Flashbacks

S

spotted_leaf

New member
I have read that flashbacks should be used very sparingly. When is it okay to use them and when isn't it?
Is it ok to use a flashback when characters are reminscing about the past? Or is that considered bad storytellng?
Several of my characters interact with one another and discuss the past that they have shared together as if to give the reader/viewer a contrast of present and future. Is that ok?
 
The way that you're using it sounds fine. I think the general problem that people have with flashbacks is that they don't do much to add to the story. In your case, you're directly contrasting present and future.

The important thing to remember, is that a flashback is like a mini-movie. It should have its own beginning, middle, and end.
 
I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to disagree with the penguins.

Flashbacks should contain conflict (like any scene), they should convey new information, and most importantly they should be used to advance the plot.
 
Personally, I like flashbacks when I watch a film. They provide a new energy to the scene, and promise that something will be explained.
 
STYLZ said:
How is that different than what they said chris?
Click to expand...

Well, I essentially agree with Ninja's description of how a flashback should be used.

But he starts off by saying that "The way that you're using it sounds fine." and to me what Spotted_Leaf is describing is totally the opposite of what is being recommended.

Of course I could just be misunderstanding the whole thing. It wouldn't be the first time. :)
 
When you end one scene at the moment of action, like

EXT. FOREST - DAY
Janie is pointing a handgun at Tom's temple.


and the next scene begins with Janie working and going through the motions calmly at her day job in the office, and we cut back and forth between the continuation of the scene in the woods and Janie presently at her job in snippets to show how that forest scenario played out, would the cuts to the forest scene be formatted as

EXT FOREST - DAY - FLASHBACK ?

I think they did something just like I am talking about in The Prestige when the trick is being revealed, but I couldn't readily find that script avail online after a quick search.
 
I was once told to do it like this:

EXT. FOREST - DAY

BEGIN FLASH BACK SEQUENCE

Janie is pointing a hand gun at Tom's temple.

END FLASHBACK SEQUENCE

INT. OFFICE - DAY

Janie opens a drawer to find she is out of post-it notes, so instead grabs a candy wrapper and writes a quick note on it.

etc...
 
INT. RICK'S CAFE - NIGHT
...

RICK
You played it for her and you can play it for me.

SAM
Well, I don't think I can remember it.

RICK
If she can stand it, I can. Play it!

SAM
Yes, boss.

Sam starts playing the song.


EXT. PARIS - DAY (Flashback)
The Arc de Triomphe. Rick and Ilsa play Halo 3 on Sam's xBox.

RICK
If you don't get in the gunner position you may regret it, not now...but soon and for the rest of your life.
Click to expand...

That's how I like doing it. I think the answer is always "Whatever is the most clear is the right answer"
 
Is a flashback the most compelling and economical way to deliver the information the scene must deliver?

If 'yes,' then go with the flashback.

If there's a simpler structure that gets the idea across equally well, go with that instead.
 
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