Unravelling the Cosmic Tapestry: ‘Interstellar’ (2014) and the Art of Nonlinear Narratives

 

Narrative is what breathes life into a cinematic experience. It not only provides structure but also creates an emotional bond to the viewer. Film at its most basic element is a medium for storytelling and this serves as a guide to the films world, forming emotional connections and character arcs, while also providing the stepping stones for the audience to venture into an unknown reality. With this in mind, I will be exploring the narrative complexities in film using ‘Interstellar’ (2014) by Christopher Nolan.

‘Interstellar’ is a cinematic journey that ventures beyond the ordinary terms of narrative. Nolan unravels a story of cosmic exploration interlocked with deep themes. It serves as a scope to explore the boundaries of storytelling and what is beyond it, by using unconventional elements, setting it apart from the cinematic norm.

As the viewer ventures into space, they immerse themselves in Nolan’s ability to use nonlinear narrative elements. This technique resembles the use of time manipulation in the movie, adding layered depth to the viewing experience. Although, Nolan, does use linear storytelling as well to not lose the viewing experience, scenes such as when the main character enters a 5D realm experiment with how time works, due to the ability a cinematic medium provides.

Beyond this, ‘Interstellar’ also achieves an emotional quality. The narrative provides the audience with the ability to create connections with the characters, making their journey a shared experience. In fact, it is within this realm ‘Interstellar’ finds its true driving force.

As we examen the narrative techniques used by Nolan, we uncover how intricately the story is woven together. To do this Nolan uses elements such as foreshadowing, semiotics and character development.  Foreshadowing allows subtle hints of the cosmic journey’s trajectory to sprinkle itself throughout the narrative. Symbols, such as the watch, deepens the films meaning, and also serves as a wormhole between different points of the film. Lastly, character development ensures that the characters emotional journey mirrors the cosmic one. These meaningful choices in narrative technique rocket ‘Interstellar’ beyond the normal reaches of a space odyssey.

A scene I thoroughly enjoyed for its mind-boggling effect is when Joseph Cooper transcends into a fifth dimensional realm offers him the capability to view and interact with different points of the film and time. Here the narrative also transcends the linear, mirroring the complexities of space and time. Nolan here emphasises his commitment to nonlinear storytelling, further solidifying his marvellous ability for storytelling.

5 Dimensions Space Time 5D (Interstellar) (youtube.com)

In conclusion, ‘Interstellar’ shows us that a story does not need to follow a continuous flow. Nolan does a great job, as he invites the audience to unravel the fabric of storytelling, using his film to paint a cosmic tapestry. As the characters venture beyond the ordinary, so do we, emphasising the power a narrative holds within film.