Enhancing Movie Narratives: Adding the Perfect Line to Enhance Storytelling

Writing or adding a perfect line to a movie, TV show, or any narrative-driven media is an art form in itself. It can truly elevate a story, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and enhancing the overall experience. In this article, we will explore some of the best lines that could be added to improve the narrative of popular series, such as The Haunting of Hill House, High Noon, and The West Wing. These insights offer a glimpse into the potential impact of a well-placed line on a story's continuity and emotional depth.

Adding a Perfect Line to 'The Haunting of Hill House'

And then they woke up behind the Red Door again.

I recently watched the mini-series The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix and found it to be a very well-done, highly spooky narrative. The series explores the lives of the Crain family and the supernatural events that plague their existence. With strong performances from the cast, it's a series that deserves multiple watches. However, the ending left me somewhat perplexed. The house tricks the family into believing they have escaped while still maintaining its malignant and evil nature. The final scene showed the survivors seemingly victorious and freed, which seemed out of character for the rest of the series.

My proposed addition to the ending would be, "And then they woke up behind the Red Door again." This line captures the cyclical nature of the supernatural events and provides a more fitting conclusion to the series. It also adds a layer of suspense and unease, leaving the viewers questioning the reality of the 'happy celebration'. The impact of this line would be a sudden return to the tension and darkness that defined the series, evoking a sense of foreboding.

One response to this addition was quite amusing. My family watched the scene with me, and one of them yelled, 'That's it! You threw pillows at me!' The line adds a touch of humor and breaks the fourth wall, making it relatable and engaging for the audience.

Improving 'High Noon' with a Clever Sarcasm

What are you going to do, sheriff?

During my viewing of High Noon, there was a moment where Gary Cooper was let with an important question during a pivotal scene. His character, the sheriff, pauses and seems deeply in thought. Suddenly, I blurted out, 'I gotta find that God damned music! ' This happened years before the original "Mentioned by the Three Knights and Servants" (MST3K).

The theme song of the film was playing in the background, becoming so annoying that it detracted from the narrative. My spontaneous comment added a layer of humor and sarcasm to the already tense scene, making it more memorable and fun to watch. My brother, who witnessed my reaction, laughed so hard he was on the floor in tears. It was a perfect moment of witty and relatable interjection, enhancing the overall experience of the film.

Refining the 'West Wing' Script with a Creative Question

Have you ever tried to overthrow the government?

In an episode of The West Wing, called "A Proportional Response," there was a scene where Josh Lyman and Charlie Young were discussing questions from various government departments. The line, 'Have you ever tried to overthrow the government?' was imbued with dramatic irony. One could almost imagine the incredibly arrogant arrogance of such a question, especially coming from a councilor and the Department of the Treasury.

My take on the dialogue goes like this:

nJOSHn Charlie, I have some questions here for you from the Council and the Department of the Treasury. These questions are all routine, there's no cause for concern. Ready.

CHARLIE: Mr. Lyman--

JOSH: Have you ever tried to overthrow the government? It's the messenger job now. If you come back at a different time.

This line not only enhances the dramatic tension but also offers a humorous angle, aligning better with the overall arch of the episode. It also adds a layer of playful interactivity, as the response from Charlie could be unexpected and entertaining.

There are several key takeaways from these examples. These additions show how a well-crafted line can:

Resolve plot holes and enhance narrative continuity. Provide relatable and humorous moments that engage the audience. Enhance dramatic irony and build tension.

These insights and examples emphasize the importance of thoughtful and creative additions to narrative media, making the viewing experience richer and more enjoyable for both creators and viewers.