What are the best practices for analyzing a screenplay's use of flashbacks and flash-forwards?

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Flashbacks and flash-forwards are common techniques in screenwriting that allow the writer to manipulate the chronology of the story and reveal information in a non-linear way. They can be used to create suspense, contrast, irony, foreshadowing, or emotional resonance, among other effects. However, they can also be confusing, distracting, or unnecessary if not handled well. In this article, you will learn some best practices for analyzing a screenplay's use of flashbacks and flash-forwards, and how to evaluate their impact on the plot, characters, and theme.

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Odette Blanch

Owner, Past Lives Productions Inc.
George Linardakis

Producer / Head of International projects & co - productions

1 Define the terms

Before you start analyzing a screenplay's use of flashbacks and flash-forwards, you need to have a clear understanding of what these terms mean and how they differ. A flashback is a scene or sequence that shows an event that happened before the current point in the story, usually triggered by a memory, an object, or a dialogue. A flash-forward is a scene or sequence that shows an event that will happen after the current point in the story, usually triggered by a vision, a prophecy, or a speculation. Both flashbacks and flash-forwards can be subjective (from the perspective of a character) or objective (from the perspective of the narrator or the audience).

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Odette Blanch

Owner, Past Lives Productions Inc.
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Defining these are a great way to know but I would say also flash forwards are used when also looking into future events. They aren't always triggered. For example time travel scripts we may be able to see the world they came from in flash forwards if they want to stop the event that is occurring. In flashbacks it may be relevant to the current character like in the movie Sunshine how the generations influenced the current ones POV as an example.

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Carolina Reid

Manipulate22 Proofreader & Copy Editor
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A good example of a flash forward is in "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2." Alice shows Aro his future in the battle scene.

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2 Identify the purpose

Once you have identified the flashbacks and flash-forwards in a screenplay, you need to ask yourself why they are there and what they accomplish. What is the purpose of showing the past or the future in relation to the present? Their inclusion could be used to provide backstory or exposition that is relevant to the current conflict, reveal a secret that changes the meaning of the present, establish a mood or tone, or foreshadow an outcome that will affect the present. Flashbacks and flash-forwards can also be used to convey a character's motivation or arc, create a contrast between different time periods, or generate curiosity and suspense by withholding information. All of these elements can help to advance the plot, develop characters, and convey themes.

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George Linardakis

Producer / Head of International projects & co - productions
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The hero's journey is easier to identify and track through using flashbacks sometimes. Nevertheless, flashbacks need to be limited as they tend to bore the audience.

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Odette Blanch

Owner, Past Lives Productions Inc.
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While this is true it may also help the audience connect the dots as well depending on that or show the inner struggle of a character. Like in a scene he just broke up with the gf and he goes back to the diner they ate in and he relives their fun times at it and then he goes rushing off to be with the gf.

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Carolina Reid

Manipulate22 Proofreader & Copy Editor
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I like flashback to show a character's backstory. It gives the viewer more insight as to the character's motivation. It helps the viewer have more empathy for the protagonist.

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3 Evaluate the effectiveness

Once you have determined the purpose of each flashback and flash-forward in a screenplay, you should evaluate their effectiveness and how they fit into the overall structure and flow of the story. Ask yourself if they are clear and consistent, necessary and relevant, and engaging and impactful. Are they having a clear trigger and a return to the present? Are they following a logical or thematic order? Do they match the tone and style of the rest of the screenplay? Do they add something new or important to the story that cannot be shown or told in another way? Do they support the main plot or subplots, the main characters or secondary characters, or the main theme or subthemes? Are they capturing the attention and interest of the audience? Are they eliciting an emotional or intellectual response? Are they challenging or confirming the expectations or assumptions of the audience? By considering these best practices, you can analyze a screenplay's use of flashbacks and flash-forwards more effectively, providing constructive feedback to writers or improving your own writing skills.

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Carolina Reid

Manipulate22 Proofreader & Copy Editor
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As long as the flashback or flash forward propels the story in an effective way, then it is useful. In "Secondhand Lions," the movie begins in the present, then the whole movie is a flashback telling the story. It circles back to the present. This is an excellent film!

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4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Odette Blanch

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When assessing them you also want to add that are they emotionally impactful in the story. Do they change your mind or with solid vs opinion forwards or flashbacks do they change a perspective on the audience as well of who this person is who the events.

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What are the best practices for analyzing a screenplay's use of flashbacks and flash-forwards?

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1 Define the terms

2 Identify the purpose

3 Evaluate the effectiveness

4 Here’s what else to consider

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