In the film ‘Run, Lola, Run’, the director manipulates time through multiple techniques such as repetition with variations, shot length, and specific focus on moments in time. The use of these techniques allows time to be stretched, compressed, or entirely repeated without losing the viewer’s perception of the current timeline.
To create a cohesive timeline over the three sequences, the director utilizes repetition with slight variation to allow the viewers to truly understand that each sequence is the same period of time, changed through the actions of the protagonists. The repetition begins with very little variation, re-situating the viewer into the sequence with each new beginning.
Another technique the director uses to manipulate time is a variety in shot length to lessen or create tension and speed. When the action of the movie is high, the shots are quick, condensed, and dynamic, with the camera often following Lola personally as she runs. In the lulling moments of the movie, shots are longer and more still, with less movement and more dialogue. This effect keeps the viewer engaged without tiring them out, and allows heavy moments, such as their deaths, to sink in more effectively due to a less ‘alive’ motion of camera.
Finally, by choosing to focus almost entirely on the present moment as the action occurs, it eases confusion viewers may have about where they are in the timeline. The moments that aren’t in the present are shown in quick, flashing succession, allowing random characters to have full and fulfilled storylines in each timeline in a matter of seconds. Not only does this maintain the overall pace of the movie, it avoids distracting the viewer from Lola’s story and overall goal, which is the pushing point behind all action in the movie.
