6.5 Theme and character development

Theme and character development are crucial elements in film storytelling. They work together to create meaningful narratives that resonate with audiences. Understanding these concepts helps writers craft cohesive stories that explore universal ideas and human experiences.

Effective themes are woven throughout the narrative, influencing character arcs and overall message. Characters serve as vehicles for exploring themes, with their journeys and relationships illuminating central ideas. Writers use various techniques to develop themes and characters, creating impactful and engaging films.

Theme in film

• Theme is a central concept or underlying meaning that unifies the narrative elements in a film
• Understanding theme is crucial for writers to create cohesive, meaningful stories that resonate with audiences
• Themes can operate on various levels, from the personal struggles of characters to broader commentaries on society and the human condition

Defining theme

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• Theme refers to the main ideas or underlying meanings explored in a film
• Themes are often universal concepts that transcend the specifics of the plot (love, death, justice)
• Themes can be explicitly stated or implicitly conveyed through the actions, choices, and consequences faced by the characters
• Effective themes are woven throughout the narrative, influencing character arcs, visual motifs, and the overall message of the film

Theme vs plot

• Plot refers to the sequence of events that make up the story, while theme is the deeper meaning or significance behind those events
• The plot is the surface-level "what happens," while the theme is the underlying "what it means"
• Multiple films can share similar plots but explore vastly different themes (romance films)
• Conversely, films with different plots can share common themes (perseverance in sports films and war films)

Universal themes

• Universal themes are concepts that are relatable and relevant to a wide range of audiences, regardless of their specific cultural background or life experiences
• Common universal themes include love, death, coming of age, good vs. evil, and the search for identity or purpose
• Universal themes tap into fundamental human experiences, emotions, and desires, allowing viewers to connect with the characters and their journeys on a deeper level
• Films that effectively explore universal themes have a timeless quality and can resonate with audiences long after their initial release (The Godfather, To Kill a Mockingbird)

Themes as social commentary

• Films can use themes to offer commentary on social, political, or cultural issues relevant to their time and place
• Social commentary themes can address topics such as racism, gender inequality, class struggle, or the impact of technology on society
• By exploring these themes, films can spark discussions, challenge prevailing attitudes, and encourage viewers to reflect on the world around them
• Films with strong social commentary themes can serve as powerful vehicles for change, raising awareness and inspiring action (Do the Right Thing, Get Out)

Expressing theme in film

• Themes in film are conveyed through various narrative and cinematic techniques, working together to reinforce the central ideas and emotions of the story
• Effective expression of theme requires a purposeful and cohesive approach, with each element contributing to the overall meaning and impact of the film
• Skilled writers and directors use a combination of visual, auditory, and narrative devices to communicate themes in subtle and compelling ways

Visual motifs

• Visual motifs are recurring images, symbols, or patterns that carry thematic significance throughout a film
• Motifs can be objects, colors, shapes, or visual compositions that appear repeatedly, often in different contexts or with evolving meanings
• Visual motifs help to establish and reinforce themes by creating associations and provoking thought in the viewer's mind (the green light in The Great Gatsby, the color red in Schindler's List)
• Effective use of visual motifs requires careful planning and integration with the story, ensuring that they serve a meaningful purpose beyond mere aesthetic appeal

Dialogue and subtext

• Dialogue can be used to express themes directly through the words spoken by characters, often in key moments of self-reflection, confrontation, or revelation
• Subtext, or the underlying meaning beneath the surface-level dialogue, can also convey thematic ideas through implication, irony, or contrast
• Skilled writers craft dialogue that is not only authentic to the characters but also serves to illuminate the central themes of the story
• Subtext allows for more nuanced and layered exploration of themes, inviting the audience to interpret and engage with the deeper meanings (the diner scene in Heat, the "I coulda been a contender" scene in On the Waterfront)

