Understanding narrative in cinema has always been one of the most important concerns of adaptation theorists. The choice of narrative structure has always been a key consideration in adaptation theory. Moreover, due to the predominant presence of the classical narrative form in most adaptations, attention to the nature of other narrative modes that filmmakers could employ in the adaptation process has been somewhat neglected. In this regard, Shakespeare’s plays have provided an opportunity for artists of dramatic arts to experiment with a variety of narrative forms in their adaptations. Nevertheless, most of these adaptations in the first half of the past century sought to implement their strategies through the classical narrative form and fidelity to the original text. Gradually, however, with the emergence of new forms in cinema in the second half of the century, different modes of adapting Shakespeare’s works came into existence. This article aims to examine the adaptive features of two Shakespearean works by analyzing non-classical narrative elements in their film adaptations. The study employs the neo-formalist approach and the ideas of David Bordwell, who has explained the types of narratives and investigated the norms of each. In explaining non-classical narrative forms, Bordwell emphasizes that, historically, these forms were shaped in opposition to classical narrative, developed within the traditions of national cinemas, and continued under the influence of modern theater and literature. In this study, two narrative forms—artistic narrative and parametric narrative—are examined, focusing on how their narrative elements have been applied in two adaptations: Claude Chabrol’s "Ophelia" and Jean-Luc Godard’s "King Lear". The research seeks to demonstrate that in the process of non-classical adaptations, fidelity or free interpretation of the original text alone is not sufficient; rather, the type of cinematic narrative form chosen by the artist, with its specific requirements and constraints, also influences the original text.