2.1) Manipulation of Traditional Narrative Structure Pt. 1.pptx
1.
2. Related
Syllabus points
&
Past Exam
Questions
relating to
Memento.
Manipulation of narrative elements and narrative structures.
Use of techniques, codes and conventions to challenge
expectations.
Auteur figures, personal expression and aesthetics
Analyse how genre and/or style from different times influence
media works.
Analyse how an auteur’s work is influenced by changing
audiences and expectations.
Discuss the construction of narrative.
Syllabus
Exams
3. Traditional
Narrative
Structure
Traditional Hollywood films tend to follow a
fairly simplistic structure, following the point
of view from one main character whilst
adhering to a strict chronological order
throughout the film.
The story arc is often linked through cause
and effect (something happens which spurs
action, and repeat)
Example:
The Matrix
Can your table think of any other examples
of a film that would fit with a linear
narrative?
This would be the simplest
diagrammatical
explanation of a linear
narrative
5. Subversion of
a linear
narrative
There are 3 distinctive ways in which modern
film makers can subvert a linear narrative:
Multiple Plots
MultipleViewpoints
Manipulation of Structure
(non-chronological ordering)
6. Multiple Plots Within film there is usually one main narrative
driver that runs throughout the course of the
film.
To make things more interesting for the
audience sub-plots are often introduced.These
may be small or large in scope.
A sub-plot will tend to add another conflict to the story and there
may be multiple subplots.
Can you think of any films that
include multiple plot lines?
7. Multiple Plots Some films have multiple plots that carry more equal
weight in the narrative driver. For example, ‘Babel’ tells
four different stories in different countries that are
seemingly unrelated.The stories are cut up and edited
together which hints at their relationship.
(Montage: Parallel time)
Video: Narrative (Babel)
16:38 -20:00
https://online.clickview.com.au/libraries/videos/18119/babel
8. Multiple
Viewpoints
In most films the plot is driven from a single
perspective or point of view.This is fine, however
can make the storyline somewhat one
dimensional.
However some films show multiple viewpoints
which can add a level of complexity to the storyline
making it multi- dimensional.
If the audience is shown multiple perspectives, then they may
be able to relate to conflicting points of view.
As a result the audience have to be active in the process of
passing judgment. Based on their reading of the film
different audience members may side with different points of
view.
9. Narrative
Structure
Narrative structure refers to the way the story has been
sequenced (put together). Most films are sequenced
chronologically (in correct time sequence). However flashbacks
are also commonly used as a narrative driver too. Less common
are flash forwards.
Some films however manipulate the narrative structure thereby
not adhering to a chronological order.They have a non-linear
narrative.
In ‘Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind’ the order of events are
non-linear and played out in the present and then through the
memories of the protagonist in a reverse chronological order.
It is the job of the audience to piece the story together in their
mind to make meaning of it.
Video: Narrative (Eternal sunshine)
1:14:40 – 1:17:00
https://online.clickview.com.au/libraries/videos/3
259825/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind
10. Christopher
Nolan
Best known for his cerebral, often nonlinear, storytelling,
acclaimed writer-director Christopher Nolan was born on
July 30, 1970 in London, England.
Over the course of 20 years of feature filmmaking, Nolan
has gone from low-budget independent films to working
on some of the biggest blockbusters ever made.
“A lot of (narrative subversion) is being done in commercials and music
videos. I've never done them, but I think that those are forms in which
cross-cutting and parallel action are absolutely standard and accepted
as a mainstream language. Filmmakers like myself enjoy the fruits of
that experimentation and absorption by the mainstream. I think
people's capacity to absorb a fractured mise-en-scene is extraordinary
now compared to forty years ago.”
11. Memento
(2000)
Starring: Guy Pierce, Carrie-Ann Moss,Guy Pantoliano
Budget: Approx 9,000,000 USD
World Gross: Approx 40,000,000
Production Company: Newmarket Capital Group
[on Memento (2000)] The budget was about £ 3 million, which is
low for an independent film - but yes, it was a huge leap of faith.
"Memento" was clearly on a bigger scale than Following (1998) but,
at the same time, there were very strong stylistic connections.
People want to see something that shows them you can do what
you say. That's the trick.”
- Christopher Nolan
Synopsis:
A man with short-term
memory loss attempts
to track down his
wife's murderer.
Key Terminology:
Narrative: Narrative is a chain of events in cause-and-effect relationship occurring in
time and space. It is created through the interaction of the narrative elements of
setting, character, conflict and resolution.The use of media codes and conventions
contribute to the construction of the narrative.
Narrative Structure: This is the way the chain of events or cause and effect are
manipulated to form a story (e.g., multiple plots, multiple viewpoints, chronological
order).
