When a Movie Starts at the End
Have you ever watched a movie that begins with the ending scene? It’s an unconventional storytelling technique that can captivate viewers from the start. Instead of following a linear narrative, these movies engage the audience by introducing the climax or resolution first. While it may seem unusual, starting a movie at the end can be an effective way to create intrigue, heighten suspense, and subvert audience expectations. In this article, we will explore the reasons why filmmakers choose to begin their movies this way and how it impacts the viewing experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Starting a movie at the end can create intrigue and suspense.
- It is an unconventional storytelling technique that subverts audience expectations.
- By beginning with the climax or resolution, filmmakers can engage viewers from the start.
**One of the primary reasons filmmakers employ this technique is to **grab the audience’s attention right away**. By opening with the ending scene, viewers are immediately presented with questions and a sense of curiosity. They are compelled to keep watching to find out how the characters reached that point. This storytelling device is particularly effective in movies with complex or non-linear plots, as it helps to anchor the narrative and provide a focal point for the story.**
Additionally, starting a movie at the end can **increase the suspense** throughout the film. By revealing a climactic moment or resolution upfront, audiences are left wondering how the characters got to that point. This builds anticipation and keeps viewers engaged as they try to piece together the events leading up to the ending. It adds a layer of mystery and intrigue, making the movie experience more thrilling and unpredictable.
**It’s important to note that starting a movie at the end doesn’t necessarily spoil the entire story.** While viewers may have an idea of where the film is headed, the journey to the conclusion is often filled with unexpected twists, character development, and plot revelations. Filmmakers use this technique to play with audience expectations and challenge conventional storytelling norms. It keeps viewers on their toes and prevents the narrative from becoming predictable or formulaic.**
Benefits of Starting at the End in Movies
- Intrigue and Curiosity: By showing the concluding scene first, audiences are immediately drawn into the story.
- Suspense and Anticipation: The revelation of the ending builds suspense throughout the movie, enhancing the viewing experience.
- Non-Linear Storytelling: Starting at the end allows filmmakers to explore complex narratives and provide a focal point for the story.
**Another interesting aspect of starting a movie at the end is the portrayal of character growth and development.** By revealing the climax or resolution first, the audience gets a glimpse of the high-stakes situation the characters find themselves in. As the movie progresses, viewers are shown the journey that led to that point, including the characters’ struggles, triumphs, and personal transformations. This narrative structure can create a stronger emotional connection with the characters and heighten the impact of their arcs.
| Movie Title | Director | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| Memento | Christopher Nolan | 2000 |
| La La Land | Damien Chazelle | 2016 |
| The Prestige | Christopher Nolan | 2006 |
**In addition to enhancing the storytelling experience, starting a movie at the end can also serve as a clever way to engage the audience intellectually.** As viewers try to make sense of the opening scene and its connection to the rest of the plot, they are actively participating in the unfolding narrative. It adds an element of puzzle-solving and rewards attentive viewers who can pick up on subtle hints and foreshadowing. This interactive aspect of watching these movies can make the experience more immersive and thought-provoking.
Drawbacks of Starting at the End in Movies
- Knowledge Spoilers: Starting with the ending can potentially reveal important plot points too early.
- Disrupted Narrative Flow: Some viewers may find non-linear storytelling confusing or disorienting.
- High Expectations: An impactful opening scene can raise audience expectations for the rest of the film.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Intrigue and Curiosity | Knowledge Spoilers |
| Suspense and Anticipation | Disrupted Narrative Flow |
| Non-Linear Storytelling | High Expectations |
**In conclusion,** starting a movie at the end can be a powerful storytelling technique that engages the audience right from the start. By creating intrigue, heightening suspense, and challenging narrative conventions, it offers a unique viewing experience. While it may not be suitable for every movie, this unconventional approach has proven successful in many critically acclaimed films. So, the next time you come across a movie that starts at the end, embrace the journey and enjoy the ride!
Common Misconceptions
1. Movie Starts at the End
One common misconception people have is that when a movie starts with the end title, it means the entire movie is going to be shown in reverse order. However, this is not the case. Starting a movie with the end title is a storytelling technique used to engage the audience by creating intrigue and curiosity.
- Starting a movie with the end title is not indicative of the movie’s chronological order.
- It is a way to grab viewers’ attention from the very beginning.
- The purpose is to build anticipation and keep the audience engaged throughout the movie.
2. Spoilers Are Revealed
Another misconception is that starting a movie with the end title will give away major spoilers. While it may provide a glimpse into the endpoint of the story, directors and writers typically ensure that the full impact and context of the climax are not ruined by this opening sequence.
- Starting at the end title does not necessarily spoil the entire plot.
- Authors strategically choose what to reveal in order to maintain suspense and surprise.
- It is intended to pique the viewer’s interest and raise questions about how the story unfolds.