Music and sound design

• Music and sound design can powerfully convey and enhance the emotional and thematic resonance of a film
• The choice of music, whether an original score or pre-existing songs, can evoke specific moods, ideas, or cultural associations that align with the film's themes (the use of "The End" by The Doors in Apocalypse Now)
• Sound design, including ambient noise, sound effects, and silence, can also contribute to the thematic expression by creating atmosphere, suggesting off-screen action, or punctuating key moments
• Leitmotifs, or recurring musical themes associated with characters, places, or ideas, can help to reinforce thematic connections and development throughout the film (the Imperial March in Star Wars, the "Married Life" theme in Up)

Mise-en-scène elements

• Mise-en-scène refers to the overall visual composition of a shot, including set design, lighting, costume, and staging of characters
• Each element of the mise-en-scène can be used to express and reinforce themes through visual associations, symbolism, or contrast
• Set design and props can reflect the inner lives of characters, convey social or historical context, or establish symbolic spaces that resonate with the film's themes (the cluttered apartment in Rear Window, the opulent mansion in Parasite)
• Lighting can create mood, highlight key elements, or suggest thematic ideas through the interplay of light and shadow (the use of chiaroscuro lighting in film noir)
• Costume design can communicate character traits, social roles, or psychological states that tie into the film's themes (the contrasting costumes in The Handmaid's Tale)

Character development and theme

• Characters are the primary vehicles through which themes are explored and expressed in film
• The development of characters, their journeys, and their relationships with others are fundamental to the effective communication of theme
• Skilled writers create characters whose arcs and interactions serve to illuminate and complicate the central ideas of the story

Protagonist's journey

• The protagonist's journey, or the main character's path from the beginning to the end of the story, is often closely tied to the exploration of theme
• As the protagonist faces challenges, makes choices, and undergoes change, their experiences can serve as a lens through which the audience engages with the film's themes
• The protagonist's journey can be a literal, physical journey or an internal, psychological one, but in either case, it should be shaped by and reflect the themes of the story (the hero's journey in Star Wars, the mental journey in Fight Club)
• Effective protagonist journeys involve a meaningful character arc, where the character grows, learns, or changes in ways that resonate with the film's themes

Character arcs and growth

• Character arcs refer to the transformative journeys that characters undergo throughout the story, often in parallel with or in contrast to the protagonist
• These arcs can involve positive growth, negative change, or a complex mix of both, depending on the themes and message of the film
• Character growth can manifest in various ways, such as overcoming personal flaws, learning important life lessons, or making difficult choices that reflect their values or beliefs
• Effective character arcs are closely intertwined with the themes of the story, allowing the characters' experiences to serve as powerful embodiments of the film's central ideas (the arc of Rick Blaine in Casablanca, the arc of Michael Corleone in The Godfather)

Relationships between characters

• The relationships between characters, whether familial, romantic, or adversarial, can serve as key vehicles for exploring and expressing themes
• Interactions between characters can reveal thematic tensions, contrasts, or parallels, such as differing worldviews, conflicting desires, or shared experiences
• The way characters influence, support, or challenge each other can serve to illuminate the film's themes, as their relationships evolve and are tested by the events of the story (the relationship between Woody and Buzz in Toy Story, the relationship between Clarice and Hannibal in The Silence of the Lambs)
• Effective character relationships are not only authentic and engaging but also purposefully crafted to align with and enhance the thematic resonance of the film

Backstory and motivation

• A character's backstory, or the events and experiences that have shaped them before the story begins, can provide crucial context for understanding their actions, choices, and thematic significance
• Backstory can be revealed through dialogue, flashbacks, or visual cues, offering insights into a character's motivations, fears, or desires that tie into the film's themes
• A character's motivation, or the driving force behind their actions, can also serve to illuminate and complicate the themes of the story
• Effective use of backstory and motivation involves careful selection and integration, ensuring that the information provided is relevant, compelling, and thematically resonant (the backstory of Chiron in Moonlight, the motivation of Marge Gunderson in Fargo)

