Narrative Theories

Narrative is the order, structure and duration of event's in which a story is told.

Theories

Tzvetan Torodov

Equilibrium -> Disequilibrium -> New Equilibrium

Start = Harmony/ social order/ stability

Next = Disruption/ disharmony/ chaos

Finally = Restoration or harmony by hero

Roland Barthess

Enigma code – a narrative device that engages the audience by presenting a puzzle

Action code – events that solve the enigma

Cultural - a device which the audience can recognise as being part of a culture.

Symbolic - a connotation the deeper, complex meaning behind an object or someone. Association secondary meanings.

Semic – a denotation the way in which the characters, setting, actions and events take place on meaning

Binary Opposition

The theory, that the text constructs meaning through the use of opposites.

E.g.

Good VS Bad

Hero VS Villain

Rich VS Poor

Note's on Genre

The different types of Genre's

There is three different types of genre, they are:

Major Genre

-        Obvious

-        Easy to define

-        Dominant

-        Important category

Examples of major genres

-        Thriller

-        Comedy

-        Romance

-        Horror

-        Sci-fi

-        Western

Subgenre

-        Minor category/ sub vision

Examples of Subgenre’s

-        Crime

-        Medical

-        Political

-        Religious

-        Mystery

Hybrid genre/ generic hybrid

-        combination of major genre

Examples of Subgenres

-        Romance/ Comedy

-        Western/ horror

Concept

-        Audience

-        Analyse

-        Identity

-        Mainstream

-        Storyline

-        Target

-        Sell

-        Formula which works

-        Advertisers

-        Expect

-        Historical

-        Stars

ISL Work Week 3

The Bourne Identity

This still image is An extreme long shot (ELS) this is helping to give more of a clearer picture of what is going on, it is showing us where the boat is and the weather. The camera is also angled at eye-level, giving it a realistic look as it is the angle we are all used to. The image obviously shows that it’s a boat, out at sea on a night with bad weather conditions. From this image I get the impression, that the boat is a working boat, possibly fishing as there seems to be crates on the boat. The lighting is dim in this shot, this is to show that it is set at night time with bad weather.

This is a Mid Shot(MS) this still gives a clear picture of what is going on. The camera angle is a high angle. This shot is actually in the boat, at this point the camera is swaying to add effect that they are clearly on a ship. The men are playing a card game, involving money so they were gambling. This is increasing my impression of the ship being a working ship, as these guys seem to be possible workers on the ship, entertaining themselves whilst on a break or after work. The lighting in this is almost like a spot light on the table, drawing attention to the middle of the room, rather than what is going on outside of the table.

This is a medium close up (MCU), this shot gets the emotion from the face but the emotion would be made more clear if it was a close up (CU). The camera is at an eye-level angle making it more realistic and not putting any level of power on the character as a high or low angle shot would. The expression on his face is showing that perhaps he is winning the card game. The lighting is same as the previous shot, its focusing on the man rather than the surroundings. The surroundings also seem to be less in focus, drawing more attention to the guy.

This is also a medium close up (MCU), showing us his face expression. The shot is more realistic again due to the eye-level angle.  This image is still showing on the ship but due to the big, waterproof jacket and the bucket in his hands gives me more of the impression it’s a working ship. The raincoat links to the first shot, showing us at the same time/place due to the weather. The lighting was dim, but lightening effects have been added, informing us it is a storm.

This is a long shot(LS) so it is clearly shown what is going on and where. We can see that there is a body floating about in the sea. The angle is eye-level once again for realistic views. The shot is showing the sea again, but instead of the boat a figure is floating in the sea. The waves are increasing the storm image, by making the sea look rough. When the camera moves to this shot and flash of lightening is used to create worry, tension and panic. It is labelling that whatever has happened is not good.

ISL Work Week 2

Glossary

Transitions- The way two shots are joined together to keep pace in the film.

Dissolve- One shot fades into another. This can indicate time passing or movement from one loacation to another.