3. Linear Narratives Are Ignored
Some people mistakenly assume that when a movie begins with the end title, it means the film will ignore a linear narrative structure. However, many movies starting in this way still follow a linear progression throughout the rest of the story, with events unfolding in a chronological order.
- Starting with the end title does not mean the movie will abandon a linear narrative structure.
- The opening sequence is used to create intrigue and captivate the audience.
- It does not necessarily affect the overall chronological flow of the plot.
4. Multiple Endings Will Be Shown
There is a misconception that starting with the end title indicates the movie will showcase multiple endings. However, this technique is primarily used to set the tone, introduce key themes, or provide a teaser of what’s to come. It is uncommon for a film to include multiple complete endings.
- Starting at the end title usually gives a glimpse of the final scene or a climactic moment.
- It does not guarantee multiple endings will be shown.
- The purpose is to hook the audience and build anticipation, not to reveal all possible outcomes.
5. The Entire Plot Is Shown
Some people mistakenly believe that starting a movie with the end title means the entire plot will be shown upfront. This is not the case. While the opening sequence may contain moments from the end of the story, it does not provide a comprehensive summary or reveal all the key plot points.
- Starting with the end title does not expose the entire plot from beginning to end.
- It presents glimpses of pivotal moments to spark curiosity and hold the viewer’s attention.
- The goal is to engage the audience and make them eager to discover how the story develops.
Top Grossing Movies That Start at the End
These tables display the highest-grossing movies that engage viewers by starting the film with the conclusion, a storytelling technique that captivates audiences.
Starting a movie at the end is a unique narrative technique that can grip viewers from the very beginning. By tantalizingly revealing the climax early on, these films create a sense of intrigue and mystery that keeps audiences invested throughout the entire story. This article highlights the top grossing movies that implement this storytelling technique, showcasing their success and the appeal of starting a film at the end.
Movies with the Highest Opening Weekend Box Office Revenue
| Movie Title | Opening Weekend Box Office Revenue (in millions) | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| Titanic | 28.6 | 1997 |
| Jurassic Park | 47.0 | 1993 |
| Frozen | 67.4 | 2013 |
| The Avengers | 207.4 | 2012 |
| The Dark Knight | 158.4 | 2008 |
Movies with the Longest Duration Between Movie Start and First Flashback
The following movies have the greatest time intervals from the start of the film until the first flashback scene, connecting the ending to the beginning and captivating audiences along the way.
| Movie Title | Duration Between Start and First Flashback (in minutes) | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| Pulp Fiction | 59 | 1994 |
| Memento | 12 | 2000 |
| Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind | 32 | 2004 |
| Arrival | 7 | 2016 |
| Cloud Atlas | 83 | 2012 |
Top Grossing Movies with the Most Complex Narratives
The complexity of a movie’s narrative can often enhance its appeal. Here, we recognize the top-grossing films that successfully employ intricate storytelling techniques.
| Movie Title | Worldwide Box Office Revenue (in billions) | Narrative Complexity Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|---|
| Inception | 0.83 | 9.5 |
| The Matrix | 0.46 | 8.8 |
| Donnie Darko | 0.03 | 8.2 |
| The Prestige | 0.11 | 9.1 |
| Interstellar | 0.68 | 9.0 |
Movies Where the Opening Scene Reveals the Entire Plot Twist
The following movies innovatively present the plot twist right at the beginning, grabbing viewers’ attention and leaving them curious about what led to that climactic moment.
| Movie Title | Year Released | Opening Scene Plot Twist |
|---|---|---|
| The Usual Suspects | 1995 | Verbal Kint is Keyser Söze |
| Fight Club | 1999 | Tyler Durden is the narrator’s alter ego |
| The Sixth Sense | 1999 | Dr. Malcolm Crowe is dead |
| Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me | 1992 | Laura Palmer’s murderer is revealed |
| Atonement | 2007 | Cecilia and Robbie do not end up together |
Top Grossing Movies That Begin with the Climax
These successful films instantly grab viewers’ attention by starting with the most intense and thrilling part of the story—a strategy that proves effective at the box office.
| Movie Title | Opening Scene Description | Worldwide Box Office Revenue (in billions) |
|---|---|---|
| Gravity | An intense space incident | 0.72 |
| The Dark Knight Rises | Batman’s epic confrontation with Bane | 1.08 |
| Spectre | A thrilling chase through the streets of Mexico City | 0.88 |
| The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King | The massive battle at Mount Doom | 1.14 |
| Mad Max: Fury Road | A high-speed pursuit in the post-apocalyptic wasteland | 0.38 |
Movies That Open with the Final Scene to Establish Dramatic Irony
By revealing the ending as the first scene, these films create an air of dramatic irony, engaging audiences through their knowledge of the eventual outcome.
