If you have ever watched an American television programme or film, you might have noticed a curious pattern: characters rarely, if ever, say 'goodbye' when ending a phone conversation. Instead, they abruptly hang up, often without any formal farewell, which can seem jarring or even rude to viewers accustomed to more polite exchanges.
The Mystery That Baffled a Reddit User
This phenomenon recently puzzled a Reddit user, who posted online asking why most characters simply hang up the phone without saying goodbye. The user observed that this happens frequently, sometimes even mid-conversation, and questioned whether it was a cultural norm in the United States or merely a time-saving device for television production.
The Filmmaking Explanation Behind the Silence
Screenwriter and producer Michael Jamin, known for his work on shows like King of the Hill, Wilfred, and Maron, addressed this mystery in a TikTok video that has garnered over 206,000 likes. He revealed that in the television industry, unnecessary dialogue such as 'goodbye' is labelled as 'shoe leather'.
Jamin explained that while 'shoe leather' might make a scene feel more realistic, it does not necessarily enhance entertainment value. Television shows have strict running times; for example, a network might require a 22-minute cut and reject anything longer, like 22 minutes and 30 seconds. To manage this, productions often shoot longer scenes, around 25 minutes, knowing they will need to trim content during editing.
The Practicality of Trimming for Time
According to Jamin, editing involves cutting non-essential elements to maintain pace and keep the best material. While trimming the opening minutes is straightforward, deciding what to remove later becomes challenging. He noted that producers might cut a character saying goodbye to preserve a favourite joke or crucial plot point. Over time, screenwriters stop including 'goodbye' in scripts altogether, anticipating it will be cut later.
Online Reactions and Misconceptions
The revelation sparked widespread discussion online. Many viewers had assumed the lack of goodbyes was for dramatic effect, perhaps to make characters seem cooler or more intense. One commenter admitted thinking it was a cultural difference, while another joked about saving time by skipping farewells in real life.
Jamin's insight highlights how practical constraints in filmmaking shape on-screen behaviour, debunking myths about American rudeness or stylistic choices. This editing technique ensures that television programmes remain engaging and adhere to strict time limits, ultimately prioritising entertainment over mundane realism.
