Non-linear storytelling is when the events in a narrative are presented out of order. Linear storytelling would follow a clear beginning, middle, and end, whereas non-linear storytelling reorders that (in one of a variety of ways) to create something different.
It can jump between past, present, and future, or it can even look at multiple timelines simultaneously. The story could be fragmented entirely and need to be pieced together by us, but whatever the method, it’s carefully designed to make sure we can follow it.
Features of non-linear storytelling
- Reordered timeline. Events in a non-linear film don’t usually unfold in sequence, and that usually creates some suspense or highlights connecting themes.
- Fragmentation. They’re often broken into pieces and that reflects the way we sometimes experience memory or perception.
- Thematic. Non-linear stories are usually connected by something like theme, mood, or character development rather than by structure, which can be quite freeing!
- Audience involvement. Non-linear films require active viewing, you really have to pay attention to visual clues and dialogue to be able to “reconstruct” the story, so it’s a more engaging experience.
A short history of non-linear films
One of the earliest examples of non-linear storytelling is Intolerance (1916) by D.W. Griffith, which weaves together four separate narratives spanning thousands of years. It was actually made as a response to criticism for his earlier film The Birth of a Nation (1915) which was overtly racist. In Intolerance, he wanted to show the dangers of prejudice and bigotry across four different historical periods, interlinking the narratives and linking them by theme. What he actually did, was portray cultures in a way that still reflected the racial and cultural biases of the time.
Avant-garde and experimental films of the early 20th century, and Soviet montage experimented with non-linear techniques. In the case of the latter it meant juxtaposing unrelated images to make people feel a particular way.
In the 1950s and ‘60s, non-linear techniques were a signature of art-house cinema. In Rashomon (1950) the same event is told from four different (conflicting) perspectives. French New Wave directors like Jean-Luc Godard used fragmented timelines in Breathless (1960) for example, which is a bit more subtle than some, but leaves out key moments in the story so the audience has to fill in the gaps themselves.
By the 1990s, non-linear storytelling was quite common, and directors like Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan were regularly using a variety of techniques to great effect.
Types of non-linear structure
There are lots of different ways to do non-linear storytelling in film, here are some.
1. Flashbacks and flashforwards
This is probably the most obvious and familiar way to do it. Flashbacks/forwards interrupt the present timeline to show us past or future events. This usually gives us context, adds to the character backstories, or creates some drama and tension.
Example of flashback/forward in film
In The Godfather Part II (1974) the use of flashbacks shows us the contrast between Vito Corleone and his rise to power, with Michael’s moral downfall.
2. Parallel Timelines
Usually used in sci-fi, parallel timelines involve multiple narratives unfolding at the same time. They might come together, or they might stay independent but either way they usually show how they’re connected.
Example of parallel timelines
In The Hours (2002) we follow three women in three different time periods all linked by a novel: Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway. In the 1920s the author struggles with mental illness while writing the book, in the 1950s a housewife reads it and struggles with feeling unsatisfied by her life, and in 2001, a modern day version of the title character is planning a party for a friend who’s dying.
3. Reverse chronology
You got it, events are shown backwards! There’s an inevitability here because we see the outcomes, and then the causes are revealed to us bit by bit.
Example of reverse chronology
Irréversible (2002) starts with a crime and works backwards, scene by scene to show us the chain of events that led us to it. By starting with something violent and brutal and working backwards through moments of innocence and joy, we feel the tragedy and impact of the story even more.
4. Circular narratives
These begin and end at the same point, in a loop and they tend to get used to explore ideas of fate, destiny and interconnectedness.
Example of circular narrative in film
Arrival’s (2016) whole plot is about the idea of time being non-linear. As the main character learns an alien language, she starts to perceive time differently, in a loop.
5. Anthology films
Anthology films have multiple, usually disconnected stories linked by a common theme, setting, or framing device.
Example of an anthology film
Pulp Fiction (1994) is both an anthology and non-linear film, because its vignettes are tied together by shared characters and overlapping events. The out-of-sequence storytelling means that we get new context for some stories every time something is revealed in another one.
6. Fragmented narratives
Fragmented narratives give us the scenes out of order, without any apparent logic. Stories that feature amnesiacs tend to be fragmented narratives and the story is usually them piecing together their lost memories in a random order.
Example of a fragmented narrative in film
Mulholland Drive (2001) leans into surrealism and dream logic with Betty helping Rita (an amnesiac) find out about who she is. There’s a lot of ambiguity in this film and it’s up to the audience to interpret connections between scenes.
Why filmmakers use non-linear storytelling
We know what non-linear storytelling is, but why do writers and directors favour it?
1. To reflect memory
Our memory isn’t linear either, we think about events in fragments and can revisit them out of order or even with an emotional filter. Films that are non-linear replicate this so we can often connect more with them, or with the characters’ mental states because they’re being represented in a way we also experience things. In Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), the jumbled timeline is a mirror of the process of erasing and reconstructing memories.
2. To build mystery and suspense
Non-linear storytelling keeps information back from us, which creates intrigue! By giving key pieces out of sequence, filmmakers can create tension and surprise that might not be as effective in a linear story. In Memento (2000) we’re given events in reverse chronological order, which mirrors the protagonist’s short-term memory loss.
3. To highlight themes
Drawing connections between events, characters, or ideas that aren’t immediately apparent can really emphasise themes like fate, connection, and cycles of life. In Cloud Atlas (2012) there are six stories spanning centuries, that all connect. The non-linear structure reinforces the idea of continuity across time and space and illustrates ripple effects of our actions.
4. To subvert expectations
We tend to get drawn in to stories that challenge traditional, sometimes overdone, formulas. Unpredictability is a sure fire way to get us engaged with what’s happening and by delaying the payoff, the opportunity for surprise is increased. In The Usual Suspects (1995), the majority of the story unfolds as a series of flashbacks told by unreliable narrator Verbal Kint. We won’t spoil it (though it’s been 20 years nearly, come on, where’ve you been) but the payoff is excellent.
Lesser known gems of non-linear films
We’ve mentioned a lot of films you’ve probably heard of because they’re great examples of the success of non-linear storytelling, but there are some films that aren’t as well know that use the techniques we’ve talked about, that are pretty great!
Timecrimes (2007)
This Spanish sci-fi thriller is really great. It uses a tightly woven time-loop structure to create a suspenseful, twist-filled narrative. Héctor accidentally goes back in time by an hour, and quickly finds out he needs to stop his past self from causing chaos. It’s low budget but it’s excellently executed, and makes us question how far we’d go to fix mistakes when every attempt is making things worse.
Primer (2004)
A cult favourite and another low budget film, Primer follows two engineers who use accidentally discovered time travel for personal gain. It has a very complex, fractured narrative that the audience needs to think quite deeply about.
The Sweet Hereafter (1997)
This film follows a lawyer who organises a lawsuit on behalf of grieving parents after a school bus accident. It juxtaposes scenes of the accident, the days leading up to it, and the aftermath.
Conclusion
By reordering time, non-linear films can require a bit more concentration from us to piece the story together, but they create a great build of suspense and it can be an overall richer narrative experience.
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About this page
This page was written by Marie Gardiner. Marie is a writer, author, and photographer. It was edited by Andrew Blackman. Andrew is a freelance writer and editor, and is a copy editor for Envato Tuts+.