Flashbacks in films are scenes in a storyline that take audience members back in time. These are commonly used in text during non-linear storytelling. Flashbacks are used when trying to resolve a mystery or add emphasis to the story. Commonly used to resolve enigma codes which is the mystery within the text.
Examples of flashbacks in films:
This is us
The television series "This is us" is a show about a family of five who goes through a tragic loss and shows how the family grows from there. The story is told around flashbacks from their childhood but is also told around them in the future. The flashbacks help build emotion within the story. This show focuses on the reality of a family with the good and bad. The flashback creates meaning in a show.
The Notebook
The famous movie "The Notebook" is a story which is told around a flashback. The story starts with the couple much older and as the movie continues it shows flashbacks of when they were young and in love. The story jumps back and forth starting where they are older with kids in a retirement home then young and first starting their relationship. For this movie, the flashbacks helped with creating meaning when it came to Allie and Noah's relationship.
Titanic
The film the "Titanic" is a story about two lovers who were stuck on the titanic. While the titanic is a true story, this is a made up story on what could have happened. In this film, we start with our female protagonist much older and begins to reflect on her time spent on the Titanic. We go through the love story with her and Jack all through a flashback. The film's whole plot was built around a flashback so without it the story would be pointless.
Flashbacks that are used in films are to help with creating meaning. Whether that meaning is sentimental or to uncover a mystery there is always some type of meaning being created. Flashbacks are used differently for different films. Regardless it enhances the plot and emphasizes the story. When it is used in a relationship sense, it builds connection between the viewer and the character. You feel as if you are apart of the relationship and that you are growing with them. Then out of no where it all gets taken away.
Connecting to my project:
The basis of my plot revolves around a flashback similar to the Titanic. My flashback is intended to tell a story and create some type of meaning. I will be taking different techniques that are used throughout these different media types as a way to create a well-produced short film. My goal is to have my viewers emotionally connect with the characters so when they are assumed to pass away, they feel a greater impact.
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