View
218
Download
0
Category
Tags:
Preview:
Citation preview
Applying Narrative Theory to Coursework
Katie Langdon-Shreeve
A Clip from My Coursework
Synopsis of Coursework
Our coursework aim was to create an original two-minute film opening. My film is a drama that follows the life and struggles of a teenage boy, as he realizes his dream and tries to break free of his father’s controlling grasp. The opening two minutes shows the end of the story: his suicide.
Narrative
The narrative of my film is a non-linear structure, showing the end of the story at the beginning of the film, with the rest of the film showing the events that lead up to the conclusion of the plot- his death.
It has a circular structure, although the end of the story is shown at the beginning
Technique of Propp• Hero/Protagonist: Jonathan- the main character, and the only character seen in my
film opening.• Villain/Antagonist: Jonathan’s father- not seen or heard in the film opening, but
referenced to. It is soon clear he is the one against our hero in this story.• Princess/Helper: Lauren – Jonathan’s main support in following his dream, who
eventually becomes a love interest• Father/dispatcher: owner of the piano bar- who discovers Jonathan’s talent and
persuades him to pursue it.• False Hero- Jonathan’s mother, who claims to be on Jonathan’s side, but lets the
father rule his life anyway.
Todorov• Equilibrium- Jonathan is living his life normally, under pressure from
his father.• Disruption- he begins to work in a piano bar, where the owner
recognizes his talent- he meets a new group of friends who give him support and a freedom away from his family .
• Conflict- his friends and new mentor (the owner) persuade him to stand up to his father and to live his own life- not follow in his father’s footsteps.
• Resolution- his father refuses and decides to send him off to an army camp, so Jonathan finds no way out but suicide (the resolution is shown at the beginning of the film; the rest of the film shows the events leading up to his suicide).
• New Equilibrium- the friends and family have to live without Jonathan.
Barthes
• Action Code: Jonathan’s suicide.• Enigma Code: why he committed suicide.• Symbolic Code: Jonathan putting his
earphones in to listen to his music-the most important thing in his life-before his death.
Levi-Strauss
Here are some examples of binary opposites featured in my film:
Rebellion vs Conformity
Good vs Evil
Ignorance vs Wisdom
Young vs Old
Entrapment vs Freedom
Life and Death
Recommended