Show Don't Tell, Why It Works!

I hate this filmmaking idiom, but its essential, steadfast, and true advice.

Mike Rekola

Oct 08, 2024

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From the Elementry School Pickup Line.

Tuesday, October 8th

Hey Filmmaker,

The phrase “Show, Don’t Tell” is a golden rule in filmmaking, but what does it really mean—and why is it so powerful?

For filmmakers, understanding and applying this technique can make the difference between a story that resonates deeply and one that falls flat.

“Show, Don’t Tell” goes beyond mere advice; it’s a principle that lets you communicate through images, actions, and emotions, creating moments that your audience feels rather than hears.

In this post, we’ll break down why “Show, Don’t Tell” is essential in filmmaking, explore real examples that illustrate its impact, and discuss how it can transform the way you tell stories.

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So There I Was… (Story)

So there I was, watching a short film with a promising premise—a young man struggling with his father’s disapproval of his creative career.

The conflict was intriguing, but within minutes, I could feel the story slipping away.

Why?

Because the characters spent scene after scene spelling out every emotion through dialogue.

“I feel trapped by your expectations,” the son said.

“You don’t understand me at all!”

Every sentiment was vocalized, leaving nothing for the audience to infer or feel on their own.

In that moment, I understood the importance of “Show, Don’t Tell.”

I kept thinking, “How much stronger would this scene be if we saw the father looking at the son’s work with a dismissive glance, or the son reluctantly covering up his sketches before his father walked into the room?”

This experience was a reminder that storytelling in film isn’t about what’s said—it’s about what’s seen and felt.

Why ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ is a Filmmaking Essential

Film is a Visual Language

At its core, film is a visual medium.

Instead of relying on words to convey information, filmmaking gives you the tools to tell stories through images, movements, and visual cues.

This visual storytelling allows the audience to experience emotions without needing them explained.

When you show a character’s actions, the audience can interpret their emotions and motives based on what they see and feel.

In A Quiet Place, nearly all dialogue is eliminated, forcing characters to communicate through expressions, gestures, and body language.

The silence amplifies tension, drawing viewers into a world where survival depends on actions over words.

This “showing” builds an emotional connection that would be diminished if every fear or struggle were spelled out in dialogue.

Building Emotional Connections

Showing instead of telling creates a space for the audience to experience emotions along with the characters, rather than simply being told what to feel.

When you let actions and visuals speak, viewers can form their own emotional responses, which strengthens their engagement with the story.

This approach invites them into the character’s world on a more personal level.

In Get Out, director Jordan Peele uses subtle actions and cues to reveal the tension of racial bias.

The scene where a white police officer asks Chris, an African-American man, for his ID is not explicitly about racism—it’s about the discomfort and fear communicated through Chris’s uneasy expression and his girlfriend’s angry defense.

The film doesn’t have to tell you what’s happening; it shows you, and you feel it.

Conveying Subtext and Theme

Mastering “Show, Don’t Tell” allows filmmakers to explore themes without heavy exposition, using visuals to build subtext that audiences can interpret for themselves.

This approach lets you create layered stories where meaning lies beneath the surface, encouraging viewers to dig deeper into what’s unsaid.

Parasite by Bong Joon-ho is a perfect example of subtext conveyed through visuals.

The contrasting architecture of the wealthy family’s modern mansion versus the cramped, flood-prone home of the struggling family visually represents the class divide.

Without ever explicitly stating the theme of social inequality, Bong uses setting, cinematography, and positioning to show the impact of economic disparity on each character.

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How ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ Enhances Filmmaking Techniques

Visual Cues Over Dialogue

One of the simplest ways to implement “Show, Don’t Tell” is by letting characters’ actions speak for them.

Instead of explaining emotions, show them through body language, gestures, or even a glance.

This lets viewers interpret the character’s feelings based on what they see, leading to a richer experience.

In The Godfather, Michael Corleone’s transformation from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless leader isn’t described in words.

Instead, his character arc is revealed through subtle cues: his composed demeanor during confrontations, the cold look in his eyes, and the powerful decision-making he demonstrates in key scenes.

These non-verbal cues effectively illustrate his shift, giving the audience an opportunity to witness, rather than be told about, his moral descent.

Environment as a Character

A setting can communicate the tone, atmosphere, and even backstory of a scene.

Details in an environment can provide insights into a character’s state of mind, social status, or past experiences, without needing to be explained outright.

In Her, the futuristic yet sterile cityscape reflects the protagonist’s loneliness and emotional isolation.

The color palette and minimalist design of Theodore’s apartment enhance the sense of detachment, showing the emptiness in his life without having to say a word about it.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Visual metaphors and symbols are powerful tools for conveying meaning. By using a recurring image or symbol, filmmakers can underscore themes and emotional tones without overtly stating them.

This approach can deepen the audience’s understanding of a character’s journey or the story’s central conflict.

American Beauty uses roses as a recurring visual motif, symbolizing the contrasting lives of suburban characters who yearn for beauty yet live under a facade.

Lester’s obsession with roses reflects his desire for passion and freedom, a theme that becomes clear through repetition rather than dialogue.

Examples of ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ in Iconic Films

Some of cinema’s most unforgettable moments follow this principle, creating emotional depth and resonance without relying on dialogue.

Here are a few examples:

WALL-E: This animated film by Pixar tells most of its story through visuals and actions, as the robot protagonist WALL-E expresses love, loneliness, and curiosity without speaking. The film showcases how visuals alone can build strong emotional connections.
No Country for Old Men: The Coen Brothers’ adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel relies heavily on silence and sparse dialogue, using actions and settings to create tension. The iconic coin-toss scene is chilling precisely because of what isn’t said.
Lost in Translation: Sofia Coppola uses the quiet moments between characters to show loneliness and the search for connection. The unspoken bond between Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson’s characters is built through shared silences, glances, and gestures, rather than through words.

Why ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ Matters for Filmmakers

As a filmmaker, mastering “Show, Don’t Tell” can transform your storytelling and set your work apart. Here’s why this approach is crucial:

Creates Emotional Impact: When audiences see and feel rather than being told, they form a stronger connection to the characters and story.
Adds Layers of Meaning: “Show, Don’t Tell” allows you to create complex stories with themes and subtext that engage viewers on multiple levels.
Increases Audience Engagement: Viewers are more likely to stay invested when they’re piecing together emotions and story details on their own.
Builds Visual Literacy: This technique enhances your skills as a visual storyteller, teaching you to use images and actions to communicate narrative elements effectively.
Encourages Rewatchability: Films that show rather than tell often contain layers of detail, making them more rewarding for viewers to revisit.

Final Thoughts

“Show, Don’t Tell” is more than just a filmmaking term—it’s a philosophy that reminds you to trust your audience’s intelligence and intuition.

By mastering this approach, you’re not only telling a story; you’re creating an experience that viewers can feel and interpret for themselves.

Whether you’re on set, in the editing room, or writing your next script, remember: it’s not about what you say, but how you show it.

Trust in the power of images, actions, and subtext, and let your film speak for itself.

Until next time, filmmaker—keep creating with vision, depth, and purpose.

Cheers,