| Movie Title | Year Released | Opening Scene |
|---|---|---|
| American Beauty | 1999 | Lester Burnham’s lifeless body narrates the story |
| A Clockwork Orange | 1971 | Alex and his droogs engaging in ultraviolence |
| The Great Gatsby | 2013 | Nick Carraway reflecting on Jay Gatsby’s tragic demise |
| The Departed | 2006 | Billy Costigan’s ultimate fate |
| Romeo + Juliet | 1996 | The final scene of the lovers’ tragic fate |
Movies That Begin with an Epilogue
These movies finish their stories before they even begin, using an epilogue at the start to provide a glimpse of the characters’ futures and piquing viewers’ interest.
| Movie Title | Year Released | Epilogue |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 | 2011 | Nineteen years later, Harry and his friends send their own children to Hogwarts |
| The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers | 2002 | Gandalf and the riders of Rohan preparing for the Battle of Helm’s Deep |
| Toy Story 3 | 2010 | Andy playing with his toys one last time before heading to college |
| Scarface | 1983 | Tony Montana’s final moments in the mansion |
| The Hangover Part III | 2013 | Stu’s wedding photos ending with Chow crashing the celebration |
Movies That Begin with a Flash-forward
These films start in a time beyond the main narrative, offering a glimpse into the future and creating tension and curiosity in the audience.
| Movie Title | Year Released | Flash-Forward |
|---|---|---|
| Looper | 2012 | Joe’s encounter with his future self |
| The Social Network | 2010 | Mark Zuckerberg and Erica Albright’s breakup |
| Iron Man 3 | 2013 | Tony Stark narrates his life after the events of The Avengers |
| Up | 2009 | Carl and Ellie’s life together before her passing |
| The Curious Case of Benjamin Button | 2008 | The elderly Daisy with Benjamin in his infant form |
Conclusion
Movies that start at the end have proven to be a compelling storytelling technique that captivates viewers from the opening scene. The various tables presented in this article demonstrate the success and appeal of films that implement this narrative structure. From top-grossing movies to those with intricate narratives, starting a film at the end not only piques curiosity but also enhances the overall movie-watching experience. By engaging audiences from the very beginning, these films leave a lasting impact and garner commercial success. The unique approach of starting a movie at the end will continue to fascinate and entertain viewers for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
When a Movie Starts at the End
What is meant by ‘When a Movie Starts at the End’?
When a movie starts at the end, it means that the initial scene or sequence shown in the movie is actually the final scene of the story or the conclusion of the plot.
Why do some movies start at the end?
Movies may start at the end for various artistic reasons. It can create intrigue and suspense, making the audience curious about how the story unfolds to reach that end point. It can also serve as a narrative device to add complexity or provide a unique storytelling experience.
Does every movie that starts at the end have a nonlinear narrative?
No, not all movies that start at the end follow a nonlinear narrative structure. While it is often associated with nonlinear storytelling, some movies may employ this technique without necessarily featuring a nonlinear plot.
What are some famous movies that start at the end?
Several notable movies that begin at the end include ‘Memento’ (2000), ‘Se7en’ (1995), ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004), ‘Fight Club’ (1999), and ‘Run Lola Run’ (1998). These films effectively use this narrative technique to engage the audience and tell their stories in unique ways.
How does starting a movie at the end affect the viewer’s experience?
Starting a movie at the end can greatly impact the viewer’s experience. It creates a sense of mystery and anticipation as they try to make sense of the story and understand how the initial scene connects to the rest of the plot. It can also enhance the dramatic tension and engage the audience more actively in the narrative.
Are there any disadvantages to starting a movie at the end?
While starting a movie at the end can be an effective storytelling technique, it may not always work well for every film. It could potentially confuse viewers if the connection between the opening scene and the subsequent events is not clear. Additionally, some viewers may prefer a more straightforward chronological narrative structure.
Is starting a movie at the end a recent trend?
Starting a movie at the end is not a recent trend. Filmmakers have been using this technique for many years to captivate audiences and provide a unique cinematic experience. Its usage can be found in films from various periods and genres.
Can movies that start at the end still have surprising endings?
Absolutely! Even if a movie starts at the end, there can still be unexpected twists and surprises in the storyline that unfold after that initial scene. The opening scene may not necessarily reveal all the details, leaving room for suspense and thrilling revelations later in the film.
Do movies that start at the end always show the complete ending initially?
Not necessarily. Some movies may only provide a glimpse or a part of the ending in the initial scene, leaving the full conclusion to be revealed later. It can be a creative way to grab the audience’s attention and keep them engaged in the film.
Can starting a movie at the end change the audience’s understanding of the story?
Yes, starting a movie at the end can definitely alter the audience’s understanding of the story. It can provide a different perspective, challenge assumptions, or encourage viewers to interpret the events in a new light. The opening scene can serve as a narrative puzzle that slowly unravels throughout the film.