Techniques for theme development

• Developing themes effectively throughout a film requires a strategic and intentional approach, using various narrative and cinematic techniques to build, reinforce, and complicate the central ideas of the story
• Skilled writers and directors employ a range of tools to ensure that themes are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the film, creating a cohesive and meaningful viewing experience

Foreshadowing and setup

• Foreshadowing involves planting subtle hints or clues early in the story that hint at future events, character developments, or thematic revelations
• Effective foreshadowing can create a sense of anticipation, deepen the audience's engagement with the themes, and make the eventual payoff more impactful and satisfying
• Setup refers to the establishment of key narrative elements, such as character traits, relationships, or plot points, that will later prove crucial to the exploration of theme
• Careful setup ensures that the thematic developments in the story feel earned, organic, and resonant, rather than contrived or disconnected (the setup of the sled in Citizen Kane, the foreshadowing of the twist in The Sixth Sense)

Symbolism and metaphor

• Symbolism involves the use of objects, images, or events that carry deeper meanings or associations beyond their literal representation
• Symbols can be used to reinforce themes, suggest character states of mind, or create visual or conceptual connections across the story (the rose in American Beauty, the chess game in The Seventh Seal)
• Metaphors are figurative comparisons that draw parallels between seemingly unrelated ideas, often to illuminate or complicate themes
• Effective use of symbolism and metaphor requires a balance between subtlety and clarity, ensuring that the audience can interpret the deeper meanings without feeling overwhelmed or confused (the metaphor of the butterfly in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly)

Repetition and parallels

• Repetition involves the recurring use of specific images, dialogue, or scenarios throughout a film, often with variations or escalations that reflect the development of theme
• Repeated elements can create a sense of rhythm, reinforce key ideas, or suggest the cyclical nature of certain experiences or emotions (the repeated phrase "I am Jack's..." in Fight Club)
• Parallels are structural or thematic similarities between seemingly disparate characters, storylines, or events, often used to create a sense of unity or to highlight contrasts
• Effective use of repetition and parallels requires careful modulation and purposeful execution, ensuring that the recurring elements serve a meaningful thematic purpose and do not become redundant or heavy-handed (the parallel storylines in Cloud Atlas)

Climax and resolution

• The climax of a film is the point of highest tension or conflict, often serving as a crucial moment for the crystallization or confrontation of themes
• Effective climaxes bring the central thematic threads of the story to a head, forcing characters to make decisive choices or face the consequences of their actions in ways that illuminate the film's underlying meanings (the climax of The Godfather Part II, the climax of Toy Story 3)
• The resolution of a film is the aftermath of the climax, showing how the characters and their world have been changed by the events of the story
• Resolutions can reinforce, complicate, or subvert the themes established throughout the film, offering a final statement or leaving the audience with lingering questions or ambiguities (the resolution of Inception, the resolution of No Country for Old Men)
• Effective climaxes and resolutions are not only emotionally satisfying but also thematically resonant, ensuring that the payoff of the story aligns with and deepens the film's central ideas

Analyzing theme in film

• Analyzing theme in film involves a close examination of the various narrative and cinematic elements that work together to convey the underlying meanings and messages of the story
• Effective thematic analysis requires a combination of attentive viewing, critical thinking, and interpretive skill, allowing the viewer to identify, understand, and evaluate the central ideas of the film

Identifying central themes

• Identifying the central themes of a film involves looking beyond the surface-level plot and characters to discern the deeper ideas and concepts that underlie the story
• Viewers can identify themes by paying attention to recurring images, motifs, or ideas, as well as the ways in which characters and their arcs embody or reflect larger meanings
• Identifying themes also involves considering the historical, cultural, and social context of the film, as well as the intentions and influences of the filmmakers
• Effective thematic identification requires an openness to multiple interpretations and a willingness to engage with the film on a deeper level, moving beyond mere entertainment to consider its broader significance (identifying the theme of ambition in There Will Be Blood)

