Narrative theory

Todorov's equilibrium:
Linear narrative- A narrative which includes a beginning, a middle and an end. It follows the structure of past to present to future.
Nonlinear narrative- A narrative that does not always start at the beginning. Usually these type of films jump around the timeline in which events in the story happen.

Narrative theory- Todorovs equilibrium 

   

However, sometimes horror films use a technique called reverse chronology. This means that the plot is revealed backwards to it normal sequence. This means that the first scene is the end of the narrative.


Barthes' theory of narrative:
Text's need to be unravelled and because of this can have several meanings.
Barthes' theory also states that narratives can be open and closed. Open narratives can be unravelled to have several meanings which are not explicity shown, where as closed narratives show the one ending and there is no other alternative.
Enigma code-  A question which is proposed to the audience at the start of the text and is later answered. These questions allow the audience to be more intrigued in the film.


Bordwell and Thompson:
Narrative consists of chain of events in a cause relationship. (Every effect in a film has a cause).

Genre theory

Barry Keith Grant's theory- Suggests that sub genres are used as more specific categories and allow audiences to identify and recognise them.

Steve Neal- Genres are instances of repetition and differences.

'Saturday' textual analysis- genre

Conventions of a short film

Introduction to the A2 media course

Welcome to this A2 media blog by Callum Ison. On this blog I will post research into short films of various genres, as well as the progress in planning and production of my short film. The short film brief is create a short film from any genre (lasting around 5 minutes), a film review and a film poster to be paired with the short film.