Anthology Film
An anthology film is a single feature-length movie. It contains a collection of several short, self-contained stories or segments. Each segment tells its own complete narrative. Filmmakers often call this an episode film or an omnibus film. This format allows a production to present a variety of stories and styles within one unified work.
How Segments are Connected
The individual segments in an anthology film are not random. They are connected by a central creative element. This connection can take two primary forms.
| Thematic Link | The most common method is a shared theme. All the short films might explore a single idea. For example, the segments could all be about love, fear, or a specific city. This allows the audience to see the same concept explored from multiple, different perspectives. |
| Framing Device | This is also known as a “wrap-around story.” A framing device is a larger, overarching story that contains all the smaller ones. A character in the framing story might be telling the segments as tales. Another example is characters finding a mysterious book or VCR, with each chapter or tape becoming a segment. This device provides a clear narrative structure for the entire film. |
Production and Purpose
The anthology format is unique in its production. Often, different directors and writers create each segment. This allows the film to showcase a variety of artistic voices and styles. A producer might assemble a team of emerging directors for one film. Alternatively, established masters might collaborate on a single, ambitious project.
The horror genre frequently uses the anthology format. Films like Creepshow (1982) use a comic book as a framing device to present several scary tales. Other films, like Paris, je t’aime (2006), unite their segments with a common theme. In this case, each short film explores love in a different district of Paris. This format gives filmmakers great creative freedom. It also offers audiences a diverse and engaging viewing experience.
Anthology vs. Compilation Film
People sometimes confuse an anthology film with a compilation film. The two are different. A compilation film assembles clips and segments from other, previously released movies. It is a retrospective or a “best of” collection. An anthology film, conversely, consists of new, original stories. These segments are produced specifically for that single feature.
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