Examining character arcs

• Examining character arcs involves tracing the development and transformation of key characters throughout the film, often in relation to the central themes
• Character arcs can serve as powerful embodiments of theme, with the choices, actions, and consequences faced by the characters reflecting the larger ideas and messages of the story
• Examining character arcs requires attention to both the external journey and internal growth of the characters, as well as the ways in which their relationships and interactions with others shape their development (examining the character arc of Alvy Singer in Annie Hall)
• Effective analysis of character arcs involves considering how the characters' experiences align with or complicate the themes of the film, as well as how their ultimate fates or resolutions contribute to the overall thematic impact

Interpreting visual elements

• Interpreting visual elements involves analyzing how the various components of mise-en-scène, cinematography, and editing contribute to the expression and development of theme
• Visual elements can convey thematic ideas through symbolism, metaphor, or association, often working in concert with the narrative and character elements to create a cohesive and resonant viewing experience (interpreting the visual elements in Blade Runner 2049)
• Interpreting visual elements requires a keen eye for detail and an understanding of the language of cinema, including the use of color, composition, lighting, and camera movement to create meaning and emotion
• Effective interpretation of visual elements involves considering both the literal and figurative significance of the images, as well as how they evolve or recur throughout the film to reflect the development of theme

Evaluating thematic execution

• Evaluating thematic execution involves assessing the effectiveness and coherence of the film's exploration and communication of its central ideas
• Effective thematic execution requires a purposeful and integrated approach, with all elements of the film working together to create a meaningful and resonant viewing experience
• Evaluating thematic execution involves considering the clarity, depth, and originality of the themes, as well as how well they are woven into the fabric of the story and the experiences of the characters (evaluating the thematic execution of The Matrix)
• Effective evaluation of thematic execution also involves considering the emotional and intellectual impact of the film, as well as its potential to inspire reflection, discussion, or action in the audience

Common themes in film genres

• Different film genres often explore distinct sets of themes that are closely tied to the conventions, expectations, and emotional resonances of the genre
• Understanding the common themes associated with various genres can help writers and viewers alike to better appreciate the ways in which films can use familiar frameworks to explore timeless ideas and experiences

Coming-of-age themes

• Coming-of-age films often explore themes related to the challenges, joys, and pains of growing up, as characters navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood
• Common coming-of-age themes include the search for identity, the importance of friendship and family, the loss of innocence, and the confrontation with adult responsibilities and realities (Stand By Me, The Breakfast Club)
• Coming-of-age films often use the specific experiences of their characters to explore universal truths about the human condition, offering insights and empathy that resonate with viewers of all ages

Good vs evil in action films

• Action films often explore themes related to the eternal struggle between good and evil, as heroes face off against villains in high-stakes battles for justice, survival, or redemption
• The theme of good vs evil in action films can take many forms, from the classic Western showdown to the superhero's fight against a powerful nemesis, but often involves a clear moral dichotomy and a sense of righteous purpose (Die Hard, The Dark Knight)
• Action films can use the theme of good vs evil to explore larger ideas about power, corruption, sacrifice, and the nature of heroism, often through the lens of thrilling set pieces and visceral confrontations

Love and relationships in romance

• Romance films often explore themes related to the joys, challenges, and complexities of love and relationships, as characters navigate the ups and downs of attraction, commitment, and emotional connection
• Common themes in romance films include the power of love to overcome obstacles, the importance of communication and compromise, the nature of desire and compatibility, and the bittersweet realities of heartbreak and loss (When Harry Met Sally, The Notebook)
• Romance films can use the specific experiences of their characters to explore universal truths about the human need for connection, affection, and understanding, offering insights and catharsis that resonate with viewers across different ages and backgrounds

Survival themes in horror

• Horror films often explore themes related to the primal struggle for survival, as characters face terrifying threats that test their physical, mental, and moral limits
• Common survival themes in horror films include the consequences of human hubris or transgression, the thin line between civilization and savag