Non-traditional narrative over linear storytelling

Non-traditional narrative over linear storytelling

            Linearity has been the most significant form of narrative in movies ever since the genre was born. Films employ linearity for a number of reasons: most sources are also written using this form and it is easier to comprehend for audiences. However, unconventional storytelling also has a place in the art of filmmaking. Despite linear storytelling being much more typical, non-traditional storytelling provides a more compelling viewing experience due to a number of factors.

            First of all, non-traditional narratives require more active audience participation and this interactivity makes the experience of watching the film a fuller one. Many of these movies, such as David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive or Bryan Singer’s The Usual Suspects, tell a complete story but they can only be interpreted after reflecting on the film after it has finished. Many others employ flashbacks, such as Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, and by showing the events of the past these films build up to an epic conclusion. Because of the constant jumps in time or shifts in points of view, audiences have to be more attentive than normal, as missing one detail could lead to not being able to comprehend the events. Due to these films requiring more thoughtfulness from the viewers, the consequence of the climax leaves a more significant impact, thus making the watching experience a more compelling one.

            Secondly, non-traditional narratives enhance the stories themselves. Rearranging the plot of a movie that is told unconventionally can easily lead to the story weakening. Christopher Nolan’s Memento, for instance, utilises reverse chronology to tell the events that occurred;  taking every event and ordering them as they actually happened, the whole movie would be leading up to a rather disappointing finish. That movie is the perfect example of how unconventional narrative is used as a tool to strengthen the value of a film. The storytelling is the exact reason why it so compelling for viewers.

            Lastly, despite linear storytelling being much more prominent, a lot of movies using non-traditional narrative have been met with critical acclaim. It is enough to think of the masterpieces I have already mentioned, such as Mulholland Drive or Citizen Kane, but there are many others I have not acknowledged such as The Sixth Sense or Chicago. The reason these movies all stand out is because of the unusual way their stories are told. Although it is argued that the narrative form has no impact on whether a film is critically acclaimed or not, out of the last fifteen winners of Best Picture at The Academy Awards, eight employ some form of unconventional narrative. Thus it can be concluded that even professionals prefer non-traditional narrative form over linear.

            In conclusion, non-traditional narratives provide a more compelling viewing experience due to the interactivity they require and the enhancements they provide to the plot; even statistics prove that non-casual audiences are more likely to enjoy an unconventional narrative over linearity.