Should every scene contain conflict?

[uncle_al]

I think it depends on how we define the term "conflict". In a screenplay the word conflict doesn't necessarily have to mean that two characters are in complete opposition to each other. Two characters could be madly in love too, but they choose not to express it because it might jeapordize the mission. This a form of conflict and one that is moved forward by the progressive story structure.

I agree.  This is much of what I was saying in my previous posting... the "conflict" needn't be a physical battle; it could be a battle of wills, or a battle between the self and the self's desires.

{The tanker explosion on Interstate 75 Wednesday night was about seven blocks from my house.  We're okay; just wiped out from the adrenaline crash.}

Cheers!
Al B.

[rnbrewer]

I think it depends on how we define the term "conflict". In a screenplay the word conflict doesn't necessarily have to mean that two characters are in complete opposition to each other. Two characters could be madly in love too, but they choose not to express it because it might jeapordize the mission. This a form of conflict and one that is moved forward by the progressive story structure.

Those are my thoughts on the matter. Digest them and let me know what you think.

Ryan

[André]

According to the Save the Cat and I believe to Robert McKee as well, every scene should have conflictm, but I do see scenes in movies that don't have them and still aren't so boring. I believe contrast is more the answer here. After having some conflict scene's. make contrast with non conflict scene's to keep in interessting.

André

[uncle_al]

I think this is more of what I was asking. Thanks. I guess that's how I was looking at it. Kind of like peaks and valleys. 

You're welcome.  Nothing like throwing a little gasoline on the fire...

When in doubt... C4.   -Jamie Hyneman, Mythbusters

Cheers!
Al B.

[roadrunner2]

I think this is more of what I was asking. Thanks. I guess that's how I was looking at it. Kind of like peaks and valleys. 

[uncle_al]

I think conflict (in the sense of active opposition of characters) isn't valid in every scene, but the actions and reactions in each scene should advance the plot or the character development.
After all, you can't run at full speed in every scene; the audience does need respites (brief ones, maybe, but respites nonetheless) from the full-bore drive to the climax.  Breathing space.

Cheers!
Al B.

[Shindig]

Every scene?

Depends on the varying levels of conflict, I guess.  Or even if there's intent behind every conflict.  Conflict's down to interpretation, in some cases.

[seansshack]

I think you need scenes with conflict and your characters obviously need to stir interest through their extreme personality's and the conflict will steam from these.

But no, for me a story whereby each and every scene is a conflict on some level would get dull pretty quickly

The key is to make every scene part of the story and interesting. Lead the viewer along and make them want to see more. your story needs conflict but also needs to remain interesting. Conflict is one tool but so is suspense, intrigue, action etc etc

[roadrunner2]

I've been reading screenplays today and I just finished reading, The Devil Wears Prada.  I've seen the movie several times (one of my all-time favorites ) and I must have been reading the original script since a lot of the shooting script (just going by the movie) has been edited.  

As I was reading, I noticed the scenes that didn't have any conflict--whether it be emotional or not--were cut. I know that if a scene doesn't move the story along then it needs to go, but I wasn't sure if all scenes needed to have some form of conflict.