The Notebook What Do You Want Scene Script

The raw emotion and heart-wrenching dialogue of "The Notebook's" "What Do You Want?" scene have cemented its place in cinematic history. This climactic confrontation between Noah and Allie encapsulates the film’s core themes of enduring love, difficult choices, and the agonizing push and pull of destiny. Deconstructing this scene provides invaluable insight into character development, narrative structure, and the power of screenwriting to evoke profound emotional responses.

Setting the Stage: The Context of the Scene

Before diving into the script itself, it's crucial to understand the context leading up to this pivotal moment. Allie, engaged to the wealthy and socially acceptable Lon, visits Seabrook after seeing Noah's picture in the newspaper. He has rebuilt the Windsor Plantation, the house they dreamed of restoring together.

During her visit, Allie and Noah rekindle their passionate connection. They spend idyllic days reminiscing, laughing, and falling in love all over again. However, the weight of Allie's impending marriage looms large, creating a palpable tension. She is torn between the security and stability that Lon offers and the fiery, all-consuming love she shares with Noah.

This internal conflict reaches a boiling point in the "What Do You Want?" scene, where Allie is forced to confront her true feelings and make an impossible choice. The emotional stakes are incredibly high, making this scene the dramatic climax of the film.

The Scene Script: A Line-by-Line Analysis

The script of this scene is deceptively simple, relying heavily on raw emotion and the actors' ability to convey complex inner turmoil. Let's break down the key elements:

INT. NOAH'S HOUSE - NIGHT

ALLIE stands in the middle of the living room, distraught. NOAH watches her, his expression a mixture of hope and apprehension.

ALLIE (voice trembling) This is crazy. This is… I don’t know what this is.

NOAH What do you mean?

ALLIE I’m engaged, Noah. I’m supposed to get married.

NOAH So you’re going to marry him? Is that what you’re saying?

ALLIE (turns away, pacing) I don’t know! That’s the problem, I just… I don’t know.

NOAH (steps closer) Allie…

ALLIE (whirls around) No, don’t! Just… don’t. I can’t think when you’re near me.

NOAH Then think without me. Make a decision.

ALLIE (voice rising) I’m trying! But it’s not that simple. You don’t understand.

NOAH Then help me understand.

ALLIE (exasperated) I have a life, Noah! A life that I’ve planned. A life that people expect me to have.

NOAH Is that what you want?

ALLIE (softly) I don’t know what I want.

NOAH (pleading) Yes, you do.

ALLIE (angrily) No, I don’t! Okay? Stop telling me what I want!

NOAH (takes a step back, hurt) I’m not trying to tell you what you want. I’m just… I’m trying to understand.

ALLIE (voice breaking) There’s just… there’s too much history here, Noah. Too many memories.

NOAH And that’s a bad thing?

ALLIE (shakes her head) No, it’s… it’s wonderful. But it’s also… overwhelming.

NOAH So what are you going to do?

ALLIE (looks at him, tears streaming down her face) I don’t know.

NOAH (steps closer, voice soft) Then let me help you decide.

ALLIE (backs away) No! I need to do this on my own.

NOAH (desperation creeping into his voice) Why? Why can’t we do this together?

ALLIE (crying harder) Because it wouldn’t be fair to Lon! He’s a good man, Noah. He loves me.

NOAH (scoffs) And I don’t?

ALLIE (shakes her head) It’s not the same. It’s… different.

NOAH (grabs her hands) Different how? Tell me how it’s different!

ALLIE (pulls away) Stop it! Just… stop it!

NOAH (pleading) Tell me what you want!

ALLIE (screaming) I DON’T KNOW! I DON’T KNOW WHAT I WANT!

(Allie collapses into sobs. Noah watches her, his heart breaking. He reaches out to comfort her, but she pulls away.)

NOAH (softly) Then I’ll just… I’ll leave you alone. You decide.

(Noah turns and walks away, leaving Allie alone in the living room, crying.)

Deconstructing the Dialogue: Key Elements

• Repetition: The phrase "I don't know what I want" is repeated multiple times, highlighting Allie's internal confusion and the agonizing nature of her decision. This repetition emphasizes the emotional turmoil she's experiencing.
• Contradiction: Allie's statements often contradict each other, reflecting her conflicting emotions. She acknowledges the depth of her feelings for Noah but also recognizes her commitment to Lon.
• Rising Action: The scene builds in intensity, with the characters' voices rising and their emotions becoming increasingly raw. The climax is Allie's desperate scream, a cathartic release of pent-up frustration and confusion.
• Subtext: Much of the scene's power lies in the subtext. The characters' words often hint at deeper feelings and unspoken desires. Their body language and facial expressions convey as much as their dialogue.
• Noah's Patience and Allie's Conflict: Noah's genuine desire to understand and support Allie is evident throughout the scene. He patiently tries to guide her towards a decision, while Allie grapples with her conflicting emotions,torn between the familiarity and security of her planned life with Lon and the undeniable passion she feels for Noah.

The Importance of Subtext and Non-Verbal Communication

While the dialogue is crucial, the scene's impact relies heavily on subtext and non-verbal communication. The actors' facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice convey the characters' inner turmoil.

• Allie's Pacing and Gestures: Her restless pacing and agitated gestures reveal her anxiety and uncertainty.
• Noah's Hopeful and Apprehensive Gaze: His eyes convey a mixture of hope and apprehension, reflecting his desire for Allie to choose him but also his fear of rejection.
• The Use of Silence: Moments of silence are strategically placed to allow the audience to absorb the emotional weight of the scene.
• The Physical Distance: The characters' physical distance from each other fluctuates throughout the scene, mirroring their emotional closeness and distance.

