Would the ‘Atlas Shrugged’ Films Have Fared Better if They Started with the End?

The title sequence of the 'Atlas Shrugged' films carries its own magic. Typically, movies begin with an opening sequence that sets the stage for the story that follows. However, the interactive DVD and Blu-ray menus of 'Atlas Shrugged' feature a unique feature that plays the end credits at the beginning. This feature sparked a significant debate among fans and critics about whether had the movies started with the end, instead of beginning with typical exposition, would they have been perceived differently.

Unintuitive but Captivating

There is a certain charm in the reverse order. Audiences are often confronted with the conclusion first, and while the first movies might feel too long and boring for many, the end credits, according to some viewers, hold a unique allure. They imply a plausibility and authenticity that the rest of the film seems to lack. After all, the filmmakers chose to present the conclusion of the story in a sequence designed to capture the audience's attention, why not the beginning?

Starting with the end does not mean that the rest of the film would have been irrelevant, but it might have made the viewer's journey more engaging. The structure of storytelling requires a balance of revelations and withholding of information. Introducing the story's outcome at the start could challenge the traditional narrative arc and force the film to create a road back to this conclusion, making the viewer's journey more memorable and introspective.

Departure from Traditional Narrative

Take for example, the famous film 'Amélie' (2001). The movie begins with one of the main characters, Amélie, burying a pink note, which sets the stage for the rest of her story. Starting with the end would mean introducing Amélie living a seemingly perfect life, and then revealing the challenges she faced during the early part of the movie. This could bring a whole new perspective to the story's messages and themes. In the context of 'Atlas Shrugged', a film about the rebirth of capitalism and the fight for freedom, beginning with the credits could unmask the characters who struggled and fought, making the ultimate victory even more poignant.

Challenges and Constraints

However, the reverse viewing order also presents unique challenges. While the end credits may introduce a sense of plausibility and authenticity, the rest of the film could struggle to sustain this feeling. 'Atlas Shrugged' is an epic saga that requires a deep level of character development and thematic exploration. Starting with the end would mean compressing all of this into the opening sequence, risking the risk of the film feeling disconnected and disjointed. It is one thing to present the final moments; it is another to carry the narrative from the beginning to those final moments without critical breaks in the storytelling.

In addition, the start of a movie often sets the tone for the rest of the film. It establishes the atmosphere and mood, influencing how the audience perceives the story. Starting with the credits, without the context of a typical opening sequence, might confuse viewers or seem too abrupt.

Conclusion: A Thought-Provoking Experiment

The idea of starting 'Atlas Shrugged' with the end credits is not merely a curious experiment. It serves as a reminder of the importance of narrative structure and the impact of a movie's beginning. The film industry has always benefited from innovative approaches to storytelling, and such an unconventional approach to 'Atlas Shrugged' could offer a novel perspective on character development and thematic depth.

Instead of criticizing the films for their length or pace, it would be more constructive to appreciate the different ways in which storytelling can captivate audiences. The use of the end credits at the beginning of the 'Atlas Shrugged' films presents a valuable opportunity to reflect on how narrative structure shapes our perception of a story.