Greta Gerwig Likes Writing that Doesn't Look Like Writing

Filmmaker, writer, and actor Greta Gerwig talks to Sam Jones about her screenwriting process and why she "likes things that look like mistakes."

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[emmadebruyn]

I’ve read the script of Lady Bird, it’s amazing. It’s intelligent and so smart. It’s not like I’m reading a script but like I’m reading her mind while she’s thinking about how she wants the movie. She’s so smart and underrated. I love Greta, she amazing.

[savedfaves]

I agree with her. Dialogue that doesn't sound like writing is 1. so hard to do, and 2. so satisfying to experience from an audience perspective. Some of Woody Allen's comedies I find too written sounding—like everyone has too many good lines after one another in a complete unrealistic way

[JorgeSilva-qhjy]

This really connects with what was discussed with Andrew Garfield ("Andrew Garfield Reflects on Celebrity Culture"). In a play, to the audience, the actors are mere interpreters of what was typewritten, they act according to the guides and maybe, like Greta Gerwig said, sometimes you'd "think this people were making it up, on the spot". Human people with human traits, be it qualities or flaws.

While in a movie, that which contributes to the "exaltation" of actors (and famous people, in general) is exactly because viewers don't see the events folding in front of them, but through a screen (home or one at the cinema), and again, like Greta Gerwig so neatly put it, "because people know that the filmmakers have watched this a million times, they've cut it, chosen where the editing points are, so this can't really be a mistake". So, "apparently", that are/were no improv moments. And this leads to mentally placing a cinema actor, as the character, with the same personality, quirks and life experiences. And a theater actor, as a normal human being, portraying someone on that specific moment, that specific play.

Awesome "off-camera" talk(s) :)

[emmacoates]

She pleasantly surprised me here. She has a very unique perspective that I never appreciated about her until now.

[megamoviez]

I'm a new writer and director developing my own short films so this was really good to know

[Panquernic]

I feel like I can see the color of her eyes even tho it's b&w. It's strange

[stefcisne]

god i absolutely adore her and francs ha is one of my absolute favorite films i love it love it

[ryanhinderliter]

Coming here from Hannah Takes the Stairs. Its surprising to hear her say she refrains from improv dialogue now adays considering she wrote screenplays and acted in movies while using that style for so long. I wonder what her writing process is like now. In Lady Bird she was able to capture the idiosyncratic moments in everyday life. And the improvised dialogue is meant to capture those moments. I feel like she got so good at improv dialogue she could write it.

[matthewsawczyn]

Reminds me of how David Mamet writes in all the "ums" and "ahs", and you WILL READ IT AS WRITTEN

[ninabienportada]

he's so charmed by her and i am too

[shannoncurry]

I'm wanting to become a film director and I don't want my films to be pitch perfect just a little off to make it seem more real

[Theimmortalmisfit]

this is definitely reflected in ladybird

[stevegrooms]

Sam Jones is an outstanding interviewer. What keeps surprising me as I watch his videos is how beautiful the women are whom he interviews. Is there something about the lighting or makeup? It's just another reason to watch these videos.

[LiterarySahitya]

the mistake part, in Plays & Movies; Genius observation.

[TheJcg]

That’s funny because she said in other interview she hates when actors go off script, and adlibbi h would be talking that isn’t writing

[mrsfanni]

who is she talking about in min 0:58? can't understand the name, but would really interest me to look that person up. thank you!

[jeffb]

just had to let you guys know I read Lonergan before MbtS... just playin, Greta. Love you!

[Anna]

1:44 is the play called "Ecstasy"? Anybody knows who's the author?

[MANZANOADRIAN]

Doesn't she know that mike Leigh uses improv with actors to write?

[MrDawnRise]

I think Greta should evaluate Caddyshack and then maybe her position on improvisation.