Fade to black/white- One shot fades in or out to our from black or white. To create flashbacks or time passing.

Fade in/out- A shot faded out/in to a black screen. Can show chaos, progression or time or even peaceful.

Cross-Cutting- Action cuts between two sequences to create links, parrallels or contrasts between the two storylines and their settings. Its used to create tension.

Wipe- A line moves across the screen, from one shot to another.

Jump Cut- An abrupt cut between shots. Creates a dramatic effect.

Visual Effects- Ranges from using black and white to computer generated images.

Diegetic Sound- Heard on and recorded from the location of the film, e.g. speech.

Non-diegetic Sound- The sound is added when being edited, e.g. sound effects.

Montage- Allowing the audience to make meaning from the sequencing of images. Used to show passing of time and progression of a character of relationship.

Shot Reverse Shot- Edits together two shots from two different camera positions to give the impression of a conversation.

Match on Action- When shots are edited together to shot how actions progress through time.

ISL Work Week 1

Glossary

Extreme Long Shot(ELS) – This shot is normally used as an “establishing” shot, meaning the first shot of a new scene. It also helps show the scale of the action. It displays the subjects surroundings.

Long Shot(LS) – The subject normally takes up the whole frame, from head to toe. IT can also be used to show a character in its environment.

Mid Shot(MS) – This shot shows the upper body, from hiops up. Almost as if you are having a conversation. This shot works best perhaps for giving information e.g. news presenting. The shot still leaves room for hand gestures or movement.

Medium Close Up(MCU) – This is half way between a mid shot and a close up. This shows the face more clearly without getting uncomfortably close.

Close Up(CU) – Usually consists of a close up of the face. It helps to establish detail and emotion, sharing their feelings with the viewer.

Extreme Close Up(ECU)  - This is similar to the close up, in the way it shows detail and emotion. This shot is usually used in dramatic, tense scenes.

Cut Away(CA) – Normally used to “buffer” between shots. It can add interest/information. Or just to simply help the editing process.

Two Shot – To establish the relationship between two people.. The shot indicates they will provide equal input.

Over the Shoulder Shot – This is shot is framed from behind a person looking at the subject, but still being about 1/3 in the frame. This is commonly used during conversation.

Noddy Shot – Normally used in interviews. This is a shot of a person reacting to what the subject is saying, perhaps by nodding.

Point of View Shot(POV) – This is showing the subjects perspective. It is normally edited so you know who’s (POV) it is. For example, a wide shot is used, followed by a point of view shot, then an over the shoulder, finishing with another point of view shot.

Low Angle Shot – The shot is taken from below, looking up at the subject, Giving a sense of power, leaving the viewer helpless.

High Angle Shot – The shot is taken from above, looking down at the subject. Giving a sense of lack of power, leaving the viewer feeling powerful.

Pan – The camera moves on a tripod from left to right, following the subject. Giving a sense of action or speed.

Tracking Shot – The camera moves on a dolly so the camera can follow the subject. This is normally used for action shots, such as car chases.

Tilt – The camera vertically pans, up and down. This can give a sense of size and height.

Canted/Dutch Angle Shot – The camera position is not straight towards the subject. This gives a sense of chaos.

Zoom In/Out – The camera either zooms in or out on a key detail. It highlights significant objects to the audience.

Steadicam/Handheld – The camera follows the action. Giving the viewer a sense of realism.

Crane Shot – The crane can track, pan and tilt. The camera takes a shot from above, giving a sense of size.

Aerial Shot – The camera is positioned in a plane. Gives a sense of location, scale and size.

Composition – Where objects are placed/arranged in a shot.

Rule of Thirds – A grid over the top is placed over the top. Points of interest occur where the lines cross.

The Golden Mean – Imagine a diagonal line over the shot. Points of interest occur along the line.

Framing – What you choose to include in the shot and what you choose to leave out. Leaving something’s out create tension as the object may be important.