Meaning: This quote by Richard Russo, a renowned American novelist, delves into the fundamental differences in the use of time between movies and novels. Russo's observation highlights the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each medium when it comes to storytelling and the manipulation of time. In essence, he suggests that movies are primarily concerned with efficiently stringing together scenes in the present, while novels have the flexibility to explore time in a different manner.

Movies, as Russo points out, are a visual and time-bound medium. When we watch a film, we are experiencing a sequence of events in real-time or a compressed version of real-time. The narrative unfolds before us, with scenes following one after the other in a linear fashion. This characteristic of movies necessitates a highly efficient handling of time. Filmmakers must carefully construct the sequence of events to maintain the audience's engagement and understanding. In this context, time is a crucial element in the construction of a cinematic narrative. Each moment on screen must be utilized effectively to drive the story forward and engage the viewer.

Conversely, novels are not bound by the same constraints as movies when it comes to the handling of time. While novels do often feature a linear narrative, they also possess the ability to manipulate time in a more fluid and non-linear manner. Authors can employ techniques such as flashbacks, flash-forwards, and nonlinear storytelling to explore different temporal dimensions and perspectives. This freedom allows novelists to delve deeper into the complexities of time, memory, and consciousness, offering readers a more intricate and layered experience.

Russo's insight sheds light on the intrinsic differences in how time is managed and utilized in these two storytelling mediums. In the context of movies, the efficient handling of time is crucial for maintaining the momentum and coherence of the narrative. Each scene must contribute to the immediate progression of the story, and the overall pacing of the film relies on the skillful arrangement of these scenes in the present.

In contrast, novels have the capacity to transcend the limitations of real-time storytelling, offering a more expansive exploration of time. This allows for a more nuanced portrayal of characters, events, and emotions, as authors can weave in different temporal layers to enrich the narrative. The non-linear nature of novels enables a deeper engagement with the complexities of human experience and memory, as well as a more profound exploration of the passage of time itself.

In conclusion, Richard Russo's quote encapsulates the distinct approaches to time in movies and novels. While movies demand efficient handling of time to string together scenes in the present, novels have the freedom to explore time in a more fluid and multi-dimensional manner. Understanding these differences is essential for appreciating the unique storytelling capabilities of each medium and the ways in which they engage with the intricacies of time.