Hey everyone. I haven't been on this board for a while but I'm back. So I'm currently working on a project about this theater buff and basically he keeps having these jumps from himself to characters he's playing. In otherwords he sort of loses sense of reality. Anyone know how I can show this? Sorry if I was a bit vague but I don't know how to describe my intentions.

If you're looking to show the transition, it would depend on what triggers the lapses into character. An easy one would be to slowmo a bit when 'it' happens, the trigger I mean, supposing u r using a trigger. If u r using a trigger the trigger would be the focus, a close up, a color drain, etc. Try an underused convention from a long time ago...black and white...I dunno. If it's not triggered...


35. INT. PLACE WHY NOT - DAY

JOHN EVERYMAN is talking about something.

JOHN
Omg I feel as though I may fall into a lapse of character.

John is pushed back by the mysterious force of his alter ego, ending him staring straight up why not...
[camera looks down into vacant eyes of dude why not]

THE END!!!

I dunno, that's stupid, but a start. I hope that covers it.

thanks. those are some good ideas. i want to make sure its creative because its the big opportunity in my script to really go beyond the basic framework of directing.

I tried thinking about this and I realized the best way to do it might just be the most obvious. The best way to do it would just to have hime go blank for a second. Like speechless and staring, switches character/accent and starts talking with people who are confused as to why he's acting differently. He gets frustrated with them and again he seems to forget the situation and go blank. Hence a new character. Almost like a recurring amnesia or multiple personality disorder.