1. The Trilogy
The rule of three is famous throughout history. Studies show that things in threes are more satisfying and more effective. In the simplest form - the kind of rule you learn in primary school - stories are told in three parts; beginning, middle and end. There is a Latin phrase, omne trium perfectum, that roughly translates to everything in threes is perfect. A trilogy of fiction work satisfies us because the number three is inherently satisfying. It represents permanence, hence why we do things in threes it strengthens our actions. Time is divided into three portions present, past and future. The number itself is a psychological beacon. It only makes sense that a series of three fictional works is the most satisfying method when telling a powerful, tight story. Some of the great stories are told in threes, and not just limited to the big screen. Take The Hunger Games novel trilogy, or the three seasons long Spartacus television series (disregarding the prequel mini-series). A series of two parts is somewhat of an abandonment, like a ship lost at sea, unable to find its way to the other side. A series of four arguably murders a series, prolonging its ending in an unsatisfactory way. Three parts is that opportunity to give the audience, as mentioned above, a beginning, a middle and an ending. The obvious examples are The Lord of the Rings and The Dark Knight trilogies. They each tell a complete story, satisfying us and their respective protagonists by giving them the conclusion they deserve. Other examples are Back to the Future and the original Star Wars trilogy. Its hard to create a great trilogy. It makes it that much more significant when we are gifted one. The dedication to story-telling is evident when a great trilogy is made. It removes any sense of dissatisfaction we might feel toward a drawn out story, or one cut short. Commitment and devotion from everyone involved will reap the rewards. Once that is achieved, the next big task is to ignore the allure of extending something great. Quality will always succeed over quantity, critically if not always financially. When everything comes together, and when the right people make the right decisions, the trilogy is the most satisfying length for the telling of a story. Do you agree? Post your thoughts below!