Opinion Weekdays #5: Linear Storytelling Sucks
Yeah, today is just gonna be a quick rant.
I hate linear storytelling.
It’s what’s ruining the industry. The reason the general public finds 80% of the things they see somewhat boring and the reason everyone is bitching about the lack of originality is exactly because of linear storytelling.
Most stories, including those told through film or television, follow a very similar structure. It’s widely accepted that set structure is the correct structure. More specifically, I’m talking about the ‘Save the Cat!’ storytelling technique.
This:
And before anyone says something, I’ve actually read ‘Save the Cat!’. And yes, there is much more to it, but it preaches the idea that this is the correct and, basically, only storytelling technique.
No matter how different or original a story is, if it follows the same structure, it will always be boring. On a deeper level, it will also stay wildly unoriginal. Through following these linear structures, storytellers everywhere ruin themselves and the story they are telling by making everything deeply predictable and, ultimately, boring.
Don’t get me wrong, a lot of films and TV shows have their own variation of the three-act structure, it’s not all 100% similar to one another. It still all stems from the same idea, though.
Disclaimer: I’m using the three-act story structure as an example. There are some linear stories that do not follow this structure. This is, however, the most popular and accepted technique for linear storytelling.
Disclaimer 2: Some films have followed the three-act structure while simultaneously telling the story non-linearly. This is possible, but very difficult. If the writer and director manage to do this well and create a quality product, I have nothing against it; I even admire and prefer it.
So why not differ from the linear structure?
Just sometimes? Non-linear storytelling is what’s interesting. Different techniques are what’s keeping the industry fresh.
Take ‘Memento’ for example. It stands as a classic because it’s the the ultimate example of a film that functions perfectly through a non-linear story structure. It’s so much more original, so much more interesting, and genuinely unique.
Non-linear storytelling provides so much opportunity. A way to explore the plot and character in an unconventional way. An opportunity to keep the viewers’ attention and interest through different methods. A chance to stay original and create something deeply personal. There are no boundaries when it comes to non-linear storytelling. Real originality is very difficult to come by nowadays. This is an opportunity for that.
I think everyone should read ‘Save the Cat!’ Only through understanding the storytelling structure can we break it. And we should break it. The three-act structure is predictable, boring, and long overused. Let’s find true originality.
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Do you like linear storytelling? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE this article if you enjoyed it and also to SUBSCRIBE to Our Movie Life!
As always, thank you so much for reading,
Pouty Boy