Narrative structure, style & theory

Jordan Laurel Katelyn

Consideration of narrative structure

Structure

Non-linear

Most psychological films are non linear due to the use of flashbacks. We plan to use flashbacks within our opening sequence to make the audience feel connected with the characters as this is what we found out when doing our questionnaire that they liked. For e.g there will be flashbacks to when the villain seeks out their victims.

Consideration of narrative styleStyle

1) Unrestricted? OR Restricted?2) Subject character identification OR Object character

identification?1) It restrictive as we want to create an enigma for the

audience so they want to watch the rest of the film to find out what is going on. For e.g the villain’s identity is never fully shown.

2) The audience is given objective character identification meaning they see the characters thoughts and memories. This is to make the audience feel close to the characters.

Jordan

Katelyn

Consideration of narrative theory

Theory

Todorov: Yes Propp: PartialBarthes: PartialCameron: PartialTodorov: The opening sequence will start with disequilibrium, this is usual for psychological film, as they usually do not go in a linear fashion. There will be flashbacks to the equilibrium, however the opening sequence will be set in the disequilibrium.Propp: Within our opening sequence their will be a villian.Barthes: The enigma code is present as we want the audience to wonder what the villain is doing and why he does it?Cameron: Split, forking and episodic narrative are not used. However anachronic is, as flashbacks will be seen within the opening sequence.

Conventions Convention Use Develop Challenge Inspiration/similarity from a real film? How?

1) (plot) involves characters past

x

Hunger games, as the flashbacks show the main characters past which inspired us to do something similar.

2)-(narrative) plays on time, not in a linear order

xMemento inspired us to try and use a non linear narrative to create a psychological feel to the film.

3)-(lighting) mysterious and tense

x Hard Candy, as the lighting is blue and sterile which creates tension within the film. This inspired us to use tense and murky lighting.

4)-(CAMSAMC)- close ups and mid shots

xPanic Room uses a lot of close ups of facial expressions to show how the character is feeling.

5)-(MES) wild body gestures x

Within the film Panic Room the girl has a seizure which inspired us to use wild body gestures to show psychological problems.

6)-(music) builds tension to create shock within the audience

x

Se7en uses tense music which was parallel to the pace of the editing, which builds up tension and intrigues and shocks the audience. This inspired us to used tense music.

7)-(locations) a familiar place

x

Texas Chainsaw has a scene where the characters are in a fun fair at a park which is unusual as its open and public, so we decided to film in a park for one of our scenes.