Research Point: Story events, scenes and sequences

From my research I have concluded that there are a number of reasons that a sequence of scenes is preferable to just one.  Cowgill (2003) writes that, “A scene sequence is a group of scenes linked around a single idea or action”.  However, Romanek (2013) suggests that sequence scenes are the foundation of the story itself, with each ‘sequence’ showing the characters overcoming an obstacle,  which in turn, leads to a larger obstacle.  Romanek (2013) writes, “when the hero has a big problem. It [the sequence] ends when that problem is resolved and – and here’s the key – the solution to that problem creates another, further problem that then begins a new sequence”.

When watching Jon Landis’ Blues Brothers (1980), I noticed that the film contained a number of sequences. However, I chose to look further at the scenes referring to the brothers reforming the band.

Throughout five scenes Elwood and Jake undertake the task of visiting each member of the band to ask them to rejoin.  In each scene, the brothers come across some form of obstacle e.g. Aretha's power over Matt and her reluctance to allow him to join.  Each of these obstacles seem to either move the sequence forward, or create a sub-plot which will return later, e.g. the Nazi leader vowing to find the brothers.  I found the Nazi demonstration scene particularly interesting as it provided a stark contrast from the other scenes in the sequence. 

It is clear that it was the writer's intention to use this technique to not only give the audience an explainable ‘time period’, but also to introduce each character visually, illustrating some of their traits and flaws.  It would have been possible for the writer to create one scene of the brothers contacting the members by telephone, however this would not allow the audience to gain a further understanding of the characters motives, the surroundings and many other elements of the plot. 

In its simplest terms, I perceive the scene sequence to be the story of how each obstacle is overcome by the characters.  Each ‘mini achievement’ stands to create a thicker plotline and push the story forward to the next set of obstacles.  A scene sequence is capable of telling a wider story in a more interesting way, affecting and introducing other characters and providing visual clues to the audience.