Contrasting Narrative Frameworks in Pornographic and Commercial Filmmaking: Evidence from Online Reviews

This study explores the differences and similarities in narrative frameworks between pornographic and commercial filmmaking, drawing on online user reviews as a lens for audience reception. While commercial films are traditionally evaluated for structured plots, character development, and thematic coherence, pornographic films are often perceived as prioritizing explicit content over narrative. However, analysis of online reviews reveals that audiences still engage with and assess narrative elements in pornography, albeit with different expectations and evaluative criteria. Using a qualitative comparative methodology, this research identifies recurring themes in audience discussions, including narrative coherence, character engagement, and the functional versus aesthetic role of storytelling across genres. The findings demonstrate that narrative significance is context-dependent, shaped by genre conventions and audience expectations, and challenge the assumption that pornography is entirely non-narrative. By integrating audience perspectives, this study contributes to narrative theory, genre studies, and media research, highlighting the nuanced ways in which viewers interpret and value storytelling in diverse cinematic forms.