Top 10 Central Themes in Film

Dont reinvent the wheel. Youve heard the phrase a million times, and never does it ring
as true as when applied to screenwriting.
Often, you will hear people complain that it feels like they have seen the same movie
100 times, only this time with different actors and a new title. Its true. Most movies do
tell the same story over and over again. Few movies differentiate themselves by creating
a revolutionary storyline.
Yes, it is common for films to center around the same theme. However, there is no need
for dismay; just because a ton of movies are about the same thing doesnt mean they
are all the same movie. For example, take Due Date. The story is practically a carbon
copy ofPlanes, Trains, and Automobiles. Both films have identical story lines, similar
characters, and the same motifs. Yet, the two films are clearly different. Its not the story
itself, but the way the story is told that makes a movie great.
Listed below are the top 10 themes/motifs used in film. These themes serve as a staple
to the underlying plots of most films. The most common themes in films describe an
opinion about society, human nature, or life in general.
And while youre getting ready to scoff at Hollywood for using the same themes
repeatedly, think about how amazing it is that the same kinds of stories can be told in so
many different ways. And while most of the repeated adaptations are lackluster, every so
often one triumphantly takes the world by storm.
So, take a look at the most common themes and motifs in film. And embrace the wheel.
Its there for a reason.
10. Man vs. Nature
There are certain undeniable events that will always happen: the moon will rise, the sun
will set, and man will struggle against the inevitable power that is Mother Nature. Call it
sadistic, but Hollywood has always had a fascination with films that portray the possibility
of the total obliteration of mankind (Armageddon, The Day After Tomorrow, Volcano).
However, the theme of Man vs. Nature can extend beyond the destruction of planet
earth. These films can focus on an individual battling an animal of nature (Jaws) and can
often incorporate dystopian themes. Man vs. Nature can also extend to technology
perverting nature. These films often warn of the danger of tampering with the natural
elements. When technology runs amok, monsters and obstacles are created (Jurassic
Park). Action flicks are a staple for Man vs. Nature, but no matter what genre these films
surface from, the theme always revolves around the power of natural world and the
perseverance of mankind.
9. Man vs. Himself
Sure, Mother Nature can kick some butt. However, nothing leads to mans demise like
man himself. Whether a character is struggling with lust, mental illness, or addiction, the
perils he or she faces within are always extremely powerful. Most characters in film
experience some sort of internal struggle. Whether its the decision to go out on a date
or join the Dark Side, characters are constantly faced with internal dilemmas. However,
movies that have the theme of Man vs. Himself go beyond that. The entire story is
underlined by the notion that man is his own worst enemy. Therefore, many of these
films deal with greed, power, and the downward spiral that they can
cause. Scarface, Wall Street, andThe Godfather are prime examples of this internal
battle. With such opportunity for dramatic struggles, its no wonder Man vs. Himself plays
such a huge role in movies today.
8. The Loss of Innocence
Its the classic coming of age story. This theme incorporates a young protagonist that is
introduced to the complexity of the adult world. Sometimes the protagonist is eager to
step into this new world (Sixteen Candles), and sometimes they are thrown into it by
some incident (Juno). While lighter comedies may focus on rituals of becoming adults,
such as drinking and partying, there are many more serious films that center around this
theme. Often, the actual loss of innocence is spurred by a traumatic event such as
death, abuse, or even a divorce. Darker films (American Beauty) explore the more
turbulent world of the modern American teenager. While these films traditionally center
on teenagers, they can reach many younger demographics as well (Where the Wild
Things Are). Even the smash hit Toy Story 3 touched on the loss of innocence and the
end of the childhood era.
7. Revenge
Few things in the world have the power to motivate like revenge (cough, cough, Taylor
Swift). The theme of Revenge has been present in film from the early silent era and
continues to be popular today. While revenge films revolve around the same idea, the
endings can differ greatly. For instance, sometimes the revenge is justified and the
ending turns out well (Revenge of the Nerds, Mean Girls). Sometimes though, the wrong
person feels revengeful and the outcome turns out badly (Carrie, Cape Fear). But even
though the endings can vary, films that have the theme of Revenge are always about the
journey. Films like Kill Bill and Memento center entirely on this idea, taking us on a
tumultuous ride that culminates around an act of vengeance.
