Explainer: The meaning and importance of narrative pacing in films

Explainer: The meaning and importance of narrative pacing in films
27 Apr 2024

When you prepare to watch a film, chances are that you check how long it will be.

Why? Because nobody wants to waste over two hours watching a movie that progresses at a snail's speed, and the tighter the editing, the better the movie-watching experience.

Thus, narrative pacing becomes consequential in films; if the movie becomes too fast or too slow, it runs the risk of losing the audience's already dwindling attention.

Understand it through this definition
Definition and meaning

Studio Binder says, "Narrative pacing is the speed at which a story unfolds. Pacing can be thought of as the tempo of a narrative. Narrative pacing may result in a story being called slow or fast-paced. Pacing may also be termed an indicator of quality, as in 'that film was perfectly paced' or 'that story had awful pacing.' The pacing of a story typically fluctuates throughout its entire duration."

To put it simply, it's the heart of the movie.

How is the pacing decided eventually?
Subjectivity

The genre of the story and the type of narrative being conveyed should always be considered when determining the pace.

For instance, action-packed films usually require a brisk pace, while dramas often unfold at a more measured pace.

Action sequences need to be executed speedily and in a way that the cuts are not visible, while in dramas, there are often long shots that underline conversations between the protagonists.

Same with romantic dramas, too.

Scripting and editing are two primary methods for managing pacing
Techniques

In filmmaking, scripting and editing are two primary methods for managing pacing.

During scriptwriting, elements such as page count and placement of key events in the script contribute to the overall pace.

For instance, one page of a screenplay typically translates to about one minute on screen.

However, duration and pacing aren't directly proportional; even lengthy films can maintain excellent pacing.

Eventually, it boils down to how much time a sequence takes up onscreen.

The structure of a screenplay plays an integral role
Structure

The structure of a screenplay plays an integral role in determining its pacing.

Familiarity with story structure theories and models like the classic three-act structure, the protagonists' journey, and the story circle can aid in manipulating and controlling script pacing.

As the movie progresses, multiple factors come into play which keep altering the screenplay/script, thus also impacting the movie's overall structure and length.

The editing room is the final checkpoint for pacing
Editing

The editing room is often seen as the final checkpoint for a film's pacing and the editor's role becomes extremely significant here.

Under the director's supervision, the editor sets the rhythm and tempo of the film; they also decide which scenes to retain, shorten, alter, or completely dump in the bin.

Therefore, achieving 'good' pacing involves balancing various elements during pre-production, shooting, and post-production.

At times, the director doubles up as the editor. For instance, Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

Pacing in long films and some key examples
Pacing in long films

When a director locks a lengthy cut, it becomes vital for the film to have a decent pace, otherwise, the audience may literally walk out of the theater, especially if the story is not engaging enough.

Take, for instance, Animal. It has a runtime of close to 3.5 hours and the story focuses on multiple aspects of the protagonist's life, making its editing important.

Same with other long films such as Killers of the Flower Moon and Magnolia, among others.

Thelma Schoonmaker on what the craft means
Expert opinion

Martin Scorsese's longtime collaborator and Oscar-winning editor Thelma Schoonmaker once said, "It's very hard to describe it. You would have to sit in the room with us and you would be very bored but it's mysterious because it's very creative and I think it's the best job in the world."

She added that editing is now being noticed because "people are beginning to understand how important it is to filmmaking."

Reddy Vanga on movies' length and pacing
Reddy Vanga on 'Animal's length

Reddy Vanga, who last helmed Animal, spoke about the film's excessive length to The Hindu, "The first cut of Animal was three hours 45 or 46 minutes. I chopped till 3:21. I have seen the film multiple times and it's engaging. Ranbir is a great performer and won't let the audience relax for a second."

"There are times when a short film of five or 10 minutes duration left me bored. There are three-hour films that have kept me glued."