I recently discovered Jim Greco‘s short films. They are a collection of visual narratives of him skateboarding from one street to another on a mixture of 16 and 35 mm film stock. Not much is happening, just him paddling his skateboard down a sidewalk or going up ramps. But as the film progresses and the music turns up you get a sense of connection with this mafioso looking character. He shares a focus in his eyes like he is getting closer to some destination.
This led me back to what Quentin Tarantino said in reference to why he puts importance on having characters in restaurants and eating. He says, “I have rituals play out.”
In the olden days, rituals were used to make rain fall from the heavens and fire pour over your enemies.
Now in storytelling, they are used to connect the audience with the character. It tells the audience that we share the same gods with the hero on the screen. That is why the movie Friday has a giant following. Many of us share the ritual of passing around the blunt while we are having a good time. Movies make this connection by making simple rituals into important character actions.
It’s the simple act of Baby making a music playlist in Baby Driver, its the dullness of working at a convenience store like in Clerks, or forgetting where you park your car in that Ashton Kutcher movie.
Rituals may not always move the plot, but it helps move the audience towards caring for the main character. And if they care for the character they will follow him till the end. They won’t care if the plot goes backward then forward, or from one dream to another.
In my head, if I follow the rituals of the hero, then I might be able to reach my destination as well.