Understanding and Tackling Movie Clichés: A Comprehensive Guide

In the vast landscape of storytelling, clichés often serve as a foundation for familiarity and predictability. However, when overused, they can lead to uninspired and unengaging narratives. This article delves into the concept of movie clichés, exploring their definitions, types, effects, and strategies to overcome them.

Defining Clichés in the Movie Industry

A cliché is an overused, overworn expression or scenario that has lost its originality and appeal. In the context of film, a movie cliche refers to an action, symbol, or storyline that has become so prevalent that it no longer shock or inspire. Unauthorized use of these elements can make the film feel stale and unoriginal.

Director Sean Kernan provides an exemplary real-life scenario to illustrate the essence of a cliche: running away from a bomb. While realistically impossible, such moments become dull when repeated excessively. The film industry, like any other, has its share of clichés that, if not recognized and managed, can stifle creativity and engagement.

Character Archetypes, Plot Devices, and Visual Tropes

A key aspect of understanding movie clichés lies in recognizing common character types, plot devices, and visual elements that typify these scenes.

Character Archetypes

Character archetypes are stereotypical characters that appear repeatedly in various forms of media. These characters often represent a universal concept or behavior. For example, the everyman hero (e.g., Clark Kent) or the wise mentor are familiar to audiences and serve as convenient plot devices to drive the story forward. Recognizing these archetypes can help filmmakers subvert or reinterpret them to add freshness to their narratives.

Plot Devices

Plot devices are familiar storylines that audiences come to expect. Examples include the find the lost artifact (e.g., Indiana Jones) or the hero’s journey. While these devices can provide structure and familiarity, their overuse can lead to predictability. Filmmakers must strive to innovate and inject originality into these familiar setups to keep viewers engaged.

Visual Tropes

Visual tropes are common visual elements that are repeated in films. Typical visual tropes include a hero standing in front of a sunset, or an explosion that occurs just after a hero escapes. These elements, while iconic, can become cliche when used excessively. filmmakers must be inventive and original in their use of visuals to avoid redundancy.

Identifying and Overcoming Clichés

The key to tackling movie clichés lies in recognizing them and finding ways to subvert them. This can be achieved through various methods:

Subverting Expectations

Filmmakers can intentionally challenge audience expectations to create surprise and freshness. For example, instead of the predictable hero saving the day, the protagonist might fail and learn from the experience. This subversion can make the narrative more engaging and dynamic.

Originality in Storytelling

Originality is crucial in avoiding clichés. Filmmakers should focus on finding new angles, fresh perspectives, and unexpected character behaviors. For instance, a wise mentor could be portrayed as an unconventional and flawed character, adding complexity and depth to the story.

Subtle Design Choices

Even the simplest visual elements can be turned into subliminal messages or hints that break from the expected. For example, using a unique camera angle during a typical action sequence can add a layer of surprise and intrigue. The soundtrack can also play a pivotal role, using unconventional sound effects or moods to enhance the storytelling.

Conclusion

Clichés in film, while sometimes necessary for creating familiarity, should be used judiciously. Recognizing and avoiding these overused elements can help filmmakers craft more original and engaging stories. By understanding the different types of clichés and the methods to overcome them, storytellers can ensure their work resonates with audiences in meaningful ways.