The "What Do You Want?" Question: A Philosophical Inquiry

The central question of the scene, "What do you want?", is not merely a plot device. It's a profound philosophical inquiry that resonates with audiences on a deep level.

• The Difficulty of Self-Discovery: The scene highlights the inherent difficulty of self-discovery. Allie struggles to articulate her desires because she is torn between societal expectations, personal obligations, and her own heart.
• The Conflict Between Head and Heart: Allie's dilemma represents the classic conflict between head and heart. She knows that marrying Lon is the "sensible" choice, but her heart yearns for Noah.
• The Courage to Choose Authenticity: The scene ultimately challenges viewers to consider whether they have the courage to choose authenticity over conformity, to follow their hearts even when it's difficult.
• The Universal Struggle: The scene's enduring popularity stems from its portrayal of a universal struggle – the quest to understand oneself and make choices that align with one's deepest desires.

Cinematic Techniques Enhancing the Scene's Impact

Several cinematic techniques contribute to the scene's emotional power:

• Close-Ups: The use of close-ups focuses the audience's attention on the actors' faces, allowing them to fully experience their emotions.
• Camera Movement: Subtle camera movements create a sense of unease and instability, mirroring Allie's internal turmoil.
• Lighting: The lighting is soft and diffused, creating a romantic yet melancholic atmosphere.
• Music: The score swells during moments of heightened emotion, amplifying the scene's impact.

The Scene's Role in the Narrative Arc

The "What Do You Want?" scene serves as the climax of "The Notebook," the point of highest tension and conflict. It is the moment where Allie must confront her true feelings and make a life-altering decision. The scene's resolution, with Noah leaving Allie to make her own choice, sets the stage for the film's denouement.

Lessons for Screenwriters: Crafting Emotionally Resonant Scenes

• Build Tension Gradually: Create a sense of anticipation and unease leading up to the climactic moment.
• Focus on Character Development: Ensure that the characters' actions and dialogue are consistent with their established personalities and motivations.
• Use Subtext and Non-Verbal Communication: Rely on subtext, body language, and facial expressions to convey deeper emotions.
• Create Authentic Dialogue: Write dialogue that sounds natural and believable, reflecting the characters' individual voices.
• Embrace Repetition: Use repetition strategically to emphasize key themes and emotional states.
• Craft a Satisfying Resolution: Ensure that the scene's resolution is both emotionally satisfying and logically consistent with the narrative.
• Don't Shy Away from Raw Emotion: Allow the characters to express their feelings honestly and authentically.
• Show, Don't Tell: Let the characters' actions and behavior reveal their emotions, rather than simply stating them outright.

The Lasting Impact of the Scene

"The Notebook's" "What Do You Want?" scene has had a lasting impact on popular culture. It is frequently referenced in other films, television shows, and online content. The scene's enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful storytelling, memorable dialogue, and relatable themes. It has become a touchstone for anyone who has ever struggled with love, loss, and the difficult choices that life presents. It reminds us of the power of enduring love, the importance of following our hearts, and the courage it takes to be true to ourselves.

The Unforgettable Performances: Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling

No analysis of this scene would be complete without acknowledging the exceptional performances of Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling. Their on-screen chemistry and raw emotional vulnerability brought the characters of Allie and Noah to life in a way that resonated deeply with audiences.

• Rachel McAdams' portrayal of Allie: McAdams masterfully captures Allie's internal conflict, conveying her vulnerability, confusion, and ultimately, her strength. Her performance is nuanced and believable, making the audience empathize with Allie's difficult situation.
• Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Noah: Gosling's portrayal of Noah is equally compelling. He embodies Noah's unwavering love for Allie, his passion, and his quiet desperation. His performance is both tender and powerful, making the audience root for Noah's success.

Their performances elevated the scene from a well-written piece of dialogue to a truly unforgettable cinematic moment. Their ability to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures and heartfelt delivery made the scene a defining moment in their careers and a benchmark for romantic drama.

The Director's Vision: Nick Cassavetes

Director Nick Cassavetes played a crucial role in bringing "The Notebook's" "What Do You Want?" scene to life. His vision and direction guided the actors, shaped the scene's visual style, and ultimately, determined its emotional impact.

• Creating a Safe Space: Cassavetes created a safe and supportive environment for the actors to explore their characters' emotions. He encouraged improvisation and allowed them to bring their own interpretations to the scene.
• Focusing on Authenticity: Cassavetes prioritized authenticity over melodrama. He wanted the scene to feel real and relatable, not contrived or overly sentimental.
• Utilizing Visual Storytelling: Cassavetes used visual storytelling techniques, such as close-ups and camera movement, to enhance the scene's emotional impact.
• Trusting the Actors: Cassavetes trusted McAdams and Gosling to bring their own unique talents to the scene. He allowed them to take risks and explore the full range of their characters' emotions.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of a Simple Question

"The Notebook's" "What Do You Want?" scene is a masterclass in screenwriting, acting, and directing. It is a powerful and emotionally resonant scene that explores universal themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The scene's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with audiences on a deep level, reminding us of the power of enduring love and the importance of following our hearts. The simple question, "What do you want?", becomes a catalyst for self-reflection, challenging us to examine our own desires and make choices that align with our authentic selves. It's a scene that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting you to consider the choices you've made in your own life and the path you want to forge moving forward.