90 Oxygen

How Do You Keep a Film Moving When Your Protagonist Can't?

Published on
How Do You Keep a Film Moving When Your Protagonist Can't?
  • Effective storytelling in films requires keeping the protagonist in motion; stagnant characters can make scenes feel flat, and filmmakers use visual techniques and camera movement to maintain engagement.
  • Scenes should have a clear purpose, contain a high moment that reveals key information or character development, and advance the plot, ensuring each part contributes to the overall narrative momentum.
  • In the case of Netflix's 'Don't Move,' editor Josh Ethier maintained story progression by integrating the protagonist's actions with his internal narrative, demonstrating the importance of blending introspection with external activity.

Culture every morning

Always be up-to-date. Get the freshest on culture, every morning to your inbox.

Introduction

In the world of filmmaking, keeping a story engaging and moving is a delicate balance. One of the most critical aspects of this balance is ensuring that your protagonist is always active and driving the plot forward. However, sometimes even the most compelling characters can appear stagnant if not managed properly. This article delves into the strategies editors and filmmakers use to keep their protagonists moving and their stories engaging, using Netflix's 'Don't Move' as a case study.

The Challenge of Stagnant Protagonists

When a protagonist becomes too static, the entire story can suffer from a lack of momentum. A character who spends too much time thinking or standing still can make the scene feel flat and uninteresting. This is not to say that introspection or quiet moments are never necessary; however, these moments must be carefully crafted to avoid slowing down the narrative.

The Importance of Motion

Characters in motion are key to keeping the story moving. This can be as simple as having them walk across the street or engage in an activity that progresses the plot. The absence of motion can lead to a scene that feels static and unengaging, as seen in the initial draft of Netflix's 'Don't Move,' where the protagonist Danny Lager was initially depicted as standing still, contemplating his next move.

Applying Motion to Your Protagonist

To bring movement into your story, you need to ensure that your protagonist is always engaged in some form of activity. This could be anything from loading sacks of seed onto a train, as Danny did in the revised version of 'Don't Move,' to searching for information while navigating through obstacles.

Visual Techniques

Film editors often use visual techniques to keep characters moving and the story progressing. One effective method is to maintain consistent screen direction and character placement throughout a scene. This helps the audience follow the narrative more easily and keeps the story flowing smoothly.

Camera Movement

Camera movement can also be used to create the illusion of character movement. Techniques like dollying, panning, and zooming can simulate the audience's perspective, making the scene feel more dynamic and engaging. For example, in the television show 'The West Wing,' the "walk and talk" technique uses handheld camera movements to introduce characters and settings seamlessly, creating a sense of immersion for the viewer.

Constructing Engaging Scenes

A well-constructed scene should reveal new information that propels the plot forward. Each scene should have a clear purpose and a key moment that encapsulates its significance. This moment can be a reveal of character, a complication, or a reversal that impacts the story.

Key Components of an Engaging Scene

  1. Purpose: Identify what needs to happen in the scene to move the plot forward.
  2. High Moment: Create a key moment that encapsulates the point of the scene. This could be a reveal, a complication, or a reversal.
  3. Character Development: Ensure that the scene reveals character traits or motivations that are significant to the protagonist.
  4. Plot Progression: The scene should advance the plot in some way, whether by introducing new information, creating tension, or resolving previous conflicts.

Case Study: Netflix's 'Don't Move'

Josh Ethier, the editor of Netflix's 'Don't Move,' faced the challenge of keeping the protagonist in motion despite the static nature of some scenes. He achieved this by focusing on the character's internal narrative and mingling it with external actions. By showing Danny Lager loading sacks of seed onto a train, Ethier introduced a sense of progression and urgency, dividing his internal narrative into tighter chunks.

Conclusion

Keeping a film moving when your protagonist can't involves a combination of strategic character placement, camera movement, and scene construction. By ensuring that characters are always engaged in some form of activity and using visual techniques to create a sense of progression, filmmakers can maintain the momentum of their stories. The key is to balance introspection with action, using each scene to reveal new information and propel the plot forward.


If you're a filmmaker struggling with keeping your protagonist in motion, remember that the simplest actions can make all the difference. By treating the camera as a character and focusing on consistent screen direction, you can create scenes that engage and move the audience. Whether you're working on a Netflix series or an independent film, these strategies will help you keep your story flowing smoothly and your audience hooked.