Assonance in Movies
Discover the untapped potential of assonance in movies. This often-overlooked literary device isn’t just for poets and musicians—it adds depth, emotion, and a lyrical quality to dialogue and narration in films. From riveting examples to writing tips, our guide uncovers how assonance enhances the auditory experience of moviegoers. Read on and elevate your understanding of cinematic storytelling.
What is Assonance in Movies? – Definition
Assonance in movies refers to the repetition of vowel sounds in close proximity within a dialogue or narration to create a specific mood or emphasize a certain point. It’s a subtler form of auditory engagement that adds a musical quality to the spoken words.
What is the best Example of Assonance in Movies?
One iconic example of assonance in movies is the line “May the Force be with you” from the Star Wars series. The repetition of the ‘e’ and ‘o’ sounds adds a rhythmic flow, making the phrase memorable and emotionally impactful. This demonstrates the power of assonance in crafting lines that resonate with audiences.
100 Assonance in Movies Examples
Unearth the beauty of assonance in the world of cinema with our curated list of 100 unique and distinct examples. The vowel harmonies found in these lines of dialogue or narration elevate the emotional undertones and leave a lasting impression. Perfect for film enthusiasts and creators alike, this comprehensive list serves as an invaluable resource for understanding and utilizing assonance in movies.
- “Life is like a box of chocolates.” – Forrest Gump
- “She’s got a ticket to ride.” – A Hard Day’s Night
- “To infinity and beyond!” – Toy Story
- “He’s the hero Gotham deserves.” – The Dark Knight
- “I’ll be back.” – Terminator
- “Just keep swimming.” – Finding Nemo
- “Here’s looking at you, kid.” – Casablanca
- “You had me at hello.” – Jerry Maguire
- “In space, no one can hear you scream.” – Alien
- “This is the start of a beautiful friendship.” – Casablanca
- “There’s no place like home.” – The Wizard of Oz
- “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” – Apocalypse Now
- “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” – Love Story
- “May the odds be ever in your favor.” – The Hunger Games
- “You can’t handle the truth!” – A Few Good Men
- “Love actually is all around.” – Love Actually
- “I’m king of the world!” – Titanic
- “We’ll always have Paris.” – Casablanca
- “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – The Godfather
- “A martini. Shaken, not stirred.” – James Bond Series
- “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” – Dirty Dancing
- “You talking to me?” – Taxi Driver
- “I feel the need—the need for speed.” – Top Gun
- “Show me the money!” – Jerry Maguire
- “Keep the change, ya filthy animal.” – Home Alone
- “I see dead people.” – The Sixth Sense
- “Why so serious?” – The Dark Knight
- “Carpe Diem. Seize the day.” – Dead Poets Society
- “After all, tomorrow is another day.” – Gone with the Wind
- “There’s no crying in baseball!” – A League of Their Own
- “If you build it, they will come.” – Field of Dreams
- “Say hello to my little friend.” – Scarface
- “Wax on, wax off.” – The Karate Kid
- “With great power comes great responsibility.” – Spider-Man
- “I coulda been a contender.” – On The Waterfront
- “Don’t let’s ask for the moon. We have the stars.” – Now, Voyager
- “The stuff that dreams are made of.” – The Maltese Falcon
- “I’ll have what she’s having.” – When Harry Met Sally
- “There can be only one.” – Highlander
- “Here’s Johnny!” – The Shining
- “They call it a Royale with Cheese.” – Pulp Fiction
- “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.” – Who Framed Roger Rabbit
- “The dude abides.” – The Big Lebowski
- “It’s alive! It’s alive!” – Frankenstein
- “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” – It’s a Wonderful Life
- “To boldly go where no man has gone before.” – Star Trek
- “A boy’s best friend is his mother.” – Psycho
- “Round up the usual suspects.” – Casablanca
- “Inconceivable!” – The Princess Bride
- “Go ahead, make my day.” – Sudden Impact
- “I am your father.” – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
- “Life moves pretty fast.” – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- “Let them eat cake.” – Marie Antoinette
- “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” – Jaws
- “I feel lucky. Do ya, punk?” – Dirty Harry
- “The first rule of Fight Club is…” – Fight Club
- “It’s not the years, it’s the mileage.” – Raiders of the Lost Ark
- “You can’t fight in here! This is the War Room!” – Dr. Strangelove
- “Love is never having to say you’re silly.” – The Muppet Movie
- “There’s something about Mary.” – There’s Something About Mary
- “I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” – The Wizard of Oz
- “Rosebud.” – Citizen Kane
- “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” – Cool Hand Luke
- “That’ll do, pig. That’ll do.” – Babe
- “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” – Network
- “Badges? We don’t need no stinking badges!” – The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
- “Nobody’s perfect.” – Some Like It Hot
- “We rob banks.” – Bonnie and Clyde
- “Well, nobody’s perfect.” – Some Like It Hot
- “Is it safe?” – Marathon Man
- “We are family.” – The Birdcage
