Great video as per usual. I totally agree with subtext being the hardest part of writing dialogue, god knows I've struggled with that. There are a few other things that stood out to me in this scene, the use of levels is another way Tywin asserts power, when he wants to be imposing he walks up the steps to make the person he's talking to look up at him, this makes it visually clear who is in power. An old dramatic trick but it works wonders. I also love how the king asks Tywin a question and he doesn't say a word for a very long time as he climbs the steps, as if to say the king doesn't have the authority to ask him questions and he'll respond in his own time.

Joffrey: But I've never been owned Tywin: You are being owned at this very moment.

"Feel free to skip ahead" One does not simply skip a Tywin Lannister scene.

I love how Tywin never ends his sentences with, "you little shit," but it's so heavily implied that doing so is unnecessary.

I like how Tywin isn't dismissed, he decides when the conversation is over.

"Feel free to skip ahead", as if anyone would miss the chance to see Joffrey squirm in front of Tywin again.

Also worthy of note: does not kneel or bow, approaches without permission and leaves without permission.

I like his physical answers a ton. When Joffrey complains about walking up the steps of the tower of the hand, Tywin could have made his quippy remark from below. But he responded first, _by climbing stairs._

Ironically enough, Joffrey is the one being reasonable and forward-thinking in this scene while Tywin is too busy trying to win the pissing contest with his grandson.

This scene is actually Joeffry at his most competent. He's worried about a credible military threat and aware that his grandfather is usurping power.

Dany: "Jon, I'm pregnant." Jon: "I dun wun it."

One point missed in this video is how Tywin responds when Joffrey complains about having to climb the stairs in the Tower of the Hand: he slowly and purposefully walks up the steps to the throne. Aside from the intimidating effect, it also serves as a silent judgement of Joffrey's laziness, as if Tywin is saying "yes, and look how easy it is to walk up a few stairs."

The camera-work is also really impressive: At first, Tywin is shown clearly beneath Joffrey, but as the conversation continues the camera's angle shifts to over Tywin's shoulder, making it look as if the two are on the same level. After Tywin climbs the steps, that same angle is used, now leaving him towering over his grandson. The shot/reverse-shot segments further show Tywin above Joffrey, highlighting his power in the scene. Finally, as he leaves, the focus and perspective as he walks towards the camera place Joffrey clearly in the background, with Tywin in the center of the shot and growing larger, never looking truly below Joffrey despite descending the steps.

As the old saying goes, Game of Thrones died with Tywin Lannister.

When 5 minutes of dialogue has more complexity than season 8.

"Whenever necessary." What a great caveat to properly informing the king on important matters.

The real icing on the cake with this dialog is the amazing acting. Charles Dance perfectly portrays Tywin's intimidating demeanor, and you can FEEL his disdain for Joffrey dripping from every single word. Likewise, Jack Gleeson does a phenomenal job of portraying Joffrey's failure to maintain an aura of authority under the withering glare of his grandfather, and perfectly shows that Joffrey understands who's ACTUALLY in charge, regardless of rank.

I just love the delivery of “We could arrange to have you carried”

Tyrion: You just sent the most powerful man in Westeros to bed without his supper Tywin: You're a fool if you think hes the most powerful man in Westeros. That's one of my favorite lines by Tywin

I split Game of Thrones into DT and AT: During Tywin and After Tywin

In addition, when Joffrey calls the dragons "curiosities", imitating his grandfather, it shows how his grandfather is the one in control of the conversation, since Joffrey is changing himself, the words he uses and the way he talks in order to fit his grandfather's style, showing that he is the dominant one.

I think everyone is aware just how amazing Charles Dance was in GoT, but Jack Gleeson absolutely nailed this scene (and many others).

Season 1-4: *Consistently clever dialogue with fantastic delivery that often evokes questions of philosophy* Season 8: *VaRyS nO cOcK 😂😂😂👌🏼👌🏼*

I agree with most of your analysis. However, “May I ask why?” with the tone Joeffrey uses implies impatience and is an attempt at Joeffrey to assert some sort of dominance, in my opinion. Because if a student didn’t do their homework, for instance, and the teacher says, “May I ask why?” the teacher is not asking for permission to ask a question. The teacher is asking, “And why the f*ck not?” in the most polite way in modern English. Thank you 😊

The pause, the stare, the climbing the stairs to show him how easy it is for an old man while the young king is complaining about such a benine task, the king then forces to look up to him.....the script, dialogues, acting, execution, direction....EVERYTHING was of pristine quality!

Joffrey complains about having to climb the stairs of the Tower of the Hand and The Hand climbs the stairs to the iron throne to tower over him. Beautifully executed.

