Published: January 31, 2024 | Last Updated: November 22, 2024
Context Definition and meaning
Context is the surrounding circumstances or background information that helps to understand and interpret a particular scene, character, or story. It includes elements such as period, social and cultural setting, and previous events that influence the narrative and meaning of the film.
Writing context in film is important for providing information to the audience and enhancing their understanding of the story.
Here are some common ways context can be revealed to the audience, along with examples from famous movies:
Dialogue
One of the most straightforward ways to provide context is through dialogue between characters.
This can involve characters discussing past events, explaining their motivations, or providing information about the film’s world.
For example, in the movie Inception (2010), dialogue explains the concept of entering dreams and the rules that govern it.
Visuals
Visual cues can be powerful tools for establishing context.
Through props, costumes, and set design, filmmakers can convey information about the film’s period, location, and social milieu.
The opening scene of The Great Gatsby (2013) uses lavish visuals, opulent parties, and extravagant costumes to establish the context of the roaring 1920s.
Flashbacks
Flashbacks are a popular narrative device that provides context by showing past events or memories.
They help the audience understand the characters’ motivations or reveal important information essential to the plot.
In the movie Memento (2000), flashbacks gradually reveal the context of the protagonist’s condition and the events leading up to it.
See also How to Write and Reveal Backstories that Work in Film.
Voiceover Narration and Breaking the 4th Wall
Breaking the 4th wall of the film’s diegesis (sometimes through voiceover narration) can provide context by giving insight into a character’s thoughts, feelings, or backstory.
This technique is commonly used in films like Fight Club (1999). Edward Norton speaks directly to the audience and reveals the protagonist’s disillusionment with modern consumerist society and his alter ego’s philosophy.
Newsreels or archival footage
Incorporating newsreel or archival footage can effectively provide historical or cultural context to the audience.
In the movie Selma (2014), actual footage from the Civil Rights Movement is interspersed with the narrative, giving viewers a historical context and emphasizing the importance of the events depicted in the film.
Environmental cues
The environment in which the story takes place can also provide context. This includes elements such as weather, landscapes, and the general atmosphere of a location.
The opening sequence of Apocalypse Now (1979) establishes the film’s context using Vietnam’s chaotic and war-torn setting.
By utilizing these techniques, filmmakers can effectively provide context to the audience, enhancing their understanding and engagement with the story.
Summing Up
Context plays a central role in shaping the narrative and enhancing the audience’s understanding and connection with the story.
It provides the backdrop for character development, plot progression, and thematic exploration, ultimately enriching the cinematic experience.
Read Next: What is a Film Setting?
