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When writing a flashback/dream, is it possible to write it in such a way to "trick" the audience? I mean, I know that's possible to do, but how would it be formatted?
I have a linear story, but in pieces, I want a complete flashback to be revealed. In other words, three separate flashbacks happen during the story but they connect together. Then at the end, the audience realizes these are flashbacks involving the two main characters.
I guess I want to trick the reader of the screenplay as well, so can I leave out the "- Flashback" tag? There isn't any weird time jumping going on, by the way.
Personally, I'm very against trying to trick the reader.
Sure, but not labeling a Flashback or Dream as such, the reader has no clue, but it usually pisses them off, more than surprises them when it's somehow revealed.
Obviously, movies can get away with this whenever they please, but again, many a viewer doesn't appreciate this "cheap scare tactic". But, at leas in film, it's almost always very obvious as soon as the scene goes back to reality.
In my story, it isn't too terribly important whether the audience knows the flashback is actually a flashback, but what is important is who is in the flashback. I was planning on having the present day and flashbacks share the same time of day in the scene, so it isn't too obvious, but not exactly hiding it.