It's weird that Joffery has actually had two really good ideas. First he wanted a standing army and then he saw the threat of Daenerys

"We could arrange to get you carried..." the subtext is actually "you are young, walk up the tower if you really want to know more" Its not a threat, he is calling him lazy

The walk up the stairs is also a power move, it changes the perspective from Joffrey looking down upon Tywin to Joffrey having to look up to Tywin, whilst also relating to the line "I would have to walk up all those stairs"

"May I ask why?" In British English is used with sarcastic subtext. Its the kind of question your teacher might ask when you say you've forgotten your homework. They're not actually asking permission to ask a question of you, they're expressing incredulity.

Tywin was without a doubt the most formidable character in the entire show

I particularly love the detail of Tywin immediately climbing the stairs to confront Joffrey right after he complained about not wanting to climb stairs to meet his responsibilities. Very much a "look at me, I'm climbing stairs right now" statement.

Dance did a magnificent job at portraying Tywin. He was so calm yet immensely intimidating.

Season 3 dialogue: This absolutely great stuff right here. Season 8 dialogue: Jon saying "She is my Queen" over and over again, Tyrion reduced to making "I have a cock and you don't" jokes at Varys with no wit.

Was literally thinking "Wow impressive that D&D wrote this scene how did they fall so hard" - glad you swiftly cleared that thought away at the end

And a shout out to the actors. They all did a great job, even when the scripts were bad, the actors still did a stellar job.

My personal favorite part of this scene is when tywin walks up the stps so he can use is imposing size to tower over Joffrey while he's on the throne. It's a power play beyond words, it makes people feel like children and powerless. It shows how he knows to dominate without words and with his presence alone.

8:48 I actually see the phrasing of "May I ask why?" to be Joffrey's attempt at patronizing Tywin. He's trying to be a smartass with it, not literally asking permission to ask a question.

much as everyone hates Joffrey, he was being sensible in that scene

"Gods, the dialogue was str-" "Don't say it. Don't f--in' say it."

There is much more. The scene starting with Tywin, already making him the more important character. Also it's a powerplay beginning to end. Tywin first at the bottom of the stairs, obeying formality, then moving up, leaving Joffrey the options of either standing up (and still being smaller), or remaining seated on the throne, his source of authority. The message is very clear, Tywin saying: "That throne doesn't give you any authority over me". This position change is greatly supported by the camera angles. Also the situation becomes more intimate. The undertone in "We could have you carried" becomes that much more effective. So Tywin is also shown as very skillfully gaining advantage over Joffrey. Joffrey, snarky in the beginning is reduced to begging for information and doubt over his authority in the end, where Tywin barely keeps up formality by turning back for to deliver "Your grace" to a minimal bow. Again great camera perspective when Tywin leaves, turning his Back to Joffrey (a show of strength), and we see Joffrey much smaller behind his back due to perspective. Acting, camera, lighting, editing, it all comes together, and that means the director imagined the scene he wanted, probably there were storyboards for the different camera shots.

'We could arrange to have you carried' actually insinuates several things at once 1: A veiled threat 2: Implying the impotence and uselessness of Joffrey 3: A sarcastic quip

Gods Game of Throne was strong then...

Tywin: “We could arrange for you to be carried” Me: *Giggles at the visual*

9:02 I also feel like there is subtext in Tywin's actions. Joffrey complains about having to "climb all the stairs in the tower of the Hand," and Tywin then immediately climbs all the stairs to the throne very slowly and deliberately, as if to show Joffrey how much of a child he's being.

It’s obviously GRRM writing. The man is a genius and has been writing dialogue for over 40 years.

I've always been impressed with how Tywin came into the room. He walks with two guards, paused, they stopped, and he kept walking without them. So well trained, they know without word what to do.

Slight thing i noticed. The king feels powerful when he has people he can order around him. Like how he would order his guards to abuse Sansa than do it himself. Tywin stops the king’s guard from following him all the way so the king is isolated with him far from where he draws power. The king then relies on hight and distance to feel power and safe but Tywin takes even that away.

I like the coreography at 2:23. The large steps are set up to make whoever is counseling with the king to feel small, with the king situated far above them. However, the angle of the camera has Tywin's head appearing above Geoffry's. This leads to the idea that while Geoffry is official above Tywin in power, Tywin has the true power.

"Once the king of television." *shows Robert Baratheon. Very clever.

Tyrion before: Threaten me again and I'll have you thrown into the sea Tyrion after: *gets hit* here have high garden

Camera angles were great too. It starts with Joffry being above Tywin showing that at least he thinks he is in power and we, the audience should think that as well. Then, as the scene progresses, Tywin walks up the steps to where they are even, and by the end he is looking down on Joffry to show that he is in fact the true one in charge. Also, nothing better than a verbal bitch slap and this scene also shows how to make a character intemidating without resorting to a boring shouting match.

