Screenwriting : Is it ok to use more than 3 lines of dialogue? by Victor Titimas

Only you know if it feels right, it's certainly okay to use more than 3 lines of dialogue.

Yes. It's okay.

As long as it moves the story forward. :)

It is generally frowned upon and discouraged by who?

It's some BS rule in one of popular screenwriting books.

Leon's point about breaking it up is good. IMO you've got to think about how the scene is going to be shot, how hard you're making it for the actor. For example a V.O is going to be a lot easier to achieve than a 3 page scene which ends with a monologue. Then you've got to think of the audience and if it's going to be compelling enough to sit through. I also 100% agree about it simply being the way a character may speak. The fact is if you watch any film or TV show or read through any produced script you're likely to find plenty of dialogue which runs on for more than 3 lines. But that said, a toboggan run of pure text down a page is going to cause eyebrows to raise.

I like Brian Koppelman's advice on rules.... http://vinebox.co/u/wyxqeeKCUdU/wg5TqIkIoBQ

You know Khan in Star Trek had some good ones... John Travolta in Swordfish had some good ones. I would assume the Director would take the opportunity to cut away to reaction etc. visual stimulation with your dialogue and direction.

In "Case Number 13" I have a character who reveals that he knows the truth about the murders that occured in the film's mansion. The long monolog actually helped actor Ryan Pinkston get the role because even though it was more than half a page long, it was a compelling story and he memorized it within 15 or 20 minutes and recited it perfectly! (I just looked at the script... his speech is broken up by two characters who ask questions but then it continues for half a page more! I wish I was on set the day they filmed that one! )

A funny story about Case Number 13 and long shots: Since it's a found footage, it was all filmed with one camera and so there were no cut-aways for different angles etc. In one scene, the guys find the GoPro camera they gave their friend who was sent onto the grounds first. (When he fails to return, they take their camera and go in looking for him) They playback the footage to see what happened to him. The whole scene from them finding the camera to playing the footage on it (with the "found footage camera" shooting over an actor's shoulder to view it) ran 6 minutes and had to be done as one take. The guys did it in three tries! After they were done, one of the actors called out, "Who the hell writes a 6 minute-one-take?!" I think he knew I was watching and was just joking....I hope!

Leon when I first read about the three line dialogue rule, I tried to follow it religiously, and this was actually a really good experience as it taught me that I could compress my dialogue more than I thought, made me write with more subtext and reduce exposition. However I also cut some dialogue way too much, in some cases it flowed a lot better as longer lines and well.... I like the odd monologue, emotional ramble or rant here and there. This is the problem with these supposed rules, they are sound advice, guidance and method but not hard fast constraints. And frankly, if I was showing my work to a industry member and they baulked as soon as they saw four lines of dialogue, I'd be the one running out the door anyway. Dan it's always good to bring context to dialogue when it's needed, plus non verbal reaction within conversation can be a very valid and telling beat too.

Donald Sutherland in JFK goes on and on and on. It is wonderful, fascinating exposition.

It's essential to know why the rules are in place before you attempt to break them. and many of the so-called rules are there for very good reasons. This arbitrary three line "rule" is just BS. There is no reason for it. It makes no sense and it is not a "rule". I asked who frowns upon more than three lines of dialogue and so far no one seems to know. I think that's because no one frowns on more than three lines of dialogue. Except, maybe, someone who wrote a book on screenwriting once.

It’s my understanding that the 3 lines of dialogue “rule” is there to make the script a faster read. To save the readers time. Like some of the others have said it’s a good practice but not necessarily a steadfast rule. I love to elaborate so when I first started writing it was very hard for me to cut things back. Especially descriptions. I rebelled at first but I forced myself to do it. Now I’m happy I did. I recently looked at a couple of scenes for a new writer and I was shocked and appalled when his first block of description was nearly a quarter of a page. I now totally get it when they say to limit the ink on the page. Those scenes instantly gave me the feeling (which most readers must go through) that I was going to have to slog my way through all that text, it was daunting. So I think the 3 lines of dialogue is a good thing like CJ said it’s really helped me write crisper better dialogue. Every once in a while I go beyond the 3 lines but it’s usually for a good reason, like Victor’s original comment about giving a speech, but I’d still break it up into smaller chunks with action, just so it’s not one huge block of dialogue.

Three lines of dialogue is like three lines of cocaine.....two Is not enough, four, too many. (This is what I'm told, anyway)

It doesn't happen much in my SP's but, if it's in the flow...then it's fine. IMO

...I suggest you simply WATCH EVERY ACADEMY AWARD WINNING BEST FILM...believe me...you will be AMAZED about the REAL TRUTH to your QUESTION...However...if you are writing MOVIES...then watch EVERY ACTION...HORROR...SICKO VIOLENT MOVIES..and HOOPLA MOVIES...PS...notice the WORD FILM VS MOVIE...FILMS and MOVIES are different...a FILM has a lot of Dialogue...MOVIES are CUT EDit Special effects Bombs etc...little Dialogue...so STOP thinking and WATCH...it's on YOUTUBE for FREE...even Just a TRAILER...and remember...there are always EXCEPTIONS to the RULES...just look at all the Films or Movies that were more then 120 minutes and WON EVERY AWARD,,,so 90 -120 minutes is a Joke...focus on writing a BRILLIANT screenplay...and guess what...get it to the right souls make it happen and yes ...You will be the next great FILMMAKER...or MOVIE MAKER...two different worlds...but take advantage of the PRIVILEGE to actually watch the BEST WORK ...and get your answers FAST and FREE,,, just CLICK AND GO...ALl the best...AMEN

And Sirtony drops the mic and walks away

well said, Sirtony.

Thank you Lee and Kimite...appreciate the kind words... Blessings to all ...and keep Writing...and yes...make your films and or movies...!!!!!!!!!

Always use as many lines as needed to move the story foward. If it DOES NOT move your story forward then that's where you start deleting.

Go find some produced scripts on the Internet. (If you can find any, I will get you one or more lists.) Look through them. Some of the greatest scenes in the movies have speeches with well over 5 lines. But remember, in most dialogue scenes, the conversation should go quickly back and forth. So don't make a habit of long-winded conversations - except perhaps when you are trying to make a dramatic point. Some script-writing teachers and almost all coverage readers will give you that 3-line crap. But almost all of them don't have any produced scripts on their resumes. Virgins always make the best mothers, or so they tell everyone.