One of the things I think is really cool in stories and writing in general is the notion of a callback, specifically as it pertains to the text. One example I’d like to point out, and one I think about from time to time is actually one from the screenwriting discipline. The Dark Knight trilogy makes great use of callbacks I think, both in terms of tone and its dialogue at certain points. See the following examples:
From Batman Begins –
Young Bruce: “Is that where you work?”
Thomas: “No, I work at the hospital. I leave the running of our company to much… better men.”
Young Bruce: “Better?”
Thomas: “Well, more interested men.”
Now see this next example from The Dark Knight Rises when introducing The Bat, (a name I didn’t like for it, but that’s another issue to discuss for another time) –
Fox: I just took to calling it ‘The Bat.’ And yes Mr. Wayne, it does come in black.”
Fox: “Works fine, except for the autopilot. It takes a better mind than mine to fix it.”
Bruce: “Better mind?”
Fox: “I was trying to be modest. A less busy mind. Yours.”
First off, I’ve always thought the ‘comes in black’ bit is a well-placed callback to the first exchange Lucius and Bruce have from Batman Begins. Things like this help give the trilogy a sense of cohesion at the molecular level, as it were. It’s one thing to have the color scheme/color grading, directorial vision, musical scoring and the like contribute to a singular situation that feels like it comes from the same cloth, but doing it at the level of dialogue feels almost as though we receive the callback at an unconscious level, depending on the story. Most viewers might not catch it until after many viewings, when they’ve had space to let the words sink into their systems. That is of course unless its something like the callback from something like Avengers: Endgame –
2012 Captain America: “I can do this all day.”
2019 Captain America: “Yeah, I know. I know.”
That callback is less subtle I think, since that is a direct reference to the ethos of the character and spirit of Cap. He is a guy who doesn’t give up no matter what. He can in fact, do this all day.
I think when callbacks are used sparingly over time in the writing of any story, it can really make for more effective storytelling. I love when I catch it and it feels well done. What about you, dear reader? Do you have any thoughts on things like this? I’d love to hear about say, your favorite callbacks from the MCU films or from your favorite books or shows. Let me know the deal in the comments below!