Just a few days ago I finished reading the Pulitzer prize winning book, "The Road" by Cormack McCarthy, a post apocalyptic road story about a father and his son. We never find out what happened to the world which has been all but destroyed, but it doesn't matter. I was so wrapped up in the character relationships and McCarthy's incredible depictions of the world that I didn't care. Another perfect case of leaving something out in order to support the story.
So in these cases what's left out is just as important as what's put in. I've heard this many times and experienced it with regard to music as well (especially jazz) that when you choose not to play can be just as important was when you do.
That said, it happened again this morning when I watched the trailer for "Day Night Day Night" about a woman who has signed on to complete a horrific task. The trailer tells us nothing about her employers, and it appears we're going to be with her in her head for the duration of the film. It hasn't been released where I live yet, but I'm anxious to check it out. See the trailer here.
5 comments:
The analogy of Jazz to any movie or book is probably the best way pacing and "story telling" is supposed to be. Children of men had long seemingly peaceful tones stabbed with sharp moments of chaos. Then silence followed by more melodies.
I think I will read that book.
Thank you.
Thanks for the comment David. If you decide to read The Road, I suggest reading it in as few sittings as possible. It goes very quickly and is very engaging (although a word of caution -- it's quite dark in tone).
Hey Ted.
This is something that's been on my mind a lot lately. It's tough trying to figure out what needs explanation and what doesn't; finding that play of question and answer that keeps a film moving, and knowing when not to tip the hand at all; it requires some courage.
It's tough!
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By the by, Day Night Day Night looks awesome.
Thanks for the head up!
Good point. Too often writers will insist on confusing us (and themselves) with irrelevant background details - just because they thought about it, and now they need us to know too.
I just finished and enjoyed The Road and came across this post. Along the lines of what's left out, I read somewhere that story can have negative space the way images do. Quite an interesting analogy...
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