Ellipsis (film)

In film, an ellipsis is a narrative device that omits a portion of the sequence of events, allowing the viewer to fill in the gap. This omission can condense time, avoid showing unnecessary or unpleasant details, create suspense, or focus on the aftermath of an event rather than the event itself.

Ellipsis is a common technique used to maintain pacing and narrative momentum. It can range from a brief cut between two scenes that imply a passage of time to a more significant omission that leaves a crucial event unseen, relying on the audience's imagination or subsequent exposition to understand what happened.

The effectiveness of ellipsis relies on the audience's ability to infer the missing information. Overuse or unclear execution can lead to confusion, while skillful use can enhance the storytelling experience and create a more engaging and thought-provoking narrative. Ellipsis can also contribute to the film's tone and style, as the choice of what to omit reflects the filmmaker's artistic choices and the intended impact on the viewer.

Ellipsis is distinct from flashbacks or flashforwards, which explicitly show events from the past or future. Instead, ellipsis suggests or implies the unseen event through context, dialogue, or character reactions.

Different types of filmic transitions, such as fades, dissolves, and cuts, can be used to signal an ellipsis. The nature of the transition can also influence the audience's interpretation of the time elapsed or the significance of the omitted event.