We visit the joys of multiplot stories this week. Valerie discovers (again) the issues with multiplot stories in movies, and I investigate how the different timelines impact the narrative drive. We both learnt what happens to a story when conflict triangles and curiosity and concern are absent – a cautionary tale for writers. -M
(The following summary was generated by AI.)
Are you a writer struggling to keep your readers engaged? Do you want to master the art of narrative drive? Our latest podcast episode is here to help! This week, we dive deep into the 2016 film “Nocturnal Animals,” directed by Tom Ford and based on the book “Tony and Susan” by Austin Wright. This visually stunning thriller offers a treasure trove of storytelling techniques that can be applied to your writing.
Narrative drive is the engine that propels a story forward, creating curiosity and concern in the reader. In this episode, we explore how “Nocturnal Animals” uses a combination of mystery, suspense, and dramatic irony to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. We break down the film’s three intertwined storylines: the modern-day Susan discovering her husband’s affair, the past Susan who left her first husband Edward, and the fictional story within Edward’s manuscript about Tony Hastings seeking revenge.
One of the key takeaways from our discussion is the importance of balancing information delivery. Mysteries thrive on withholding certain details, but it’s crucial not to deprive the reader of essential context. For instance, in “Nocturnal Animals,” the arrival of Edward’s manuscript piques Susan’s curiosity and keeps the audience engaged, despite the cold and pretentious world she inhabits.
We also delve into the concept of conflict triangles, or the lack thereof, in the film. While the movie is rich in visual and thematic elements, it falls short in developing true conflict triangles. This serves as a valuable lesson for novelists: ensure your story has well-defined conflicts to maintain reader interest.
Moreover, we discuss the pitfalls of passive protagonists and scenes where characters are merely thinking or reflecting. These can quickly lose a reader’s attention. Instead, focus on writing active, engaging scenes that drive the story forward.
If you’re a novelist, memoirist, or screenwriter, this episode offers practical insights to enhance your storytelling skills. We also emphasize the importance of studying both films and novels to get a well-rounded understanding of narrative techniques.
Don’t miss out on this enlightening episode. Tune in now to learn how to create compelling narrative drive in your stories and keep your readers hooked from start to finish!