Elements of Editing that Contribute to Time and Chronology in Run Lola Run

Time and chronology are very key elements in Run Lola Run. The film does not follow a typical chronological structure. Instead it uses editing techniques that allow the viewer to see that different possible scenarios and outcomes are being portrayed. Each time the scenario starts all over again a graphic match is used when the bag of money is thrown into the air at the end of one possible outcomes and that footage is cut together with footage of the phone flying through the air right before Lola begins her run. The bag of money and the phone flying through the air are moving in similar ways which is what signals to the viewer that a different possible situation is about to take place. These two different things are put together using parallel editing which makes it seem like they are happening at the same time. Since they appear to be happening simultaneously, one possible scenario comes to an end at the same time as the next one begins which contributes to the circular plot structure of the film.

Run Lola Run also shows its unique time organization through the use of montages. Each time Lola comes in contact with the characters Jager, Doris, and Mike we get to see a different possible future for them. Since these are just minor characters the quick montage of images of their futures allow us to learn a little more about them with out taking up too much time in the film which would take a way from the high pressure of the time crunch that Lola is under. Since the montages revolving around Jager, Doris, and Mike are so disjunctive they stand out as clearly showing a situation that is happening at a different time and place. These montages break up the action that is currently taking place, but since they happen so quickly they do not take away from the main focus of the movie.