Strangest Movie Plots to Watch Backward: A Deep Dive into Reverse Storytelling

Ever wondered how a film's narrative unfolds when viewed in reverse? Reverse storytelling can be a thrilling and perplexing experience, often revealing different layers of meaning and creating unique viewing experiences. In this article, we'll explore some of the strangest movie plots that become even more intriguing when watched backward, offering a fresh perspective on familiar tales. Let's embark on this journey through time and pleasure!

The Ghost Rider: An Arrogant Fall

Ghost Rider: The First Ride

Imagine watching Nicolas Cage's character lose his powers and turn to evil, only to see him regain them and fight against demons in the first half. This is the narrative structure of Ghost Rider: The First Ride. When viewed backward, viewers experience the protagonist's fall from grace as he becomes arrogant and makes a deal with the devil. This reverse storytelling unravels his journey in a compelling and surprising manner, highlighting the consequences of his actions and the transformation he undergoes.

Revolution and Romance: Titanic in Reverse

Titanic

Helen Mirren's character, Countess of Buckston, and Kathy Bates' Rose's contrasting perspectives on life and death can be fascinating when viewed backward. In reverse, the viewer witnesses the sinking of the Titanic from the ship's perspective, leading to the iconic final scene where Rose and Jack reunite on the shores. The narrative shifts from the chaos and despair of the impending disaster to the tender moments shared by Rose and Jack in a way that elicits a bittersweet emotional response. Watching it in reverse can also provide a unique understanding of the character's growth and the journey of love that brought them together.

Reverse Aging and Rebirth: Benjamin Button

Bertram's Tale (Not to be confused with the actual movie "Benjamin Button")

Visualizing Benjamin Button backward would be quite surreal. The narrative focuses on Benjamin Button's parallel journey and regression through life. When reversed, his extraordinary lifespan is revealed in its full scope, from his death to birth. This unique perspective might offer a fresh insight into the concept of aging and the narrative's core theme of time and its unstoppable nature. Benjamin's story in reverse is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the impact of each moment.

Distorted Memory and Identity: Memento

Memento

Christopher Nolan's Memento is undoubtedly one of the most challenging films to reverse. The story is already nonlinear, but when viewed backward, the true nature of Leonard's condition, his relationships, and his motivations are uncovered. The fragmented narrative structure could be understood in reverse, and the audience might gain clarity on Leonard's mental state as the story unfolds in a chronological order. This unique viewing experience challenges the viewer to piece together the puzzle of identity and memory, possibly providing a deeper understanding of the psychological elements at play.

The Unseen: Birdbox

Birdbox

The dystopian tale of Sandra Bullock's main character can also be viewed in reverse for a striking effect. When watched backward, the story might reveal the progression of the world's decline in a more intense manner. The chaotic world and the fear-inducing environment are unveiled step by step, as if the viewer is witnessing the gradual collapse of civilization. This reverse narrative could be a thrilling and suspenseful experience, adding a new layer of tension to the already gripping plot.

Conclusion

Reverse storytelling is a powerful tool for revealing new layers of meaning and creating unique viewing experiences. Whether it's Ghost Rider, the poignant journey of Benjamin Button, the psychological complexity of Memento, the dystopian world of Birdbox, or the romantic struggle of Titanic, watching these films backward can provide a fresh and invigorating perspective on familiar stories. For movie enthusiasts, this unique experience can enhance the viewing pleasure and offer new insights into the art of storytelling.