Preparing For Media Exams

Are these Action Adventure films? : Why is this NOT Action Adventure?

BY THE END OF THE LESSON: Everyone will: Understand how narratives are structured in Action Adventure films. Most people should: Identify the narrative structure of well known Action Adventure films Some People Could: Use narrative structure to plan their own Action Adventure film

Narrative and Story A Story is the ALL events surrounding a group of characters in a place at a certain time. A NARRATIVE is the selected way of telling that story. What you leave in What you leave out You have read/seen many narratives about this castle and it’s characters at certain times of the year. But what parts of the story are never included? Eg. Does anyone ever: Have a shower? Have their haircut? Wash up?

Action Adventure Narrative Structure Just like Comics or Sitcoms, Action Adventure Films can be described using Todorov’s narrative theory: Equilibrium Setting is established, key characters are introduced and the storyline is set up. 2. Disruption Oppositional characters appear and the story takes a particular direction. 3. Recognition The lives of the characters and events are interwoven. Tension builds through this long section. 4. Repair The highest point of tension, the climax of the film. 5. New Equilibrium Matters are sorted out, problems solved and questions answered.

Narrative Structure Example: Harry Potter 1 Equilibrium Harry is living with his Aunt and Uncle and a cousin in a house in England 2. Disruption Harry finds out he is a wizard and heads to Hogwarts on the train, meeting friends and making a few enemies. 3. Recognition The school year unfolds and Harry discovers he is good at flying, has fights with Malfoy. He and his friends discover something is hidden in Hogwarts and becomes involved with a quest to protect it and go through different action packed adventures to do so. He learns about Voldemort and his parents. 4. Repair Harry solves problems with his friends and has a showdown with Voldemort. 5. New Equilibrium Voldemort is defeated, prizes are given out and Harry returns home to his Aunt and Uncle’s.

Recognition of disruption Equilibrium Simba is born and all is well on the African plains. Disruption Simba’s father is killed by his brother, Scar. Recognition of disruption Scar blames Simba for the death of his father and he goes off to live in the wilderness. Attempt to repair Simba realises that Scar killed his father in order to become the King. Reinstatement Simba defeats Scar in battle and is reinstated as the heir to the throne.

Task A: Identify A Narrative Structure Working in a group of 3 think about an Action Adventure film you have seen. Map out its narrative using the boxes below. Equilibrium 2. Disruption 3. Recognition 4. Repair 5. New Equilibrium

Task B: Write your own Narrative Choose a few of the images below and come up with a narrative structure for a NEW action adventure film. Make sure it includes: All five narrative steps A Protagonist A Title

Task 2: Write Your Own Narrative Name of Film: Protagonist’s Description: Equilibrium 2. Disruption 3. Recognition 4. Repair 5. New Equilibrium