The Most Overused Phrases in American Movies: 'We've Got Company!', 'You Don't Get It!', and 'Get Out of There'

In the world of American cinema, there are certain phrases that have become so ubiquitous that audiences have grown accustomed to them. However, a closer examination reveals that these overused lines not only fall flat in storytelling but also detract from the overall quality of the film. Three of the most notorious phrases include 'We've got company!', 'You don't get it do you!', and 'Get out of there.' This article will delve into why these phrases are so problematic and how they impact the narrative and audience engagement.

We've Got Company!

The phrase 'We've got company!' has become a staple in action movies. Whenever the bad guys appear, the protagonist's first reaction is to announce it. However, this line lacks authenticity and fails to serve a meaningful purpose. It's important to consider whether this phrase is genuinely useful in real life scenarios, particularly for non-fighter pilots.

An interesting point to note is that the line is often uttered when the other character can already see the approaching enemies. This redundancy makes the phrase feel unnecessary and adds no significant value to the narrative. It's more likely that in real-life situations, a fighter pilot would use communication like 'two bogies at your 6 o'clock' rather than 'we've got company!'

You Don't Get It Do You!

This phrase is used by screenwriters as a convenient device to make a character confront another character about the critical nature of their situation. Screenwriter shorthand for 'I need this character to confront another and explain the gravity but I can’t think of an interesting way to do it,' this phrase has become a staple not just in movies but also in television shows over the past five years.

The prevalence of this line has become so rampant that it's almost expected in modern storytelling. It's as if writers are running out of creative dialogue and have resorted to using this phrase to bridge gaps or explain complex situations. The phrase 'Hey I get it' and its variations are frequently employed to signify the end of a conversation or reveal, robbing the dialogue of its impact and substance.

Get Out of There

Often known as 'You guys gotta get out of there,' this phrase has been claimed to be the most used line in American cinema since a screenwriting class in 2001 to 2002. This assertion has since been echoed in multiple writing seminars and courses. The phrase is bizarrely overused, rendering it almost meaningless.

Despite its urgent tone, this phrase fails to stand out in the script. Its repetitive use in movies and TV shows has desensitized audiences to its significance. It's similar to a throwaway line that conveys necessity rather than excitement or impact. For instance, lines like 'I love you' or 'if you enter [location] again I'll kill you,' are more remembered and impactful than 'you gotta get out of there.'

Impact on Cinematic Storytelling

The overuse of these phrases has a detrimental effect on cinematic storytelling. When these clichés are employed, they distract from the actual narrative and dialogue. Instead of fostering a rich and engaging conversation, these lines serve as obligatory filler that doesn't add any depth or authenticity to the story.

Cinematic storytelling is an art form that depends on the authenticity and creativity of the dialogue. Overuse of canned lines like the ones discussed undermines the writer's intent and can detract from the overall quality of the film. Audiences, after becoming accustomed to these phrases, may start to tune out or become less invested in the story, as the lines become predictable and unengaging.

Conclusion

The problem with these overused phrases is not only in their redundancy but also in their ability to disrupt the narrative flow. As screenwriters and aspiring filmmakers, we must strive to create dialogue that is not only memorable but also meaningful and impactful. By emphasizing authenticity and creativity, we can elevate our storytelling and ensure that our work resonates with audiences.

Keywords

Overused phrases, screenwriting, movie cliches