Have you ever watched a movie or series and you don't fully buy into the world? Maybe things get too unbelievable too fast, or you don't feel like the rules established make sense or stay true to themselves.
That could be the worldbuilding taking you out of Westeros, or Narnia, or what have you, and creating an issue with your suspension of disbelief.
Today, we're going to go over that idea and show how it allows the audience to be completely immersed in the world.
Let's dive in and see what we can uncover.
Suspension of Disbelief Definition
'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull'Credit: Paramount PicturesSuspension of disbelief is a fundamental concept in the world of film and television, essential for the enjoyment and engagement of audiences in storytelling.
The term refers to the willingness of an audience to overlook the fantastical parts of a narrative, allowing themselves to be fully immersed in the story.
The Origin of Suspension of Disbelief
The term "suspension of disbelief" was first coined by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the famous poet and philosopher, in the early 19th century.
"That willing suspension of disbelief for the moment, which constitutes poetic faith".
What Is Its Role in Storytelling?
'The Marvels'
Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion PicturesIn film and TV, suspension of disbelief is maybe the most important part of creating a story. It allows viewers to engage without being constantly reminded of how this stuff could probably never happen.
This willingness to suspend disbelief is what makes genre fair accessible.
Techniques to Foster Suspension of Disbelief
- Consistency in Worldbuilding: A narrative must establish its own set of rules and stick to them. Even if these rules differ from real-world logic, consistency makes the story's world believable and immersive.
- Compelling Characters and Storylines: Strong character development and engaging storylines can divert the audience's attention from fantastical elements in the narrative, focusing instead on the characters' journeys and emotions.
- Cinematic Techniques: Skillful use of cinematography, sound design, and editing can enhance the realism of a film or TV show, even when the narrative delves into the wondrous.
As technology and storytelling techniques continue to evolve, so too will the ways in which filmmakers and storytellers try to get us to buy into their work.
Let us know if we've suspended your disbelief in the comments.
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