6. Death as a Part of Life
As one of the most emotional and thought-provoking issues of life, death is an eternal
theme in films. The inevitability of death, the mystery that surrounds it, and the
implications that it brings make death one of the most interesting motifs of all. Some
films incorporate it into the narrative of the story and thus the theme of death
emerges. Harold and Maud, for example, is the story of a boy that is obsessed with
death and dying. However, many other films focus on impending death, exploring issues
of grief and loss (Steel Magnolias, Pay it Forward). Often, films that incorporate the
theme of death as a part of life explore the after world (What Dreams May Come, The
Lovely Bones). While these films portray death and dying, the theme truly resonates
when the characters discover that life continues even after the physical body is no more.
5. The Battle
Conflict is an integral part of any film. However, some films revolve around a literal
battle. This battle can be between two individuals, two countries, or even two worlds.
Usually, the audience does bond to the protagonists cause. It is easy to pick sides with
films like Braveheart and 300. Unlike the traditional Good vs. Evil theme, the battle may
incorporate two differing sides neither of which is right or wrong. For example, films
like The War of the Roses make it difficult as both main characters are neither good nor
evil and a little bit of both. Films that center on a battle are often based in historical facts
(We Were Soldiers), but they can also be categorized as science fiction, action, war, or
epics. And although the theme of battle can span genres, these films will always contain
a definitive battle scene(s), literal, figurative, or both. Often its the fear of dying that
weighs the most.
4. Individual vs. Society
With Man vs. Nature and Man vs. Himself, it seems the only thing left for man to battle is
society as he or she often does in film. This theme shows the battle between the
protagonist and the social norm or social traditions. Often, these films show the
protagonist sacrificing his own well-being for a cause. For instance, Schindlers List tells
the story of a man who becomes concerned for Jewish people after witnessing their
persecution under the Nazi regime. Erin Brockovich tells the story of a ordinary woman
who takes extraordinary measures to take down a power company. These characters
are willing to sacrifice everything for their cause. However, the Individual vs. Society isnt
only about sacrifice and social injustice. These films can explore the individual fighting
against authority (Fight Club), or societal acceptance (The Elephant Man). No matter the
subject, the characters face constant conflict as they try to come to terms with society.
3. Triumph over Adversity
It you walk out of a film feeling all warm and fuzzy, there is no doubt that it probably
centered on the theme of Triumph Over Adversity. In almost all movies, the main
character faces an obstacle that he or she needs to overcome. However, in films with
this theme, characters lives and stories are defined by the adversity they face. For
instance, The Blind Side tells the story of a homeless boy who becomes an All American
football player. Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of a Mumbai teen who becomes a
successful contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. The
theme of Triumph Over Adversity almost always revolves around an exceptional person
in a horrible and hopeless situation. Whether they are born into it or fall into it, these
stories show how the human spirit can rise up time and time again over tyranny,
injustice, or just plain bad luck.
2. Love Conquers All
Ah, love. It can be romantic. It can be fun. It can be heart wrenching. It can even be sick.
Whatever it is, it is definitely all around us all the time. In film, the theme that Love
Conquers All has always been an infectious standard, good and bad.
FromLove Story to The English Patient to Titanic, there is no doubt that Hollywood
considers love to be the most noble of pursuits. And regardless of the genre (from the
Disney animated classic Snow White to the sci-fi thriller The Adjustment Bureau, the
overpowering presence of love conquers all is seen as characters fight the undeniable
fate of true love. No matter what obstacle a character may have to endure, movies
revolving around this theme will end by reiterating this notion. Whether you are a boy-
wizard (Harry Potter), a Alzheimers patient (The Notebook), or an Ogre (Shrek), rest
assured that love is the strongest force in the world.
1. Good vs. Evil
Its the ultimate throw-down, twelve rounds of lethality between heroes and villains
brawling it out on the sands of the Colosseum. Its the struggle that underlines comics,
books, films, and even culture. There is the good: courage, freedom, loyalty, and honor.
And there is the bad: cowardice, imprisonment, selfishness, and betrayal. Almost all of
the aforementioned themes can find themselves a comfy little spot under the Good vs.
Evil umbrella (Man vs. Himself, Triumph Over Adversity, The Battle and Revenge). Films
that explore the battle between Good vs. Evil, however, can range from childrens
animation (Fantasia) to fantasy films (The Chronicles of Narnia), to classic action flicks
(James Bond). This theme tends to be especially prevalent in film series (Star Wars,
The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter). While good almost always triumphs over evil, it can
be fascinating when evil prevails (Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back)...
even if it is only temporary. No doubt, Good vs. Evil is a celebrated theme within movies
as it represents the ultimate showdown of polar opposites.