Plot twist

From Free net encyclopedia

A Plot twist is a change ("twist") in the direction or expected outcome of the plot of a film or novel. It is a common practice in narration used to keep the interest of an audience, usually surprising them with a revelation. Some "twists" can be predicted and are preempted by numerous hints whereas others are a complete shock - most are somewhere in the middle with some people foreseeing them and others not.

Revealing the existence of a plot twist may be enough to spoil a movie for some, as the time spent watching would be used to "search" for the twist itself, as opposed to simply enjoying the presentation.

The plot twist is also common in some films. Many directors, such as the late Stanley Kubrick (in Full Metal Jacket and slightly in The Shining) and M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs, etc) use plot twists in their films, and is an effective technique when it comes to surprising and winning over the audience.

The plot twist is widely used in adult-oriented animated series like The Simpsons, and was used mockingly during the final episode of Drawn Together's first season, where every 5 minutes a plot twist was announced with a screen showing this phrase.

When a plot twist happenes towards or at the end of a story, especially if it changes one's view of the previous action, it's known as a twist ending.