude towards the subject and the audience. It can be consistent throughout the screenplay or vary to create dynamic shifts in the narrative.

When you write with the tone, you’re writing the attitude of the story, and you’re informing the reader how they should take in information and character.

Examples of Tone in Screenplays

Creating a comprehensive list of examples of tone in screenplays involves exploring various moods and atmospheres that can be conveyed in a film.

This is by no means all of them, but I tried to get most of them in there with examples. and I slipped some books in there too and adaptations.

1. Comedic: Light-hearted, amusing, often involving humor.
   • Example: The Grand Budapest Hotel by Wes Anderson.
2. Dramatic: Serious, often involving intense character development or conflict.
   • Example: Manchester by the Sea by Kenneth Lonergan.
3. Romantic: Focused on love and relationships, often with an idealistic or heartfelt approach.
   • Example: The Notebook by Nick Cassavetes.
4. Suspenseful/Thriller: High tension, often involving suspense, mystery, or excitement.
   • Example: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.
5. Dark/Gritty: Bleak, hard-hitting, often dealing with serious or mature themes.
   • Example: No Country for Old Men by Joel and Ethan Coen.
6. Fantastical/Fantasy: Featuring magical or supernatural elements, often set in imaginary worlds.
   • Example: The Lord of the Rings by Peter Jackson.
7. Science Fiction: Focused on futuristic or speculative science and technology.
   • Example: Blade Runner 2049 by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green.
8. Horror: Designed to frighten or unsettle, often involving supernatural elements.
   • Example: Get Out by Jordan Peele.
9. Action-Adventure: Fast-paced, often featuring physical stunts and chases.
   • Example: Mad Max: Fury Road by George Miller.
10. Biographical/Historical: Based on real events or figures, often with an emphasis on accuracy and period detail.
    • Example: Lincoln by Tony Kushner.
11. Satirical: Using humor, irony, or exaggeration to critique or mock.
    • Example: Dr. Strangelove by Stanley Kubrick, Terry Southern, Peter George.
12. Nostalgic: Evoking a longing for the past, often with a sentimental tone.
    • Example: Midnight in Paris by Woody Allen.
13. Inspirational: Uplifting, often featuring characters overcoming adversity.
    • Example: The Pursuit of Happyness by Steve Conrad.
14. Tragic: Involving sorrowful or disastrous events, often leading to a sad or reflective tone.
    • Example: Requiem for a Dream by Darren Aronofsky.
15. Mystery: Focused on solving a puzzle or crime, often involving investigation.
    • Example: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steven Zaillian.
16. Surreal/Abstract: Characterized by bizarre, irrational, or dream-like elements.
    • Example: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by Charlie Kaufman.
17. Mockumentary: Imitating documentary style for comedic or satirical effect.
    • Example: Borat by Sacha Baron Cohen.
18. Dystopian: Depicting an imagined, oppressive, and bleak future society.
    • Example: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Gary Ross, Billy Ray

This list represents a range of tones that screenwriters use to give their stories distinct moods and atmospheres, engaging the audience in various emotional experiences.

How to Craft Tone In Your Screenplay

As I said up top, tone is very important when it comes to writing., It dictates how people interact with your work, and how you sell plot points ot the people reading.

1. Dialogue: The way characters speak can set the tone. Sharp, witty dialogue creates a comedic tone, while terse, brooding dialogue can establish a darker atmosphere.
2. Scene Descriptions: Vivid and detailed scene descriptions can evoke specific emotional responses, thereby setting the tone.
3. Character Development: Characters’ behaviors, attitudes, and evolution throughout the story greatly influence the tone.
4. Pacing: The speed at which the story unfolds can also affect the tone. A fast-paced narrative creates excitement, while a slower pace can build suspense or allow for deeper emotional connections.
5. Visual Elements: Imagery and visual descriptions in the screenplay contribute to the overall tone. For example, stark, shadowy scenes can create a foreboding atmosphere.

Mastering tone in screenwriting is essential for crafting compelling stories. A well-defined tone can engage audiences, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression.

Aspiring screenwriters should study various screenplays to understand how tone is effectively used and practice implementing it in their own work.

Remember, the tone is more than just the story’s mood; it’s a powerful tool for storytelling.

So, put in your writing and get back to work!