Weekly Movie Challenge

This week's challenge isn't just to watch a movie, but to get drawn into the story thanks to a character interacting with the audience.

Sometimes, movies go beyond simply showing us a story and let the characters speak to us directly. Whether it’s through narration, diaries, breaking the fourth wall, or seeing the world from their eyes, these techniques give us a more personal and unique connection to the story.

Narrating the Story:
Some movies have characters guide us through their journey, giving insight we wouldn’t get otherwise. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) is a classic example, with Morgan Freeman’s character narrating Andy Dufresne’s prison life. Similarly, in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Jordan Belfort tells us firsthand about his wild life, and Boy Kills World (2023) features a less conventional but still compelling approach to narration that adds comedy to the action packed film.

Keeping a Diary:
When characters write diaries, we’re let into their private thoughts, often giving the story a more intimate feel. In Gone Girl (2014), Amy’s diary plays a crucial role in the plot’s twists. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) is more light-hearted, sharing Bridget's relatable struggles, while Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010) offers a humorous take on the trials of growing up.

4th Wall Breaks:
Some movies take things even further by having characters acknowledge the audience directly. Deadpool (2016) is notorious for his constant 4th wall breaks, adding humor to the action. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) does the same, with Ferris chatting with us throughout his adventure, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001) pokes fun at the audience, aware of the absurdity of their universe.

Story Told From Their Perspective:
These films take us inside the character’s head, letting us see the world as they do. In a Violent Nature (2023) gives us a raw, first-person look at the protagonist’s violent encounters. Hardcore Henry (2015) takes it up a notch, with the entire movie filmed in first-person, like a video game, and Doom (2005) also experiments with this style in certain scenes, immersing us in the action.

As an alternate take on the above, you could also watch a movie in which characters reference themselves in the movie title. In I Saw the TV Glow (2024), the title reflects the character's personal experience, adding a surreal, introspective take on the film. Me, Myself & Irene (2000) highlights the protagonist’s multiple personalities, while I, Tonya (2017) frames the story around Tonya Harding's perspective, placing her directly at the center of her own story.

Each method brings something fresh to the movie experience, letting us connect with characters in ways we wouldn't through a more traditional approach. Have we missed another method in which a character draws us into the story through unique methods?

Below we’ve added some suggestions/recommendations for movies that would count for the challenge. Let us know what you’ve watched, what you’re thinking of watching, or whether you’ve got any recommendations to pass to your fellow CineChums.

Character interacts with audience

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