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Why do screenplay writers hate adverbs?
Asked by 6rant6 (13700)
December 5th, 2011
I review screenplays occasionally, and many of them have this annoying feature: they can’t use an adverb.
Instead of saying, “Joe looks worriedly at his wife,” they say, “Joe makes a look of worry at his wife.”
Other variants: “Joe shoots his wife a look with worry on his face.” “Joe’s face shows worry as he looks at his wife.” “Joe’s eyes contain a look of worry in them while he looks toward his wife.”
Sometimes, they won’t even use an adjective. Here’s an example from one I’m reading today: “Joe shows a look of worry.” Not just, “Joe looks worried,” or even “Joe is worried.”
Is someone telling people that this is somehow better – to use six words when one will do as well?
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