Sure, why not ellipses, but (beat) or other parentheticals can make longer pauses more clear so it's obvious the character is listening to what's been said, and isn't... you know... just fumbling for words, e.g.
DEAN
I hate to have to move her
again. She's been through
so much...
(he listens)
I know, it's just that--
(he listens)
I didn't really think of it
that way! So you think--
(he listens, surprised)
She WHAT? What operation?
What are you saying, Doctor?
(he listens, shocked)
You're telling me my wife...
my wife used to be a man?
If you haven't already, take a peek at a couple of recent threads in this forum, "Questions re telephone dialogue, montages, naming characters" and "One more question re: phone conversations"
-Derek
-> * <- Click on this magic star to be transported to my website. Ruby slippers optional.
________________________________________________
Take the critiques you get with a grain of salt. Invariably, some of the critics will be kooks, bitter curmudgeons, or complete fools. ~odocoileus
