It was during my first internship as a script reader with Stage 3 Studios that I became familiar with the phrase “reading between the lines.” It describes the act of evaluating the subtext within the screenplay.

What is Subtext?

Subtext is something you probably encounter on a daily basis, because it’s how people really communicate. It lives in our actions and our words and often reveals what we really feel or think.

It’s all about what’s being implied rather than said or done. For screenwriters, subtext is often found during dialogue exchanges or in some cases (though not as common) during action description.

Subtext … one of the most commonly ignored areas of screenwriting by novice writers.

Writing Between the Lines

As the screenwriter, you need to become familiar with the phrase “writing between the lines” — it describes the process of creating said subtext throughout your screenplay.

Subtext Examples

Here are three examples of subtext from Vicky Cristina Barcelona – an exceptional film exploring two clashing perspectives of love.

First, when Juan Antonio first approaches Vicky and Cristina. This bit contains a line that can be interpreted differently depending on the viewer, so it’s up to you to decide what the line really means.

Second, when Doug (Vicki’s fiance) calls shortly after Vicki makes love with Antonio — at this point, the subtext tells us that Vicky’s feelings for Doug have waned.

Hey, babe. Did I wake you?
No, no… I was just going to sleep.
I’m sorry I called so late. I had to get out of the office. Get some air, get some coffee, and I had this great idea. Check this out. Dad has contacts in the American Embassy in Spain. I thought I’d come early, work from there on my computer and we could get married in Barcelona. You said it was a romantic spot. We’ll just do a quick city hall-type thing. Of course, we’ll do it again in New York… and you know, and have a huge blowout for our families and friends, but I thought it’d be fun. What do you think?
What? To get married here?
Why not? It’d be great to tell our kids we got married in Spain and Dad’s friends would make it real easy for us.
I don’t know what to say.
You don’t sound bowled over.
No, it’s, uh it’s just a surprise.
So, w-, eh, look, we’re gonna marry in the fall anyway, and we’re gonna do that, too. I promise.
Yeah, so what’s the point?
The point is, it’s different, it’s exciting. I told Ken and Alice. I called them earlier and they said they wish they’d done it. I mean, London in their case, but they were excited.
Well, I, uh…
You sound a bit reluctant.
Me? No. Why would I be? No, I I think it’s a fine idea. I think it’s great. It’s a great idea.
Yeah, I think it’s going to be good. I’ll call you tomorrow. I know I woke you. I’ll give you more details tomorrow. I love you so much.

Vicky hangs up the phone without saying “I love you.”

Third, when Antonio calls Cristina the morning after he and Vicki made love, Vicki’s reaction clearly reveals a sadness her time with Antonio is over, even though she may be authentically happy for Cristina.

Vicky, he called!
What? Who?
Juan Antonio. He called me just now.
Juan Antonio called you?
Yeah, he wants to take me to some vineyard some wine tasting or something. I said, “Absolutely.”
A wine tasting.
But what about your ulcer?
No, it’s fine. A little wine’s not going to hurt me. The point is that he wants to see me! Isn’t that great?
Yeah, yeah.
I can’t believe it. I never thought he would call.
That’s great. I’m happy for you.

There are plenty of other examples of subtext throughout the film — but one of my favorite comes during the dinner scene with Vicky, Doug, and Doug’s work friends because it’s one of the most true to life. Note that Vicky doesn’t say a word during the scene, rather she gazes away from the table and tries to seem interested.

Any program on TV, obviously anything live, you can play back on your computer. So I’m on a flight to Tokyo, 40,000 feet up in the air and I am watching the Mets, live, on my laptop.
It’s amazing. You’re never out of touch.
We’ll have the new house wired for everything. I’m looking at those new Japanese high-definition TVs.
You have to have my guy do your installation. He’s a genius with computers. I’ll get his card.
We just did our place in Greenwich. We have this wonderful decorator you should use. He’s creative, but he knows when to back off. We did it modern, with just a splash of antiques here and there. I love combining the two, but God, the prices. You have any idea what a good size oriental rug costs?
She’s right.

Finally, one of the best uses of subtext in my opinion — it’s a scene shortly after Antonio asks Vicky to have lunch with him in which Vicky sits in the foreground with Doug on the phone in the background.

You’re breaking up, Tom. You’re breaking up. Where are you? Okay. That’s better. That’s better. Just try to stand still.

Though the dialogue is between Tom and Doug on the surface, one might interpret the dialogue directed to Vicky in regard to her marriage with Doug.

Listen for Subtext

As mentioned, you probably encounter subtext from family, friends, and strangers on a daily basis, so try paying attention not only to what people are saying, but also what they really mean.

You’ll know when you hear it.

Watch for Subtext

Observe the actions of people — what they do is often more revealing than what they say. As with the example above, when Vicky hangs up on Doug without saying “I love you,” actions speak louder than words.

Pay attention to couples in cafes, books stores, and public in general — if you’re lucky, you’ll quickly discover many different dynamics, including emotions such as anger, love, lust, disinterest, embarrassment, and more.

Catch Your Own Subtext

Pay attention to yourself as well — this is one of the easiest ways to learn subtext because you’re knowledgeable of what you said and what you mean, or what you did and why.

Evaluating yourself is a great way to grow a better understanding of what subtext is and why it exists.

Like just about everything, it takes practice.

What are some of your favorite moments of subtext, either in film or in general?