Richard Russo: 'Movies have to handle time very efficiently. They're about stringing scenes together in the present. Novels aren't necessarily about that.'

Movies have to handle time very efficiently. They're about stringing scenes together in the present. Novels aren't necessarily about that.

In Richard Russo's insightful quote, "Movies have to handle time very efficiently. They're about stringing scenes together in the present. Novels aren't necessarily about that," he highlights the fundamental difference between the mediums of film and literature. Movies, as Russo suggests, are bound by the constraints of time, requiring them to efficiently craft a sequence of scenes that unfold in the present moment. In contrast, novels do not necessarily adhere to this requirement, allowing for a more expansive exploration of time and its various dimensions.Russo's quote emphasizes a crucial aspect of filmmaking: the ability to weave together a series of scenes seamlessly, maintaining a coherent narrative within a limited time frame. Movies operate in a linear fashion, where viewers experience the story as it unfolds before their eyes. Time is treated as a precious resource, often advancing the plot briskly to maintain audience engagement.In contrast, novels possess a unique advantage over movies in terms of time manipulation. Authors have the liberty to stretch and shrink time to suit the needs of the narrative. A single page can encompass a fleeting moment or stretch into a detailed description that unfolds over days or weeks. Novels can dive into characters' inner thoughts, exploring their motivations and emotions in ways that films often struggle to capture.While movies excel at capturing the immediacy of the present moment, novels can transport readers through different temporal realms. They can delve into the past, connecting characters and events across generations, revealing the intricacies of personal history and societal dynamics. Conversely, novels can dive into the future, exploring speculative scenarios or projecting consequences of characters' actions.However, beyond the surface meaning of Russo's quote lies a deeper philosophical concept that adds intrigue to the discussion – the subjective nature of time itself. Time is not merely a linear progression of moments, but rather a fluid and elusive entity that humans experience differently. It is shaped by our perceptions, memories, and emotions, influencing how we interpret the present, past, and future.In this broader context, both movies and novels have the potential to tap into the unique qualities of time. Movies can utilize visual techniques, such as flashbacks or non-linear storytelling, to evoke a sense of the characters' temporal disorientation or the cyclical nature of life. Novels, on the other hand, can incorporate layered narratives, employing multiple timelines or fragmented storytelling to reflect the complex nature of human memory and the way it shapes our understanding of reality.Ultimately, Russo's quote highlights the distinct approaches that movies and novels take in handling time. While movies prioritize efficient time management to propel the narrative forward, novels have the freedom to explore the vast expanse of time in all its dimensions, enabling a more comprehensive examination of the human experience. By acknowledging this contrast, we can better appreciate the unique strengths and storytelling possibilities that each medium offers in their quest to capture the essence of time.