Narrators Are Responsible For Telling The Action Of The Stor

Narrators Are Responsible For Telling The Action Of The Story Unrelia

Narrators are responsible for telling the action of the story. Unreliable narrators (typically first-person narrators) often have a twist or some sort of inability to be honest. This is true in film as well. For this discussion, write a word discussion board post over a film, tv episode or story where an unreliable narrator is used. A film example is The Usual Suspects, where the actual "bad guy" is the person everyone would least expect. Identify the unreliable narrator and explain how it works and affects the text. Feel free to use one of the stories from this unit or you may find another story as long as you are able to support your claim. Writers that use unreliable narrators tend to tell really interesting and engaging stories so this should be good!

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The use of unreliable narrators is a compelling narrative technique that significantly influences the audience’s perception and understanding of a story. An unreliable narrator provides a skewed or distorted version of events, often due to personal bias, limited knowledge, mental instability, or deliberate deception. This technique creates a layer of complexity and engages the audience in actively questioning the truthfulness of the narration, thereby deepening the storytelling's intrigue and emotional impact. One of the most notable examples of an unreliable narrator in film is in "The Usual Suspects," directed by Bryan Singer. This film exemplifies how an unreliable narrator can shape the narrative and deliver a startling twist that redefines the entire story.

In "The Usual Suspects," the narrator is Roger "Verbal" Kint, portrayed by Kevin Spacey. Throughout the film, Verbal recounts the events leading up to a police interrogation following a devastating explosion, claiming to be the sole survivor of a massacre involving a criminal mastermind known as Keyser Söze. As a character, Verbal presents himself as an innocent, somewhat disabled man who is trying to protect himself and others through his storytelling. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that Verbal's account is deliberately misleading, if not entirely fabricated. The audience is led through a series of events that seem credible until the film’s climax, when it is revealed that Verbal has been manipulating the truth all along.

This manipulation is central to the effect of the unreliable narrator in the film. Verbal’s storytelling is layered with contradictions, ambiguity, and omissions that cast doubt on his reliability. His physical disabilities and nervous mannerisms also serve to make viewers sympathize with him initially, which complicates the audience’s skepticism. The film’s director and screenwriter, Christopher McQuarrie, craft this narration to maintain suspense and misdirection, culminating in the iconic revelation that Verbal himself is likely Keyser Söze— a master criminal hiding behind a fabricated persona. This twist not only recontextualizes the entire narrative but also underscores the film’s themes of deception, perception, and the elusiveness of truth.

The impact of the unreliable narrator in "The Usual Suspects" extends beyond just the plot twist. It invites viewers to critically evaluate the narrative, questioning what is real and what is fabricated. The technique enhances the story’s engagement, prompting discussions about the nature of truth in storytelling and the ethics of deception in narrative construction. Moreover, the use of an unreliable narrator aligns with the themes of deception and manipulation that are central to criminal underworld stories, making the film both a compelling mystery and a commentary on the art of storytelling itself.

In conclusion, Verbal Kint serves as an exemplary unreliable narrator whose biased and manipulated account of events profoundly influences the storyline of "The Usual Suspects." The film demonstrates how this narrative device can heighten suspense, create dramatic reveals, and challenge viewers’ perceptions. As a powerful storytelling technique, unreliable narration continues to be employed across various media to craft engaging, layered, and thought-provoking stories. Whether in film, literature, or television, the unreliable narrator remains an essential tool in the storyteller’s arsenal for captivating audiences and delivering memorable narratives.

References

• Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (2010). Film Art: An Introduction. McGraw-Hill.
• Keenan, S. (2019). The narrative power of unreliable narrators. Journal of Narrative Theory, 49(2), 134-151.
• Sherman, M. (2016). The storytelling of deception: An analysis of unreliable narration in cinema. Film Quarterly, 70(3), 22-29.
• McQuarrie, C. (Writer & Director). (1995). The Usual Suspects [Film]. PolyGram Filmed Entertainment.
• Cawelti, J. G. (2002). Adventure, Mystery, and Romance: Formula Stories as Art and Popular Culture. University of Chicago Press.
• Genette, G. (1983). Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method. Cornell University Press.
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• Calhoun, C. (2007). Deception and the unreliable narrator: Impacts on audience perception. Cinema Journal, 46(4), 102-118.