His brilliant portrayal of such a despicable character makes it easy to overlook Jack Gleeson's AMAZING performance as Joffrey.

The contrast between Tywin holding the Small Council meetings in the Tower of the Hand for his own convenience vs. his disregard for the inconvenience it causes Joffrey is also a huge power move in this scene, communicating how much more valuable he considers his own time than the time of the King.

Notice that Joffrey usually ends his sentences with his voice going up (shows uncertainty) while Tywin ALWAYS goes down with his voice. This shows certainty and superiority in a situation. "You wanted to speak to me." Not "You wanted to speak to me?"

at about 5:00 on the mark. Tywins purposeful turn of his back then, switcheroo to say 'Your Grace', then a swiftturn and march down the steps cemented right then and there who really ran the 7 kingdoms, Every scene with tywin having a full dialogue scene gi es me chills, such a great actor 👌👏

This might be a small detail, but I love the fact Tywin climbs the throne stairs right after Joffrey complains about having to climb all the stairs in the tower of the Hand. It shows me that Tywin subliminally, besides wanting to intimidate him and end the introduction, wants to show Joffrey that he is capable of doing the things the King wouldn't bother with.

The one time in the ENTIRE show where Joffery's worries proved to be warranted.

The astonishing thing here is that Joeffry is half-way competent since he actually was right that something should've been done about the dragons before they became a serious threat. The kid may have been a nutcase, but he did have moments of common sense.

Tywin always being larger (closer to the camera) in frames is a simple, effective way of letting us know who the boss is. Tywin even crowds Joffrey's shots, and not vice versa.

I think the fact that Jack Gleeson could do this scene with Charles Dance and not seem out of place is amazing and speaks to the actors gift . Great video with thought provoking content

"You are being consuled at this very moment." Charles Dance at height of His power.

I’ll give it to joeffrey, he was concerned about a potential threat to the realm and wanted to know any information on it. And when he was told it wasn’t a problem be basically said “ u don’t know if it is or isn’t” but because Tywin was so wise about many other things he thought he was right about Danny. Oh how wrong he was.

Tywin was legit one of the best characters in GoT

“I shall wear this like a badge of honor” “You’ll wear it in silence or I shall honor you again”

Love this scene. A grandfather telling off his spoiled grandson and putting him in his place. Despite said grandson being the king. Says so much about both characters. Looking back, I remember hating Tywin. Not because he's a bad character, far from it. It was because he was just so ruthless in his actions and unyielding towards his children and grandchildren. Particularly towards Tyrion, who was probably one of the characters I sympathized with the most. That to me is a hallmark of good writing. Tywin was just so believable and well-written he evoked feelings from the audience through his words and actions. Shame that the show's writing took a steady nosedive after his death.

Joffrey also keeps his eyes averted for a lot of his dialogue while Tywin keeps his eyes locked on

Amazing how Tywin doesn't even need to lie to his grandson: "whenever necessary". And he never considered to be necessary to inform the King. Great analysis!

I'm more interested in the framing and blocking of Tywin's movements. Notice how even early on when Joffrey is looking down at him, the way it is framed places Tywin in the upper right corner and Joffrey lower on the left, regardless of which camera we view from. When he moves up the stairs to assert himself, and Joffrey is left looking up at him, the only thing that changes is Joffrey's perception of their relative positions. We've been seeing Tywin above Joffrey from the outset.

That's my older brother on the left, opening the door for Charles Dance at 1:46 He was a crew member on the show but had to replace a Kings Guard extra that didn't show up that day 😆👍

One of my fav scenes! The actors both understand all of this, too, and deliver the dialogue flawlessly. And the camera work! Tywin starts out visually small, the grows into a giant when he mounts the steps. Then at the end as he walks away, even though he’s back down on the floor, the camera is low so he still looks huge and Joffrey in the BG looks like a toddler trying to fill out a big boy chair. Pure cinema!

Good video and great perspective. One thing that's also interesting is the blocking. At first, Tywin is speaking to Joffrey from below, as he intends to criticize Tywin from his "high" position of power, but then moments later, when the conflict arises, Tywin prepares his response by going up the steps of the throne to talk with Joffrey, eliminating Joffrey's only advantage in the scene. Not only is Tywin asserting dominance and authority over Joffrey through his words, but he is also doing it through body language. The entire midsection of the scene, Tywin is towing over Joffrey, talking DOWN to him like the weakling he is. Then finally, as you mentioned, he gets the last word on Joffrey, then walks away, turning his back on his grandson. Great writing and direction.

But Joffrey was right about those dragons

I like how when Tywin has that turn towards subtle anger, it cuts to fire.

really dope vid! very informative and you do a great job of breaking the scene down with explanations! will be sending an email soon!

