Lecture Notes: Organizational Structures in Films

Introduction to Film Narratives

• Concept of Nonlinearity:
  • Films like Mortal Kombat (1995) and Pirates of the Caribbean demonstrate nonlinearity in plots, resembling roller-coaster narratives akin to amusement park rides.
  • Digital age films are increasingly interactive, incorporating elements from video games.

Story vs. Plot

• Story:
  • Chronological sequence of events focusing on characters.
  • Easy to summarize.
• Plot:
  • Selective ordering of story elements to create temporal and spatial patterns.
  • Different plots can portray the same story differently, focusing on varied aspects.

Elements of Narrative Films

• Characters:
  • Central to narrative action.
  • Evolved from simple figures to complex personalities with literary realism and psychological depth.
• Character Functions:
  • Characters often fall into basic types or archetypes.
  • Serve functions like prohibition, struggle, return, and recognition.

Character Development

• Coherence and Depth:
  • Characters should be consistent and unique.
  • Coherence through values, actions, and historical context.
• Types of Changes:
  • External: Physical changes signaling internal transformations.
  • Internal: Changes in mindset or personality.
  • Progressive/Regressive: Positive growth or decline.

Narrative Structures

• Linear Chronology:
  • Events follow a straightforward timeline.
  • Examples: Little Miss Sunshine follows a linear journey.
• Nonlinear Chronology:
  • Includes flashbacks or flashforwards disrupting linear order.
  • Examples: The Godfather: Part II uses retrospective plots.

Narrative Space

• Types of Spaces:
  • Historical Locations: Anchor narratives in time.
  • Ideological Locations: Reflect social values.
  • Psychological Locations: Correlate with character emotions.
  • Symbolic Spaces: Represent abstract concepts.

Narrative Perspectives

• Types of Narration:
  • First-Person: Narration from a character's POV.
  • Third-Person (Omniscient and Restricted): External perspective, can be all-knowing or limited.
  • Reflexive/Unreliable Narration: Challenges truth or reliability of the narrative.

Film Narrative Traditions

• Classical Film Narrative:
  • Focus on individual characters and linear goals.
  • Examples: The Wizard of Oz follows a classical narrative structure.
• Alternative Film Narrative:
  • Deviates from linearity, central characters, and realism.
  • Examples: Rashomon uses multiple perspectives to question objectivity.

Conclusion

• Impact of Narratives:
  • Shape memory and history.
  • Reflect cultural and social histories.