Narrative incoherence

Definition

Narrative incoherence refers to a breakdown in the logical or cohesive flow of a story, often leading to confusion and ambiguity for the audience. This can occur when different genres are mixed, causing conflicting expectations about plot development and character behavior, ultimately challenging traditional storytelling norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Narrative incoherence can be an intentional stylistic choice by filmmakers to provoke thought or challenge audience perceptions.
2. In genre hybridization, the blending of distinct narrative styles can create moments of incoherence that enhance or detract from the viewer's experience.
3. Some viewers may embrace narrative incoherence as an artistic device, while others may find it frustrating or disengaging.
4. The rise of postmodern cinema often embraces narrative incoherence as a way to reflect the complexity of contemporary life and the fragmentation of experience.
5. Films with narrative incoherence often require active engagement from viewers, who must work to piece together disjointed elements to form a cohesive understanding.

Review Questions

• How does narrative incoherence challenge traditional storytelling in films that utilize genre hybridization?
  • Narrative incoherence challenges traditional storytelling by disrupting the expected linear progression and character arcs typical of single-genre films. When genres are hybridized, conflicting narrative structures may emerge, causing confusion among audiences about character motivations and plot resolutions. This challenges viewers to reassess their understanding of story coherence and engages them in a more active interpretation of the film's meaning.
• Evaluate the potential effects of narrative incoherence on audience engagement with genre-blending films.
  • Narrative incoherence can have varying effects on audience engagement in genre-blending films. For some viewers, the confusion created by incoherent narratives may enhance their experience, prompting deeper analysis and discussions about themes and meanings. However, for others, it might lead to frustration or disconnection from the film, as they struggle to follow the story. Ultimately, the impact on engagement often depends on individual viewer preferences and their openness to unconventional storytelling techniques.
• Synthesize how narrative incoherence can reflect broader cultural themes within films that hybridize genres.
  • Narrative incoherence in hybrid genre films often mirrors broader cultural themes such as complexity and fragmentation in modern society. As filmmakers blend genres, they can effectively capture the disjointedness of contemporary experiences, reflecting how individuals navigate a world filled with diverse influences and narratives. This artistic choice not only challenges conventional storytelling but also resonates with audiences who identify with feelings of confusion and ambiguity in their own lives, creating a deeper cultural commentary through the lens of film.

Related terms

Genre Hybridization: The blending of two or more genres to create a new narrative form, which can lead to both innovative storytelling and potential confusion.

Cohesion: The quality that makes a narrative feel unified and coherent, where all elements support the central story.

Disorientation: A feeling of uncertainty or confusion experienced by viewers when the narrative structure deviates from their expectations.