Movie Trilogies - The Power of the Trilogy

The number three is magical. It holds a place of great esteem in most religions, governments, and societies around the world. Three also has great significance in entertainment – the trilogy.

The History of the Trilogy

The most well-known, and arguably the oldest, trilogy is Biblical in nature. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit started the trend, and it has lasted, well, since the world was created. Since that time, sets of three have been popping up in every aspect of life. Bears, pigs, and stooges come in sets of three as well as many novels and albums. With the coming of the film age, the trilogy has moved in the most logical direction, creating some of the most popular movies in the entertainment industry.

The First

The first film in a trilogy may not appear as simply the beginning of an epic. Usually, this movie is well done and ties up all plot lines neatly, with the exception of perhaps a single element. The first film is usually a very satisfying movie going experience. The movie was good, and you aren’t left with any lingering questions. In general, the beginning can stand alone. It is often not until producers have seen the success of the first film that they decide to expand the story line further. In other cases, a trilogy was planned from the onset of filming.

The Middle

The middle of a trilogy might, at first, be promoted as a sequel, but in many cases, is simply a foundation for a dramatic conclusion in the third piece of the trilogy. In a popular pirate movie playing in theaters now, there was no indication that it was designed to be part of a trilogy. It was not until the end of the film, when the audience is struggling to find closure, that it is made clear that there will be a third film.

This can be frustrating for audiences. If a trilogy is being filmed, it would be in the studio’s best interest to release this information ahead of time, as is the case of many popular movies based on fantasy novels or comic books. Some movies seem to start as a sequel, but movie producers feel perhaps there is a market for a third installment, so the second movie feels more like the first half of a complete movie. In general, the middle of a trilogy is mildly satisfying, but leaves a hunger for closure behind. This, of course, is exactly what the studios had set out to do.

The End

The finale of a trilogy is much anticipated. Audiences greatly enjoyed the first film, and went to see the second, only to be left with a cliffhanger and no satisfaction. The audience then flocks to the theaters to see the third movie, if for no other reason, to see how it all ends.

In many cases, the end of a trilogy is the most powerful movie in the series. It contains the resolution of the action, and, generally a significant portion of the conflicts and romance. All that began in the first two films fits together in the third, and if that ending is well done, the trilogy will live on as a classic.

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