Imagine this: a director tells you your filmmaking style is "derivative" or calls your big finale “predictable.” It’s cliché, they say. Stings a bit, doesn't it? In filmmaking, "cliché" is that brutal note that makes you question your creative choices. Clichés are the industry's participation trophies—the love triangles, the wise mentors who die, the training montages, the misunderstood artists. They're the cinematic equivalent of a ticking time bomb with a convenient digital display. They’re often groan-inducing, yet somehow appear in script after script. That’s why we are going to dive into the world of clichés—not to condemn them entirely, but to understand why these hand-me-downs persist. What is a Cliché? A cliché is a worn-out phrase, expression, idea, or element of artistic work that has been overused to the point of losing its distinctiveness in terms of its original meaning or impact and becoming predictable, unoriginal, and often ineffective. Derived from the French word meaning “to stereotype,” a cliche represents a thought or statement that has become trite through excessive repetition. Why Do Clichés Happen? Clichés exist because certain communication elements are overused to the point where they lose their original impact and meaning. However, the reasons why these elements are overused are the same (or rather primary) reasons why clichés happen. 1. Familiarity and Convenience: Clichés are easy to use because they are widely understood. People gravitate toward familiar expressions and storytelling tropes since they don’t require much thought or explanation. 2. Emotional Impact (At First): Many clichés...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Today