The Emotional Complexity of ‘Manchester by the Sea’
If you haven’t seen Manchester by the Sea, you’re missing out on an emotional labyrinth that redefines contemporary drama. Written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan, this film doesn’t just tell a story; it excavates the depths of grief, love, and human connection, offering a kaleidoscope of emotions that are complex, raw, and uncomfortably relatable. In terms of screenwriting, it’s like an unofficial masterclass in emotional storytelling. But what gives it that potency? How does it manage to pull us in without relying on the traditional screenplay structure?
You see, conventional screenwriting wisdom often advocates for a clear three-act structure: Introduction, Confrontation, and Resolution. Films like Star Wars or The Shawshank Redemption are the quintessential examples that uphold this structure. However, Manchester by the Sea reminds us that life doesn’t always fit into neatly defined acts or plot points. Sometimes, it’s messy, it’s unclear, and it leaves us with more questions than answers. Here, Lonergan breaks away from the textbook rules of screenwriting, opting for a narrative that mirrors the convolution of real-life emotions.
The film follows Lee Chandler, played with surgical precision by Casey Affleck, who suddenly becomes the guardian of his teenage nephew after his brother’s death. The grief is palpable, yet it’s never one-dimensional. Lonergan utilizes the tool of subtext exceptionally well, allowing the audience to peel layers off each character as the story progresses. Take, for example, the simple scene where Lee receives the news of his brother’s death. His reaction is stoic, almost disturbingly calm. But the subtext, the bubbling undercurrent of his past, adds an emotional weight that a lesser screenplay might have squandered with overt reactions or melodramatic dialogue.
Ah, dialogue—a bread and butter component that can elevate or torpedo a film. Lonergan is a maestro in this department. His characters don’t just speak; they reveal, they hide, they contradict themselves—all adding layers to their emotional complexity. The dialogue doesn’t just serve to advance the plot, but to delve deep into the characters’ psychological landscapes. Writing tips often focus on the need to make dialogue functional, but Manchester by the Sea shows us that dialogue can be a window into the soul.
But this is not to say that the film is devoid of structure. Far from it. Instead, Lonergan employs what is known as a non-linear screenplay structure, weaving past and present in a way that creates a more organic form of emotional storytelling. This technique allows him to delve into the past without making it feel like a detour from the main plot. He deploys flashbacks not as a gimmick but as a narrative device to flesh out the characters, making them even more real and relatable.
Crafting Characters that Resonate: Lessons from ‘Manchester by the Sea’
In the vast landscape of screenwriting, creating memorable characters stands as an Everest-like challenge that every writer must conquer. And boy, does Kenneth Lonergan nail this in Manchester by the Sea. The characters are so multidimensional, they practically leap off the screen. But it’s not just the depth of their emotions; it’s also their realness—their relatability—that makes them resonate. How can aspiring screenwriters emulate this? What screenwriting tips can we gather from this heart-wrenching tale of grief and redemption?
Let’s talk about character arcs for a moment. Typically, screenwriting advice will tell you that your protagonist needs a transformational arc. Think Luke Skywalker, who goes from being a farm boy to a galactic hero, or Michael Corleone in The Godfather, who reluctantly steps into a world of crime. These arcs are a part of traditional screenplay structure. However, in ‘Manchester by the Sea’, Lee Chandler’s arc isn’t about transformation; it’s about acceptance. Acceptance of his past, his responsibilities, and ultimately, his limitations as a human being. This mirrors the reality that not everyone changes dramatically after a life-altering event, and it’s this nuance that separates good characters from great ones.
Subverting traditional expectations of character arcs is a risk, but it’s one that pays off beautifully in this film. To anyone writing a screenplay, don’t be afraid to defy these norms if it serves the emotional truth of your story. Many screenwriting tips talk about the importance of surprising your audience, and altering the usual path of character development can be an effective way to do just that.
Another noteworthy feature of the film is its use of supporting characters to amplify the central themes. Writing tips often underline the necessity of making every character count, and here Lonergan makes a masterclass move by using each supporting character as a mirror or contrast to Lee. Take Patrick, Lee’s nephew, for instance. He serves as both a mirror and a contrast to Lee—his coping mechanisms reflect a youthful resilience that Lee once had but also underscore Lee’s more hardened, repressed emotional state.
Creating these kinds of multi-layered relationships doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of meticulous planning and deep understanding of human emotions. Writing prompts can be a helpful starting point for exploring these complex relationships. Try creating dialogues or scenarios where your characters have to confront each other’s flaws or strengths. It’s a valuable exercise that can add richness to your script.
Speaking of richness, one of the most powerful techniques used in the screenplay is character backstory. The haunting glimpses into Lee’s past aren’t merely flashbacks; they’re integral to understanding his present-day actions and decisions. Unlike other films that use backstory as a quick exposition tool, ‘Manchester by the Sea’ integrates it into the narrative so seamlessly that it becomes a character in its own right. These aren’t mere flashbacks; they’re emotional building blocks.
