1. Story Elements – Opening and Closing Sequences
Unit 3 & 4 Media 2015

2. The Opening Sequence
The opening sequence of the film is when all of the narrative possibilities are established.
The opening sequence concludes when the disruption is introduced.
This disruption can be many things, but it is generally agreed that whatever element starts the disruption should also finish it in the film’s resolution.
With that in mind, have a quick think about what the disruptions would be in Predestination and Scott Pilgrim.
* Words in bold are good Media terminology words you should try and include in your responses.

3. The Disruptions
So we could probably all agree that the disruptions for our Narrative films are as follows:
Predestination – The Fizzle Bomber
Scott Pilgrim – Ramona Flowers

4. The Disruptions
Disruptions can be more generic than that too. You could argue that “love” is the disruption for Scott Pilgrim and Ramona Flowers is the catalyst of that, which would be correct too. Both love and Ramona Flowers are the disruption that concludes the opening sequence AND the closing sequence.
Likewise, for Predestination, you could rightfully argue that the disruption for both the opening and closing sequences is a confrontation with the Fizzle Bomber, rather than the Fizzle Bomber himself. Both are right, just be consistent when you write about them.

5. Narrative Possibilities
Once the narrative has been established, a set of narrative possibilities have been created: directions in which the story could go.
“Narrative possibilities” is a key term you should use in your answers in the exam.
Even if you’re not specifically being asked about the opening and closing sequence, there are many opportunities for you to use it and increase the amount of Media terminology you’re incorporating into your answers.
Phrases could include: “The narrative possibilities of Predestination are established in the opening sequence when the disruption of the film, The Fizzle Bomber, is introduced.”

6. Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing involves the early introduction of an element that appears unimportant at the time but takes on much greater significance later.
Foreshadowing discreetly hints at the likely direction of the story, so when it develops, the audience has already been cued to accept it.
What key examples of foreshadowing exist in the opening sequence of Scott Pilgrim vs the World and Predestination?

7. Foreshadowing Scott Pilgrim vs the World
Scott and Knives walk through a big X (the symbolic use of the letter X and numbers throughout Scott Pilgrim is used extensively and could be used when discussing mise-en-scene.)
Predestination
The “Ladies” sign next to The Barkeep’s head in the New York bar. (the “Ladies” sign, the zippo lighter and Jane’s glasses are all used symbolically throughout Predestination and could be used when discussing mise-en-scene.)

8. Mise-en-scene
Maybe a little off topic, but the symbolic use of items and shots, as stated on the previous slide could be discussed when referring to mise-en-scene.
There are always questions in the exam where you need to discuss both a production and story element working together in some way.
Combining mise-en-scene and the Opening, Development and Resolution of the film, or Cause and Effect, in this way and discussing how the framing of a shot shows an item to foreshadow future narrative possibilities and symbolically represents what is to come could be a good way to go.
A really good, more sophisticated media term to use instead of “framing of the shot” is visual composition.

9. Development of the Narrative
Narratives have only a few genuine high points: the initial disturbance, the second act turning point and the final climax.
Take a moment to discuss and write down what you feel the disturbance, second act turning point and final climax is in Scott Pilgrim and Predestination.

10. High Points
A climax is a high point in the drama. Whilst there are only three genuine high points, usually, there are also minor high points, or secondary climaxes.
These are the twists and turns that appear to change the fortunes of the characters, or obstacles that must be overcome.
Secondary climaxes help build towards the the final climax of the film.
This is called the rising tension of the narrative.

11. Resolution
The resolution is not merely an ending. It must close off every narrative possibility in the film. It must tie off loose ends.
There must be a sufficient sense of completion to meet audience expectations.
Just before the final climax, the main characters must have their backs to the wall. The most unfavourable possibility of all looks likely.
The ultimate choice is made in the final climax.

12. Resolution
What is the unfavourable result that looks likely in Scott Pilgrim and Predestination?
What is the ultimate choice made in Scott Pilgrim and Predestination?

13. Denouement
The denouement is the final stage of the film where all the loose ends are tied up and the final secrets are revealed.
The denouement comes just after the climax and just before the credits.
What would you say is the denouement in Scott Pilgrim and Predestination?

14. Questions about Opening and Closing
A screenwriter or screenwriters make careful choices about how to structure the plot of a narrative text so that the story unfolds in a way that most effectively engages the audience. Using one of the narrative texts you’ve studied. In your answer you should consider some of the following; state of equilibrium; disequilibrium; possible return to equilibrium; linear/ity; non-linear; complication; cues and triggers; voiceover, flashbacks and flash forward; shifts in time or time elapsing; ellipsis in time; use of multiple storylines; connecting closing sequences to opening sequences; story or character trajectory; use of space and time; rhythm of the action; motifs; leaving things unresolved; signposting and foreshadowing; thematic exploration and commentary; processes of cause and effect and narrative progression. (10 marks)

15. Questions about Opening and Closing
Opening credit sequences are often a way to engage audiences in the genre and themes of a narrative, while closing credit sequences may leave them with a certain mood.
Compare the ways in which the production elements used in the opening and/or closing credit sequences of both the narratives you’ve studied work to establish themes and genre/s, engage audiences or resonate with them. (8 marks)

16. Questions about Opening and Closing
Scenes of resolution / denouement / epilogue may or may not; tie together story ends; connect back to the opening scenes in some way; resolve the plot; resolve complications for a character or characters; make a final comment on themes; or provoke more questions and leave audiences in a certain mood or mind frame. Sometimes a narrative’s resolution may leave the audience with a feeling of catharsis, whereas at others it could leave them with remaining tensions, and even space for a sequel.
Discuss how the closing scenes work in each of the narrative texts you’ve studied. You must refer to at least 2 production elements and one story element in your discussion. (10 marks)