"consider story worlds as so much more than a backdrop against which action can take place"

This is a very interesting area and idea. The fact that the story world is treated as its own individual character, it is used as another means of communication with the audience all be in a much subtler one. The story world works by taking our own preconceptions and using them to further the style and image of the narrative. This is clear in many films, for example Ridley Scotts opening scene from gladiator. Set in a dark and gloomy forest filled with angry barbarians, this image is used to set the 'tone' for the rest of the film, for the images and ideas that the forest creates, such as brutality, violence and anger are the main events throughout the rest of the film.

This simple yet effective idea has then given the audience a whole over view and tone to the movie within the first few minutes, instantly grabbing them and causing them to subconsciously interact withe story.