Media Studies: Narrative

What is a narrative? Narrative is simply the “story” of a film, book, tv programme, song, etc. There are a number of ways to tell any story, and this affects the way the audience will understand it.

Why study narrative? By studying the narrative of a film we can make judgements about what the makers intended (i.e. how they wanted to tell the story and why) It then helps us to understand who the target audience are… And allows us to analyse what they will get out of the film, and why.

Narrative Style First person: where the story is told from a particular person’s point of view Third person: the story may follow a main character, but isn’t restricted to his/her perspective

What style of narrative? Think about the following films. Are they told using a first person or a third person narrative? Psycho Signs Shrek The Shawshank Redemption Austin Powers Gladiator Dodgeball Happy Gilmore The Blair Witch Project

Narrative Structure Usually, stories are told from start to finish and have a simple sequence of events. This is called a chronological narrative. However, stories might use flashbacks, or time may be used more imaginatively (Pulp Fiction, Babel, etc.) This is called a non-chronological narrative.

Advantages and Disadvantages When making a film, the producers have to decide which narrative style and structure is appropriate for their target audience. What are the benefits of using a first person narrative style? Why might a third person narrative be better? Similarly, why might producers choose a chronological narrative structure over a non- chronological one?

Complications!! Most films are told using a third person, restricted style. They will mainly focus on one character, but may also show what is happening elsewhere. But…sometimes we will see what a character sees (a point of view shot) Or, a film may begin with a first person narrator then rarely use it again in the rest of the movie. These techniques can complicate things!

Analysing the Narrative Structure: Todorov’s Theory Most films (and stories) follow the same pattern -There is normality at the start. Characters follow their usual routines in their usual environment. This can be described as normality (or equilibrium) -A problem causes characters to leave their normal routine. This is called a “disruption”.

Analysing the Narrative Structure: Todorov’s Theory As the story progresses, there is uncertainty about whether the characters will be able to solve their problems. This is known as an enigma. In the end, the problem tends to be solved and people go back to lives, although they may be changed by their experiences. This is the return to normality, or altered equilibrium. This is a conventional narrative structure.

Think about films that you have seen recently. Do they follow this pattern? >normality >disruption >enigma >return to normality

Analysing Narrative Conventions: Propp’s Theory Another way of analysing the narrative is to consider character types that always seem to appear. In most films we have certain “stock” characters that interact in a particular way. Hero, villain, donor, despatcher, ‘princess’, etc. The hero character will often embark on a kind of quest.

Propp’s theory comes from his study of traditional folk tales and fairytales. However, does this theory make sense when you apply it to films?

Analysing Narrative Conventions: Levi-Strauss’ Theory A further method of analysing narrative is to consider oppositions. In order to create a story, there must some kind of conflict which creates tension. These conflicts can be simple ones between characters, but in a wider sense they can be oppositions of ideas. Peace/War, Good/Evil, Crime/Justice, East/West, Freedom/Control, Science/Religion. When creating a story, writers will often choose, people, places and events which highlight these oppositions.

Again, can you apply this to a film you know well? Consider the conflicts which occur between characters. In what ways are they opposites? In a wider sense, what issues or ideas are at the heart of the conflict?

Analysing the Narrative Codes: Barthes Theory One final way of analysing narrative is to see the story as a series of codes. In any film (or story), the makers will provide a series of clues for the audience to follow. These can be clues about what is immediately about to happen (action codes): for example, a shot of someone reaching for a gun tells us that someone will be shot soon! More importantly though, there will be clues about what is going to happen later on in the story (narrative codes): there may be a close up of an important object, or a character may reveal a piece of information which may be important later.