Screenwriting 101: Claire Denis

“In terms of writing a script, I have to figure out moments, and if I see a moment that is fulfilled, I think, now I can start writing because at least I have this moment, and I know this moment will be a sort of sample of what the film should be made of. I tried to make diagrams — this happened the day before, and this — but it never worked because it’s abstract. I need to feel those moments, and sometimes, maybe right or wrong, I don’t need to say this moment takes place yesterday. I just go on, piece by piece like a wall, and it gives me, not freedom, but a sort of emotion that I will be able — when I’m shooting — to be inside the scene and not outside that moment.”

— Claire Denis

From New York Times, April 16, 2019

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