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Kyle Todd
Instructor: Adam MacDonald
Advanced Directing Techniques
Section: WRT 1B
January 24 2018

Script Analysis - The Painting on The Wall

By Erez Wiezel

Key Beat of the Scene - The key beat of this scene occurs when Lacy screams “DAVE?! Are
you deaf?!” And he does not respond in a conventional way. This explosion of dialogue allows
the audience to fully understand the fragility of Dave and Lacy’s relationship to this point in the
narrative.The line also prompts nothing from Dave so that the audience can begin to understand
the extent of his preoccupation with the painting.

Facts - 1. Lacy and Dave must be in a relationship so that the conversation they share carries
weight as Lacy tries to rekindle their love.

2. The painting must be hung on the wall so that Dave is distracted and withdrawn from
Lacy

Character Objectives - Lacy: She wants Dave to get dressed for the party they are attending. At
the conclusion Lacy wants Dave to know that she still loves him.
Dave: He wants to figure out where he and Lacy bought the painting in their apartment. This is
an attempt to discuss the state of their relationship.

Questions for the Characters - Why is Lacy so hesitant with Dave, why is she going back and
forth between emotions? Possible Answer: Lacy could be bi-polar or emotionally unstable. The
couple could also be between a fight that they’ve had before the party.

Why does Dave return to the painting directly after confessing his feelings to Lacy? Possible
Answer: The painting represents Dave’s fantastical idea of romantic love and he is concerned
with Lacy’s hesitance after his confession and is so seemingly offended that he returns
immediately to his fantasy.

Line Analyses

1. Lacy: “…You know how my mom hates it when we’re late.” Intention: Lacy would like
Steve to hurry and get dressed. Sub-text: My mother does not agree with the relationship we
are in, she does not like your habits.
2. Lacy: “Wh..what?.. Do we have to talk about this now?” Intention: Lacy is in too much of a
hurry to discuss with Dave. Sub-text: Lacy does not want to speak about the state of the
couple’s relationship.
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3. Lacy: “I want to make an impression…” Intention: Lacy wants to impress her family with
her relationship to Dave. Sub-text: Lacy, with the ellipsis at the end of the line, is very
unsure that Dave can make this good impression. Her fear is exemplified.
4. Steve: “I just can’t remember WHERE we bought it.” Intention: Dave wants to figure out
where the painting was bought. Sub-text: Dave is trying to find where he and Lacy’s
relationship went wrong.