Research Log 8: 'Film Art'

By David Bordwell & Christen Thompson

"We can consider narrative to be a chain of events in cause-effect relationship."

"In any narrative film, characters create causes and register effects."

"Mainstream films may also use science fiction or fantasy premises to present alternate futures, often called "what if?" narratives." The writers then goes on to discuss the film, 'Sliding Doors'.

"Although temporal scrambling and "what if?" premises make it more difficult for us to piece stories together, filmmakers usually give us enough clues along the way."

"Most classical narrative films display a strong sense of closure at the end. Leaving few loose ends unresolved, these films seek to complete their casual chains with a final effect."

"Our experience of a film depends heavily on the expectation we bring into it."