Breaking Down the Complexity of ‘Arrival’ (2016): Screenplay Analysis

Any film aficionado who appreciates intelligent storytelling will surely admire the cinematic prowess of ‘Arrival’. As a blogger specializing in screenwriting analysis, today, I delve into the intricacies of this masterful film that earned widespread acclaim, not least for its screenplay. The 2016 science fiction film, directed by Denis Villeneuve, is renowned for its intellectual narrative that challenges conventional storytelling while stimulating profound contemplation on language and time.

The crux of ‘Arrival’ rests on its intelligently crafted screenplay, penned by Eric Heisserer, based on Ted Chiang’s novella ‘Story of Your Life.’ This screenplay won the Ray Bradbury Award and was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 89th Academy Awards. The accolades serve as testimony to the movie’s exceptional quality of storytelling and the sophistication of its script, warranting an in-depth analysis.

‘Arrival’ presents a nuanced narrative that ventures beyond the traditional confines of the science fiction genre. It fuses elements of psychological drama, linguistics, and philosophical introspection, taking the audience on a cerebral journey that is as mystifying as it is enlightening. The film grapples with a complex plot, elevated by a screenplay that doesn’t shy away from asking its viewers to question their perceptions of time, language, and human connection. This is one of the primary reasons ‘Arrival’ resonates with viewers and stands the test of time; it is the hallmark of excellent screenwriting.

Central to the film’s narrative is Dr. Louise Banks, a linguistics expert portrayed with palpable intensity by Amy Adams. Her character brings a distinct perspective to the narrative, anchoring the plot in her personal experiences and challenges, adding depth to the overall story. This is a clear demonstration of the power of well-developed characters in screenwriting, especially when they serve as the vehicle through which complex ideas are conveyed.

‘Arrival’ also showcases the power of subtext in screenwriting, using it to build an intricate layer of meaning beneath the spoken dialogue. The exchanges between the characters often carry hidden implications, providing a deep well of interpretation for the audience to delve into. This is one of the qualities that differentiates a good screenplay from a great one: the ability to convey meaning beyond the literal words spoken by the characters.

Another aspect of ‘Arrival’ worth noting is its sophisticated use of foreshadowing, enhancing the narrative’s depth and complexity. The script drops subtle hints throughout the film, engaging viewers and inviting them to piece together the story’s overarching puzzle. This technique adds suspense, anticipation, and depth to the plot, enriching the viewer’s experience.

As we unravel ‘Arrival,’ we encounter an outstanding example of high-concept storytelling. The script, while grounded in concrete, tangible elements, explores abstract themes such as time non-linearity, the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, and the importance of effective communication. Such conceptual exploration encourages viewers to think and engage with the film beyond its runtime, marking the screenplay’s enduring impact.

Dissecting the Screenplay Structure: An Unconventional Linear Storytelling

When it comes to understanding the innovative nature of ‘Arrival’s’ screenplay, one has to delve into the unique structural choices the script adopts. ‘Arrival’ employs an unconventional take on linear storytelling that boldly subverts narrative expectations.

At first glance, the screenplay structure of ‘Arrival’ appears to follow a non-linear narrative due to the interspersed sequences of Dr. Louise Banks’ daughter’s life. However, a closer inspection reveals a unique form of linear storytelling-one that operates on a concept of time that is non-sequential, where past, present, and future exist concurrently. This is fundamentally different from the majority of films that utilize flashbacks or flash-forwards as narrative devices to break the linearity of their stories.

Typically, screenplays adhere to a three-act structure, consisting of the setup, confrontation, and resolution. This conventionally linear approach is designed to introduce the audience to the characters and their world, present the characters with conflicts that drive the plot, and finally resolve these conflicts, leading to a satisfying conclusion. While ‘Arrival’ fundamentally adheres to this three-act structure, it masterfully subverts it by manipulating the audience’s perception of time, courtesy of its screenplay’s ingenuity.

