Arrival, directed by Denis Villeneuve, may appear to be a straightforward sci-fi film at first glance. However, it actually has a complex timeline that can be easily misunderstood. The movie follows the journey of Louise Banks, a linguist hired by the government to help humans communicate with aliens who have landed on Earth. As Banks delves into the aliens' form of communication, she discovers that it surpasses human capabilities.
Despite its intricate storyline, Arrival is made accessible to viewers through clear visual cues. These cues allow the audience to follow Banks' progression from beginning to end, even when the narrative is not presented in a linear fashion. The film's major twist at the conclusion reveals that events leading up to that point may not have been as they seemed. However, upon a second viewing, all the necessary clues are laid out from the start, enabling viewers to piece together Banks' timeline accurately.
Arrival is available to stream on Peacock Premium and Paramount+
Banks' "Memories" Of Hannah Are Actually From The Future
Interatcion With The Aliens Has Granted Banks The Gift Of Prescience
Louise/Amy Adams and Ian/Jeremy Renner holding each other in Arrival - Interatcion With The Aliens Has Granted Banks The Gift Of Prescience - Banks' "Memories" Of Hannah Are Actually From The Future
Banks' perception of time is distorted, preventing her from experiencing life in the correct sequence.
In the movie Arrival, viewers discover that Banks now sees time in a non-linear way, just like the aliens. This means she no longer distinguishes between past, present, and future. Everything blends together, happening simultaneously. From the start, the audience is shown this distorted timeline, with what seem like flashbacks of Banks' daughter actually being memories of events yet to occur.
Arrival's Events All Happen Once, But Nonlinearly
Arrival’s twist may initially confuse the audience, but it starts to make sense once they see the narrative as non-linear. Banks’ daughter has not been born yet when she experiences these memories, and Banks is aware that her daughter will only live for 12 years. This distorts Banks' perception of time, preventing her from experiencing her life in the correct order. This unique ability is portrayed as both a blessing and a curse, as Banks uses her knowledge of the future to manipulate the present in a non-zero-sum game.
The Arrival Movie's Non-Sequential Narrative Explained
Amy Adams tries to communicate with the aliens in Arrival - The Arrival Movie's Non-Sequential Narrative Explained - Arrival's Events All Happen Once, But Nonlinearly
Arrival's timeline is unique in that it is not non-linear in the same way as movies like Pulp Fiction or Memento. Unlike those films, Arrival does not jump between past, present, and future. Instead, all moments in Arrival are happening simultaneously, with Banks and the aliens being the only ones not confined to a sequential order.
When the audience sees the "memories" of Hannah's death, it is not a past or future experience for Banks. Rather, she is experiencing it in the present moment, with the help of the aliens. The twist in Arrival is subtly hinted at from the beginning, as the story begins with events that have not technically happened yet from Banks' perspective.
Villeneuve is cleverly guiding his viewers to experience the same journey as his protagonist. By weaving a complex, non-linear timeline, director David Villeneuve is giving viewers the opportunity to understand time in a new way. The events in Banks' life are not shown in chronological order, creating confusion at first. However, this approach ultimately helps the audience grasp the surprising twist ending, as they become accustomed to the unconventional progression of time.
Arrival's Linear Timeline Begins With The Aliens' Arrival & Ends With Hannah's Death
The Actual Order Of Events In Arrival Creates Different Ways To View The Story
Forest Whitaker, Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner in Arrival - The Actual Order Of Events In Arrival Creates Different Ways To View The Story - Arrival's Linear Timeline Begins With The Aliens' Arrival & Ends With Hannah's Death
While Banks may experience time in a non-linear way, this is not the case for other characters in the story. For them, life progresses sequentially along a linear timeline. The events in "Arrival" follow this linear timeline, starting with the arrival of the aliens on Earth, Banks' efforts to communicate with them, and ending with the death of Hannah around thirteen years later.
Arrival is considered one of Villeneuve's best movies because of its ability to be viewed from different perspectives. The audience is first introduced to Banks' distorted viewpoint, but with clues provided by Villeneuve, it becomes possible to understand the timeline and story from a more comprehensible angle. Depending on where you start, Hannah's death can be seen as both the beginning and the end of Arrival, creating a continuous loop in the movie.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides an intriguing analysis of Denis Villeneuve's "Arrival." It delves into the film's complex timeline, which initially creates confusion but ultimately reveals a profound twist. The non-linear narrative forces the audience to question their perception of time and causality. The film's protagonist, Louise Banks, experiences time in a distorted manner, seeing visions of the future and past as if they were happening simultaneously. This unique perspective adds a layer of depth and complexity to the film, as viewers must piece together the events to fully understand the story.
Overall, the article effectively highlights the significance of the non-linear timeline in "Arrival." It explains how Villeneuve uses this storytelling technique to explore the themes of perception, fate, and the nature of time itself. The article also provides valuable insights into the character of Louise Banks and her journey of self-discovery. By unraveling the intricate timeline, the article enhances the appreciation of Villeneuve's masterpiece and invites viewers to reflect on the profound themes it presents.