- “The hills are alive!” – The Sound of Music
- “Why don’t you come up and see me sometime?” – She Done Him Wrong
- “Elementary, my dear Watson.” – Sherlock Holmes
- “Are you talkin’ to me?” – Taxi Driver
- “Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape!” – Planet of the Apes
- “You can’t handle the truth!” – A Few Good Men
- “I’ll be back.” – The Terminator
- “A census taker once tried to test me.” – The Silence of the Lambs
- “I am big! It’s the pictures that got small.” – Sunset Boulevard
- “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled…” – The Usual Suspects
- “They’re here!” – Poltergeist
- “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.” – Wall Street
- “I’ll get you, my pretty!” – The Wizard of Oz
- “A rose by any other name…” – Romeo + Juliet
- “The things you own end up owning you.” – Fight Club
- “The night is darkest just before the dawn.” – The Dark Knight
- “Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.” – All About Eve
- “The calla lilies are in bloom again.” – Stage Door
- “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” – A Streetcar Named Desire
- “Mama says, ‘Stupid is as stupid does.'” – Forrest Gump
- “The truth is out there.” – The X-Files
- “You’re the king of the world!” – Titanic
- “It’s not personal; it’s strictly business.” – The Godfather
- “You know how to whistle, don’t you?” – To Have and Have Not
- “I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!” – Zoolander
- “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” – The Dark Knight
- “This is no place for a girl on fire.” – The Hunger Games
- “You complete me.” – Jerry Maguire
- “To infinity and beyond!” – Toy Story
Assonance in Disney Movies Examples
Disney movies, loved by people of all ages, employ assonance to bring lyricism and emotional depth to dialogues and songs. Whether it’s Simba’s coming-of-age journey or Elsa’s quest for self-discovery, assonance adds a poetic layer, elevating the storytelling experience. “Let it go, let it go, can’t hold it back anymore” – Frozen
- “Oh I just can’t wait to be king!” – The Lion King
- “You’ve got a friend in me” – Toy Story
- “Be our guest, be our guest” – Beauty and the Beast
- “I’m wishing, for the one I love” – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- “A whole new world, a new fantastic point of view” – Aladdin
- “Circle of life, and it moves us all” – The Lion King
- “Look for the bare necessities” – The Jungle Book
- “I can go the distance” – Hercules
- “Under the sea, under the sea” – The Little Mermaid
These examples from iconic Disney movies highlight how assonance makes memorable lines that resonate with audiences, enriching the narrative and making these films unforgettable.
What is the Example of Assonance in Story?
Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, can add a poetic quality to storytelling in movies. For instance, take the line “He knew the truth was too heavy to bear” from a hypothetical film. The repetition of the ‘oo’ sound emphasizes the weight of the situation. Such literary devices create auditory engagement, ensuring the dialogue or narrative resonates with viewers.
Tips for Using Assonance in Movies
- Aim for Subtlety: Assonance is most effective when it is subtle. Overdoing it can make the dialogue sound forced.
- Match the Mood: Choose vowel sounds that align with the emotional tone of the scene. For example, softer sounds like ‘ooh’ or ‘ah’ for serene moments and sharper sounds like ‘ee’ or ‘i’ for tense scenes.
- Test it Out: Before finalizing, read the lines out loud to ensure the assonance works effectively in real-time speech, as sometimes what looks good on paper doesn’t translate well vocally.
- Maintain Context: Always ensure the assonance serves the plot or character development, rather than distracting from it.
- Consult Experts: If possible, consult with poets or lyricists to perfect the usage of assonance in your script.
- Quality Over Quantity: While it’s tempting to sprinkle assonance everywhere, less is often more. Use it in key moments for maximum impact.
- Analyze and Revise: After drafting, review the script specifically for the assonance elements. Make necessary changes to ensure it enhances, rather than detracts from, the storytelling.
How do you write Assonance in Movies? – Step by Step Guide
- Understand the Scene: Know the emotional tone and context of the scene where you plan to incorporate assonance.
- Identify the Key Words: Pinpoint the main words that carry the emotional weight or thematic importance in the scene.
- Choose a Vowel Sound: Decide on the vowel sound you want to emphasize, keeping in mind the scene’s mood.
- Draft Lines: Write down lines of dialogue or narration that incorporate the chosen vowel sounds.
- Read Aloud: Recite these lines to yourself and others, paying close attention to the flow and impact.
- Revise: Make adjustments as needed, ensuring the assonance fits naturally and serves its purpose.
- Get Feedback: Share the lines with others, especially those who have an ear for poetic or literary language, to get input.
- Finalize: Once satisfied, incorporate these lines into the script.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to integrate assonance into your movies seamlessly, enriching both the dialogue and the overall viewing experience.