The film introduces us to the protagonist, Dr. Louise Banks, through scenes that we assume are flashbacks, detailing the life and tragic death of her daughter. However, as the story progresses, we learn these aren’t flashbacks at all, but rather glimpses into Louise’s future, granted by her newly acquired alien language skills. This is the film’s climactic revelation, a twist that recontextualizes the entire narrative, showcasing the screenplay’s brilliant manipulation of the typical three-act structure.

The narrative structure of ‘Arrival’ takes its cue from the film’s central theme-the concept of language shaping our perception of reality. As Louise learns the alien language, her perception of time shifts, allowing her to experience past, present, and future simultaneously. This shift is not merely a plot device but is inherently tied to the story’s structure, creating a seamless fusion of form and content.

While the core of the film is undoubtedly science fiction, the structure of the screenplay gives ‘Arrival’ a deeply emotional, humanistic layer. The interspersed scenes of Louise’s daughter’s life and death, initially assumed to be flashbacks, create a poignant emotional thread that runs throughout the movie. This intimate subplot not only deepens Louise’s character but also effectively disguises the screenplay’s primary twist, holding the audience’s interest until the shocking revelation.

Screenwriting Tips and Techniques Inspired by ‘Arrival’

As we move from a broader dissection of ‘Arrival’s’ structure, let’s narrow our focus to some key script writing techniques evident in this screenplay and how these can inspire your own writing. The beauty of analyzing screenplays like ‘Arrival’ lies in the abundant writing tips we can derive from them.

One significant lesson from ‘Arrival’ is the marriage of form and content. The script effectively uses its narrative structure to mirror its thematic concerns, especially the perception of time. Here, we see how an abstract idea can shape a story’s format. As you set out on writing a screenplay, consider how your script’s structure can reflect its themes. This mirroring can elevate your screenplay from being merely a story to being an intricate exploration of ideas.

The characterization in ‘Arrival’ is another area ripe for study. Dr. Louise Banks is a complex, well-developed character whose personal journey underpins the entire narrative. This brings to light the importance of creating compelling characters that anchor the audience’s engagement. When writing your screenplay, invest time in crafting multifaceted characters that drive the plot and engage viewers on a deeper, emotional level.

‘Arrival’ is also a masterclass in subtext, using dialogue that carries weight beyond the literal meaning of the words. Consider the conversations between Louise and physicist Ian Donnelly, where discussions about language and science subtly reflect their developing relationship and differing worldviews. As you hone your script writing techniques, strive to incorporate subtext into your dialogue. It enriches character interactions and adds depth to your narrative.

The use of foreshadowing in ‘Arrival’ showcases another potent narrative device. The script subtly plants clues throughout the film, which, in hindsight, unveil the story’s central twist. This script writing technique can engage your audience, encouraging them to actively piece together the narrative puzzle. While writing your screenplay, strategically place hints that foreshadow key events or twists, thereby enhancing your story’s suspense and depth.

Lastly, ‘Arrival’ serves as a reminder of the power of high-concept storytelling. The script, while grounded in tangible elements, ventures into abstract themes and thought-provoking concepts. This blend of realism and abstraction results in a script that provokes discussion long after the film has ended. In your screenplay, don’t be afraid to tackle complex ideas. These can set your script apart and provide it with enduring relevance.

Let’s conclude with some writing prompts inspired by ‘Arrival’:

1. Write a scene where a character’s understanding of a particular concept changes their perception of reality.
2. Develop a dialogue where the spoken words convey a different meaning from the intended message.
3. Write a story where the structure mirrors the theme.

‘Arrival’ provides invaluable lessons for scriptwriters. Its innovative approach to narrative structure, character development, dialogue, foreshadowing, and high-concept themes offers a wealth of inspiration. As you embark on your screenwriting journey, look to scripts like ‘Arrival’ to guide you in crafting narratives that not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion.

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Originally published at http://aiinscreentrade.com on July 24, 2023.