Why Shorter Movies are Here to Stay: The Art and Efficiency of Films Under 90 Minutes

Modern cinema offers a diverse range of movies, from epic blockbusters lasting over 2.5 hours to compact stories that can be experienced in under 90 minutes. While longer films can be immersive and detailed, there are compelling reasons why shorter movies continue to thrive in the industry. This article explores the benefits, common reasons, and artistic choices behind films lasting less than 90 minutes.

Benefits of Shorter Films

Shorter movies can offer several advantages such as enhanced focus, quicker consumption, and a more digestible experience for audiences. By condensing the narrative, these films often create a more intimate and engaging environment for viewers, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the story.

Common Reasons for Shorter Movies

Storytelling Efficiency

Some stories are inherently suited for a shorter format. A concise narrative can be more potent, as it focuses on a single idea or character arc without the need for excessive exposition or filler. This efficiency is especially true in genres like animation, comedy, and horror, where a tighter runtime can maximize the impact of humor or thrill.

Target Audience

Shorter films are often designed for specific audiences, particularly children and younger viewers. Movies intended for younger audiences tend to be shorter to match the shorter attention spans typical of these demographics. This approach ensures that the story remains accessible and engaging for its target audience.

Budget Constraints

Lower-budget films often have limited resources and a shorter shooting schedule. As a result, these movies tend to have fewer sets, locations, and special effects, which can translate into a shorter runtime. This approach can also reduce production costs, making such films more viable from a financial perspective.

Festival and Distribution Strategy

Short films are naturally well-suited for film festivals and online distribution platforms. Their compact nature allows them to easily fit into festival programming and online viewing slots, enhancing their reach and impact. Filmmakers often choose shorter formats for these specific distribution channels, where a quick viewing experience is often preferred.

Artistic Choice

Sometimes, the decision to create a shorter film stems from a filmmaker's artistic vision. Some directors embrace the challenge of telling a compelling story within a limited timeframe, resulting in concise and focused films. This approach allows them to focus on the core elements of the story and convey them with maximum impact.

Is It Time to Shorten Movies?

The assertion that movies should only be as long as it takes to tell the story is a valid point. Excessive runtime can dilute the narrative's effectiveness and drain the audience's attention. While traditional feature films may benefit from a longer runtime to explore complex characters and intricate plots, there is a growing appreciation for concise storytelling.

In a world where attention spans are shrinking, the trend towards shorter films becomes more significant. Classic examples like Trancers (1985) (76 minutes) and Dumbo (1941) (63 minutes) demonstrate that quality storytelling can thrive within a limited timeframe. These films prove that less can indeed be more, and the essence of a compelling story can often be conveyed in a much shorter runtime.

Conclusion

The decision to create a shorter movie can stem from a combination of factors, including storytelling efficiency, genre conventions, target audience, budget constraints, and artistic vision. These elements align with the filmmaker's goals and the intended audience's preferences. As viewers increasingly demand quicker and more focused entertainment, shorter films continue to find their place in the film industry, offering a fresh and engaging approach to storytelling.