What does the term "show, don’t tell" imply in filmmaking?

The term "show, don’t tell" in filmmaking emphasizes the importance of conveying emotions and narrative through visual elements rather than relying heavily on dialogue or exposition. This technique encourages filmmakers to use imagery, body language, and environmental cues to express characters' feelings, motivations, and the story's mood.

In practice, this might involve using close-ups to capture a character's emotional response, employing specific lighting to set the tone, or integrating symbolic visuals that enhance the narrative without the need for verbal explanation. By doing this, filmmakers invite viewers to engage more deeply with the story, allowing them to interpret and feel the emotional stakes through what they see on screen.

The other choices do not align with the essence of this filmmaking principle. Avoiding visual effects or focusing on dialogue would undermine the power of visual storytelling. Summarizing the plot contradicts the idea of immersing the audience in the experience through visual means. Thus, the correct understanding of “show, don’t tell” highlights the strength of visual narrative over verbal description.