Understanding the Spatial Narratives of Puzzle Films Using Cognitive Maps

Abstract

Spatial narratives are becoming increasingly significant in contextualizing geographical phenomena. Whereas many studies focus on spatial narratives of real spaces projected from the Earth’s surface, this article examines the imaginary spaces in the narrative of Hollywood puzzle films, arguing that cognitive maps are more effective in understanding and navigating these spaces. Through an analysis of well-known puzzle films, the article demonstrates how cognitive maps can encode imaginary spaces, draw the audience’s attention to key landmarks, and guide both the filmmaker and the audience through the film’s narrative. Beyond films, this study underscores the potential of cognitive maps in decoding complex space–time relationships in real-world context. By bridging the gap between cinematic imagination and geographical exploration, this article aims not only to inspire filmmakers but also to encourage geographers, cartographers, and GIScientists to look beyond their own fields and draw inspiration from other areas, such as cinematography, to envision a terra incognita that extends beyond the real world.

Key Words:

• cartography
• cognitive map
• imaginary space
• puzzle films
• spatial narrative

Acknowledgments

We express our gratitude to the editors and three anonymous reviewers for their thoughtful comments in helping us significantly improve this article.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bo Zhao

BO ZHAO is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195. E-mail: [email protected]. His research interests include GIScience, geospatial misinformation, and social implications of emerging geographic information systems technologies, especially in the context of the United States and China.

Lina Zhang

LINA ZHANG is a Lecturer in the School of Culture and Communication at the Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 102206, China. E-mail: [email protected]. Her research interests include aesthetics, culture, and communication of digital media art.