I also love how it's shot to make Tywin look so much bigger no matter what angle you see

I love how Tywin takes up so much of the frame that Joffrey goes from looking like a king on a throne to a toddler in a high chair. That climb up the stairs says so much about Tywin and his respect for Joffrey's "rule".

Some remarks. 1. "May I ask why" in this example is not "asking permission". It's a manner of speech, but could also be mildly ironic, showing Joffrey's discontent that he actually has to ask this question ("Why?") Though it does show his subjugated position because, if he really was in power, he wouldn't have to ask at all, information would be given to him. 2. It is definitely not true that Tywin doesn't *want* to give information to Joffrey. He simply wants to teach the boy a lesson in humility (and reality), saying: if you want information (or anything), you have to work for it and not bug me every time get an itch to act like a king. 3. I can't believe you missed to address the most important moment: Tywin climbing up the stairs. Up until that moment, the situation was of formal Tywin's subjugation, him being below and Joffrey looking at him from above. However, once he stands next to the throne, the thing changes completely and they are both aware of it. Just look at Joffrey's face as Tywin approaches. That is pure gold and gives the viewer the most crucial information about the scene and the characters that the scene has to give.

Great video! Awesome analysis. Gives you more inside on the show and it's creation!

This was a fantastic breakdown; very educational.

I also think the older episodes and dialogue within them actually felt like we were watching royalty and people of high birth, you could see their separation from those considered 'below' them, however, in the most recent episodes it feels like everyone is on the same social pecking order simply because D&D wanted to fit as many characters into one scene to please fans. i.e. when literally every character was in the room as Daenerys was making her final battle plans in Winterfell against Kings Landing.

Joffrey complains about having to climb stairs. Tywin proceeds to climb the stairs.

All of this without even looking at body language. Excellent play from both actors here. Tywin's calm, stoic and confident posture vs Jeoffrey actually pulling back into his throne when Tywin moves into his personal space, effectively conceding power in the conversation.

This was so helpful, thank you!

"feel free to skip ahead" he says as he plays one of the best scenes in the whole series.

Just hearing Charles Dance’s assertive, silky baritone makes my whole body tingle.

Thanks for the great vid man! I liked your point about one of the major burdens of a writer: making dialogue seem natural, yet packing it with detail and subtext to inform the audience. Thanks for sharing! God bless you :)

And the pauses in both characters' speeches are perfectly timed

Charles Dance as Tywin Lannister. Pure class. A triumph in acting.

Joffrey actually ....... had a lot of potential. Tywin would have whipped him into shape

Tywin realized Tommen would make an extremely able King in one short conversation. A question asked and an answer given, and pride shown out of Tywins face as he had seen his true successor, the man reflected out the eyes if a child. It was excellent. He also smoothly cut Cersei, the daughter he knows isn't worth shit, out of the conversation and walked out with Tommen signaling that he wasn't going to allow her to fuck him up.

I can watch Tywin look down on people all day. Really liked his dynamic and relationship with Arya too.

Hearing you break down the intracicies of early seaon GoT dialogue would be great, but I'd rather hear a 15 minute long rant of your love of Tywin. He made the show worth watching. Intelligent dialogue died with him...

"We could arrange to have you carried." - What Tywin said. "Bitch please." - What Tywin meant. He was so amazing. Able to put a psychopath king in his place without even raising his voice.

Loved this breakdown. I love writing that exhibits both explicit and implicit dialogue, it builds layers of interpretation within a scene. GoT has a lot of dialogue like this but I agree that this scene is an excellent example of it being structured. Particularly when Tywin pauses the dialogue to ascend the stairs of the throne, mocking Joffrey’s annoyance with having to hike the Tower of the Hand to attend his small council. It’s a huge power move by Tywin and at the end of the scene too where he simply acknowledges “your grace.” After having royally scolded him, despite being the King of Westeros. Like the title of king holds little power over him. Excellent analysis though, I love thinking about screenwriting and editing

This and the “what makes a good king?” Scene are my favorites

3:08, Tywin starts walking up the stairs, cool AF. Me, having watched the scene a thousand times: “We could arrange to have you carried.” Tywin: “We could arrange to have you carried.” Chills. Literal chills.

"You are being counseled at this very moment" what an absolute savage.

The one thing you missed is Tywin imposing respect when he was climbing the staris. See how Joffrey shrunks and backed off physically until he couldnt because the Iron throne prevented him to do so. Also, the face of despair and defeat.

Also very important to note about dialogue is the lack of dialogue going into the scene! The doors open and close, even Joffrey's own kingsguard stop without Tywin uttering a word. His pause at 1:57 really highlights the weight of his words as something that is not wasted by illustrating that he does not even need words to command people.