Worst Movie Clichés That Ruin Narrative Integrity and Emotional Impact

When delving into the world of cinema, one cannot help but notice certain tropes and clichés that seem to be perpetually regurgitated. These repetitive elements can often detract from the story's narrative integrity and emotional depth. Here, we explore some of the most overused clichés in movies that truly irritate, from action sequences to music.

Gun Tactics and Action Sequences

The premise of movies where armed professionals check their corners first with their guns drawn is a common tactical standard. However, the teaching that when looking around a corner to spot an opponent, you should stick your gun around the corner first, often feels more of a Hollywood construct than a practical survival tactic.

This trope highlights the discrepancy between real-world tactical training and the narrative focus in movies. Real weapon training emphasizes situational awareness and a clear line of sight, not displaying a weapon before confirming the presence of threats.

Overused Compositional and Emotional Elements

Another overused element is the emotional soulful piano music that is often used to evoke a specific mood. While music can be powerful in films, the reliance on a generic narrative emotion such as sadness can feel manipulative and cheap. In movies like Fury, for instance, the frequent use of this music can detract from the harrowing and intense nature of the war narrative, instead layering on a tried and arguably tiresome emotional experience.

Character Archetypes and Plot Predictability

Clichéd character archetypes and plot devices often reduce complex storylines to familiar and predictable patterns. The white people about to kiss scene is a prime example, where protagonists destined to fall in love are portrayed in a formulaic manner. This is compounded by the notion that the “nice guy” or the “bad boy” must be paired off, leading to unnecessary and artificial drama.

Movies like Rudy and Bohemian Rhapsody overuse and exaggerate these elements to create dramatic tension at the expense of plausibility. While such manipulations can be seen as a means to overhype the drama, they often miss the mark and come off as contrived.

Cliche-Heavy Emotional Scenes

The use of certain emotional techniques—such as showing family or loved ones being informed of a death behind glass with no sound added—has been seen in both movies and TV. While this technique can be effective in a single instance, overuse has made it feel like a copout. The stereotypical slow-motion sequences accompanying these scenes often become a familiar and overused trope that lacks originality.

Another well-worn trope is the lovers' kiss in the rain, which, despite its potential for romance and feeling, has become a cliché in itself. These scenes rely on visual and emotional crutches that, when overused, diminish the audience's engagement and suspension of disbelief.

Ultimately, understanding and avoiding these clichés can help filmmakers create more compelling and authentic stories, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with the narratives and characters on screen.