How can you employ this technique in your own screenplay? Think about the pivotal moments in your characters’ lives that have shaped them. Instead of revealing these moments through dialogue or hurried flashbacks, consider weaving them into the narrative at critical junctures. This makes the emotional pay-off far more rewarding and gives the characters a depth that is not easily forgotten. A handy screenwriting tip here is to place the backstory at a point in the screenplay where it creates maximum impact—either deepening the mystery or resolving a critical piece of the emotional puzzle.
But even with all these intricate elements, what truly sets the characters in ‘Manchester by the Sea’ apart is their authenticity. They are profoundly flawed, often failing to say the right thing or make the right choices. But it’s their very imperfections that make them relatable and, most importantly, human. Writing a screenplay that captures the flaws, contradictions, and idiosyncrasies of human behavior requires an intimate understanding of the human psyche. Here, Lonergan shows an almost psychologist-like knack for capturing human behavior in its most raw form.
Show, Don’t Tell: Emotional Honesty Through Subtext and Silence
There’s a timeless screenwriting maxim: show, don’t tell. This is never truer than in ‘Manchester by the Sea’, where dialogue is sparse but meaningful, and the silence between characters often speaks louder than any soliloquy could. If you’re interested in elevating your writing skills, dissecting the film’s use of subtext and silence is a masterclass unto itself. So, how does the screenplay utilize these elements to achieve emotional honesty, and what screenwriting tips can we glean from it?
Firstly, let’s talk about subtext. Subtext is the unspoken or less obvious meaning or message in literary or dramatic work. Characters rarely say what they mean, but they always mean what they say. This is the power of subtext, and it’s used to devastating effect in the film. When Lee Chandler tells his nephew Patrick, “I can’t beat it,” he’s not just talking about the broken shower handle. He’s expressing a universal feeling of being overwhelmed by life’s tragedies, a sentiment that resonates on a deeply emotional level. This subtle layering of meaning adds complexity and emotional richness to what could have been an otherwise mundane scene.
The best screenplays, like the best plays, are rife with subtext. If you ever find your characters announcing exactly what they’re feeling or thinking, it’s time for a rewrite. One helpful approach is to use writing prompts that force your characters into emotionally charged situations where they must speak around the issue rather than directly addressing it. It’s a valuable practice that hones your ability to convey emotion through implication rather than exposition.
While subtext thrives on the words that are spoken, silence thrives on the words that are left unsaid. The use of silence in the film is a brilliant study in how to create tension, depth, and emotional resonance without relying on dialogue. There are moments in the movie, like the scene where Lee encounters his ex-wife Randi on the street, where the silence is almost unbearable. Yet, it speaks volumes, filling the screen with the weight of years of grief, love, and regret.
To make the most of silence in your own screenplay, try stepping away from the keyboard and really visualizing the scene. Consider what could be conveyed through a character’s actions, facial expressions, or even the setting itself. Silence is especially powerful when used in contrast with dialogue. For example, after a heated argument, a moment of silence can speak more than a monologue ever could. Aspiring screenwriters should remember that the essence of drama is conflict. Therefore, silence can often serve as a dramatic pause, giving the audience a moment to absorb the conflict and feel its emotional weight.
While screenwriting tips abound for constructing dialogue, silence is often overlooked as an element of screenplay structure. But silence can be as well-structured as any dialogue scene. Consider the pacing, the camera angles, the background score (or lack thereof)—all these elements can be scripted to create a ‘rhythmic’ silence that carries emotional weight. For example, the film often uses a diegetic sound like the surrounding ocean waves or a passing car to fill the silence, making it more profound and emotive. This serves to remind us that life goes on, indifferent to our personal tragedies, a theme that echoes throughout the film.
And let’s not forget emotional honesty. When crafting a screenplay, it’s easy to veer into melodrama or sentimentality. Lonergan avoids these pitfalls by being emotionally honest. He never forces his characters to say or do something that doesn’t ring true. Emotional honesty is not about what’s dramatic or what’s shocking; it’s about what’s real. And the realness in the film comes from its dedication to showing life as it is: messy, painful, and often devoid of easy answers or grand revelations.
If you wish to achieve a similar level of emotional truthfulness in your script, don’t manipulate your characters to fit into pre-defined plot points or emotional beats. Instead, let them react as they naturally would, however inconvenient that might be for your planned narrative. Writing a screenplay requires you to be part-psychologist, part-observer, and part-confessional poet. Make it your mission to probe the depths of the human heart and bring back something true.
✍️ Whether you’re mastering the art of dialogue, structure, or character development, the power of AI can be a game-changer in your writing journey. My Free Ebook, ‘AI for Authors’ delves into how AI-powered prompts can provide a unique edge to your storytelling process. If you’re intrigued by the prospect of supercharging your fiction skills, download your free copy today and explore new horizons in creative writing.
A.I. in Screen Trade 