There are a lot of different films out there. If you live in the US, you are probably accustomed to linear storytelling and the three-act structure along with the traditional filmmaking techniques that go along with that. However, there are many other types of filmmaking out there that don’t follow the traditional Hollywood method. One of those different types of filmmaking is experimental. In this blog post, we go through what experimental films are and list the best experimental films to watch on Reveel.<\/p>\n
Experimental films can be difficult to define. Many people view experimental films as being surreal or incoherent. While experimental films can be those things, they do not solely define what is experimental and what isn’t.<\/p>\n
Experimental filmmaking can be defined as films that challenge aspects of the conventional filmmaking process by pushing boundaries and exploring new filmmaking methods. The experimental film genre is very broad but has characteristics that are consistently found throughout.<\/p>\n
Typically, film storylines contain events that happen in chronological order. These are called linear storylines. Nonlinear storylines are the opposite, defined as a film storyline that contains events that are not presented in chronological order. Christopher Nolan has become famous for his films that have nonlinear storylines like Memento.<\/p>\n
Experimental films don’t follow traditional Hollywood filmmaking conventions and usually have less of an audience. Because of this, experimental filmmakers don’t get funding from large production companies and have smaller budgets than conventional films. However, independent funding also gives the filmmaker creative freedom to make the film they want to make without studio interference.<\/p>\n
It’s a frequent misconception that surreal films are inherently experimental. Surrealism has many elements found in experimental films, but not all surrealism is experimental. Experimental films often play with reality and perception to the point of disorienting the viewer. This can be with sound, visuals, or even story. However, the context for the surreal qualities is important when defining if it is experimental. For example, I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Charlie Kaufman is a surreal film but not experimental.<\/p>\n
Films are a way for filmmakers to communicate their perspectives of the world and experimental films are no different. Many experimental films are direct or indirect critiques of culture, politics, or art. These films challenge the status quo and offer a new perspective in a way that is polarizing and compelling to watch.<\/p>\n