EXPLORING THE INTERPLAY OF FILM NARRATIVE TECHNIQUES AND DRAMATIC STRUCTURES: A PHILOSOPHICAL EXAMINATION OF CINEMATIC THEOLOGY

Abstract

While theater and film are distinct art forms, their interaction through dramatic structure and narrative technique reveals deep philosophical and theological dimensions. This paper explores the complex, non-linear relationship between cinematic narrative techniques—such as choreography and plot twists—and the dramatic structures in theatre, including retrospective, open-ended, and character-focused narratives. We hypothesize a significant non-linear interplay and validate this through a model that analyzes variance and mean scores across diverse narrative films, with statistical significance established at P<0.01. We further examine films like "Do Not Disturb 2" and "Tangshan Earthquake" to demonstrate how open-ended narratives enhance audience engagement and how traditional cultural portrayals can significantly increase a film's commercial success by 29.28%. Additionally, the non-linear narrative in "Let the Bullets Fly" exemplifies how complexity and layered storytelling prompt audiences to reflect on the interplay between reality and fiction, contributing to a box office success of 110 million. This study underscores the philosophical power of film narrative techniques to express directorial vision and thematic depth, while also illustrating how narrative structures evoke specific emotional responses and articulate nuanced portrayals of life and existence.