Complexity vs simplicity

[Dr. Vergerus]

Complex story told in a complex way?
Complex story told in a simple way?
Simple story told in a simple way?
Simple story told in a complex way?

Thoughts? Examples?

[TwoBrad Bradley]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

Simple story ... complex characters.

[ReneC]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

Isn't this putting the cart before the horse? Who sets out to write a complex or simple story for the sake of it? More importantly, why would you?

If all you're looking for are examples, pretty much everything falls into one of those categories.

[ChadStrohl]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

Inception = Simple story in a complex way.

Is that what you mean?

[Dr. Vergerus]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

Well, I don't mean anything in particular. Just wondering what are people's thoughts, preferences, or observations on the subject.

For instance: do you not stop to consider if the story you're trying to tell is too complex to be told in a satisfying manner? I suspect advocates of the high concept would have something to say about it.

It is meant to be a thread for people to write whatever they want on the subject hinted by the initial post, that's all.

[BattleDolphinZero]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

Simplicity. Strive for it.

Simplicity relies on execution. The more stripped down your plot/story is, the more it relies on your characters to make it interesting.

Most of your favorite movies are extremely simple. No need to start listing sh!t like Usual Suspects, we all know there are awesome complex plots out there, but overwhelmingly, simplicity is the foundation of excellence.

[BattleDolphinZero]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

For instance: do you not stop to consider if the story you're trying to tell is too complex to be told in a satisfying manner? I suspect advocates of the high concept would have something to say about it.

When you're developing, note meetings inevitably become about "how do we simplify?" Complexity tends to be a side effect of untethered creativity, too much development, lack of preperation, lack of focus.

[Biohazard]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

Inception = Simple story in a complex way.

Inception is a story with many complexities as told by a simpleton.

[ChadStrohl]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

Inception is a story with many complexities as told by a simpleton.

Ouch. Not a Nolan fan, eh?

[ATB]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

Ouch. Not a Nolan fan, eh?

Dude bagged his girlfriend.

[ChadStrohl]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

Dude bagged his girlfriend.

Double ouch.

[Unfinishe]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

Count me in the Inception hate club.

What an over-rated movie. Complicated does not equal intelligent.


A sort of similar phenomenon took hold last year with Drive, and its rabid fan boys. Scenes with long looks and no dialog were supposed to be "cinematic,"giving audiences characters with "depth." Supposedly.

Simple, complex, it doesn't matter. Just make it interesting.

[ChadStrohl]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

Maybe I liked Inception due to my man-crush on Joseph Gordon Levitt.

[Dr. Vergerus]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

Funny you should mention *Drive* because that was the movie that got me thinking on this subject. It's a very simple story, almost too simple, and told in a very straightforward manner -beautifully shot, though. And it seems people like it more than other films with richer characters, story and/or structure. And the thing is, I think I liked it better too, so it made me consider what it is I expect from a story, what makes a good story vs what makes a good movie, or even the relative importance of the story. All this as a viewer, not a wannabe writer.

[christopher jon]

Re: Complexity vs simplicity

And it seems people like it more than other films with richer characters, story and/or structure.

At the end of the day, people just want to be entertained. It's a concept the snobarazzi don't get.