The acting bases: Text & Subtext

In daily life people have a habit of not always saying what they mean. Sometimes they realize that it’s not polite saying what they really think, so they cover it up with other words and let the real meaning simmer beneath the surface. Sometimes they want the other person to understand the real meaning… Sometimes not.

What is text and subtext?

Text is the literal meaning of the words. Subtext is what the words really mean, the motives, thoughts and emotions resonate with multiple meanings behind the words. In Eastern Promises we can find a good example about how text/subtext work in a film. The film is crime thriller film directed by David Cronenberg and starred by Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts. Eastern Promises tells a story of a Russian-British midwife's interactions with the Russian Mafia in London.
In the scene, Nikolai speaks with Anna outside Semyon's restaurant about her motorcycle.

That's the text, the obvious dialogue .

Nikolai: Крутой мотор (Speaking russian: Powerful engine)
Nikolai: Nice bike
Nikolai: Ural. You don't see them anymore.
Anna: It was my dad's.
Nikolai: How much do you want for it?
Anna: It has sentimental value.
Nikolai: Ah… "Sentimental value.". I've heard of that. Not staying for party?
Anna: No
Nikolai: Not me. Chauffeurs don't get invited. You want to go for a drink instead?

If you think about the acting, You really think that Nikolai speaks about the motorcycle? No... he actually speaks about her. She likes him! Nikolai doesn't want the bike, he wants her. On the other side, Anna left clear that he dislikes this man, she distrusts him. He is arrogant and looks potentially violent. That is the subtext, the meaning simmering underneath the words and actions.

The text is only the tip of the iceberg. Without subtext, the dialogue is on the nose. That is, they say what they mean, and they mean what they say. Without subtext, the dialogue is boring for the audience.

Here you are another interesting example about text and subtext. The Bucket List is an American comedy-drama film starring by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Blue-collar mechanic Carter Chambers (Freeman) and billionaire hospital magnate Edward Cole (Nicholson) meet for the first time in the hospital after both have been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Although Edward is reluctant to share a room with Carter, complaining that he “looks half-dead already”, they become friends as they undergo their respective treatments. The film follows them on their road trip with a wish list of things to do before they kick the bucket.
In the scene the doctor gives Edward very bad news, .. Edward has six months left to live. Edward answer is clear.

That's the text of the scene.

Dr Holcomb: Edward?
Edward: Doc.
Dr Holcomb: How's it going there?
Edward: Dumb question….
Dr Holcomb: I got the test back. I'll just lay it out, huh?… Six months, A year if we're lucky.
Well, There is an experimental program that we've been conducting and I don't wanna get your hopes up but I think you would be an excellent candidate.
Edward: Doc.
Dr Holcomb: I thought maybe…
Edward: ¡Eh! Doc.
Dr Holcomb: Yes?
Edward: You're blocking my view .
Dr Holcomb: Oh, Sorry.
Anyway, if there's any questions day or night… you know where to find me.

The text is the words and gestures that we see. Edward wants to see the tv. This is the obvious meaning. Subtext is what the words really mean. Actually Edward does not want to watch TV, he just wants to be alone. Doesn't want to see the doctor face or stay with anybody at this time. That's the truth, the real meaning of the dialogue.

Text: You're blocking my view .
Subtext: Leave me alone.

The subtext are the characters feelings, the acting bases. As animators, understanding the subtext before starting animating is a must. The subtext is the best tool to get the audience involved in the character. That’s where the text and subtext come in. If the audience is not involved in the characters… the story doesn't work. Pure and simple.