MovieChat Forums > Carlito's Way (1993) Discussion > How'd the narration work for you?

How'd the narration work for you?

posted 2 years ago by Ticketsplease (4024)
8 replies | jump to latest

Narration is frowned upon in many circles. Basically a rule for screenplay writers, "don't write narration".

But for me, I like it.

[–] DancingintheDark (1737) 2 years ago

I thought it worked well for a few reasons, the first being, in the opening scene the narration sets up a bit of a twist ending, as we’re led to believe that Carlito survives the shooting, something like, “I’m not ready to check out,” and secondly, it’s used to broaden Carlito’s character, allowing the viewer to actively share in his motivations, goals, dreams, hopes, fears….
Narration is hit or miss but I thought DePalma implemented it well.

[–] Ticketsplease (4024) 2 years ago

And Al Pacino has an amazing voice, even if he still sounds Italian American, not Puerto Rican American.

[–] DancingintheDark (1737) 2 years ago

That too for sure, he does have a wonderful voice, it’s soothing, enticing, intimidating…

[–] [email protected] (6082) 2 years ago

I love narration as a device on movies or TV. I used to really enjoy it on Magnum P.I.

It's a form of storytelling that I really like. The audience can be privy to what's in the character's head without him doing a whole lot of exposition.

[–] enriquesingh (1812) a year ago

I have no issues with voice over narration - it depends on the movie - here it worked.

[–] Mattc164 (618) a year ago

I typically enjoy narrated films.

[–] MikeCable (1879) a year ago

I hated it in something like Blade Runner but I liked it here, especially when they are sitting at the club and he knows what those guys are really up to as the camera does a 360 around everyone. It helped build the tension.

[–] Ticketsplease (4024) a year ago

True, and his 'I'll just hang around a bit more until I get my money and then I'm out of here', setting up his untimely death.