Macro FeaturesReading Film

Macro Features

• Micro features:– Camera– Editing– Lighting– Sound– Colour– Mise-en-scene

• Macro features:– Genre– Narrative– Ideologies

Work together in order to construct…

Having studied the micro features of film it is now important that we understand the ways in which these features are combined to construct greater meanings and messages for the audience.

This can be termed as the macro features of film, i.e. still a small section of film construction but a little bigger than the micro features.

Genre• The majority of audiences are aware of

genre on some level – it is one of the ways they identify their film preferences.– We started the year by exploring genre in

more detail, highlighting the specific ways in which genres can be identified and the relevant terminology that can be applied when discussing genre.

– Can you remember what we covered?

Narrative• Narrative is the way in which

stories are structured and told through media texts

• Plot is the substance of the story

• Narrative is the way that the story is told

• All media texts (fiction and non-fiction) unfold their information in a sequence

• Consider the storyboards you created last lesson – did you use a straightforward narrative or a more complex structure.

Beginning, Middle and End• The most straightforward style of narrative structures

involves a clear beginning, middle and end.• The narrative unfolds the story or information by:

• Setting the scene• Explaining how a situation was disrupted or a problem arose• Resolving the problem for the ending

• This can be called the ‘3 act structure’

Todorov• This idea can also be presented through

Todorov’s Equilibrium theory• A film begins in a state of equilibrium;

stabled, balanced and presenting the status quo

• Something then happens to cause a state of disequilibrium e.g. a problem or disruption

• By the end of the film the problem will have been resolved leaving a happy ending and a new (?) state of equilibrium

• Apply this theory to a film of your choice

Todorov’s Five Stages:Todorov went further than the 3 simple acts however, developing five key stages of the narrative:

1. Equilibrium – order is in place2. Disruption of the equilibrium by an event3. Recognition of the disruption – usually by

the main narrative agent (main character)4. Attempt to repair the damage caused5. A return to equilibrium

Can you still apply this theory to your chosen example?

Narrative Structure• If the narrative is allowed to

progress in this way, with each event leading to the next, in a cause and effect fashion we could describe it as a linear narrative.

• Alternative narrative structures can include:– Cyclical– Disrupted or Fractured– Episodic

Can you think of an example of each of these narrative structures?

Narrative cont.• Narratives can also be:

– Open – questions remain unanswered eg. a cliff-hanger, the end of the first part of a serial.

– Closed – all questions are answered, e.g. a magazine

– Single stranded – one storyline in the media text

– Multi-stranded – several storylines weaving into an overall narrative eg. Soap operas

Can you think of an example of each of these?

Classical Hollywood Narrative

• The Classical Hollywood Narrative was (and still is) a highly specific type of narrative with a particular range of cinematic expression.

• Some of the typical traits of this narrative structure are laid out on your handout.

• As we work through try to think of a clear example of each one to note down so that when you come back to your notes you are sure to understand

Enigmas• Films can also employ enigmas

as a way of telling a story.• Enigmas are mysteries or

questions that are designed to capture an audiences’ interest and make them want to find out more

• Film posters tend to use very explicit enigmas in order to spark an audience’s attention.

• Watch the following trailer, identifying any enigmas posed.We’ve Sensed It.

We’ve Seen The Signs,

Now… It’s Happening.

Vladimir Propp• In his study of folk tales Propp

discovered a number of common characteristics in the structure of narratives

• His ideas are also very useful when studying film narrative.

• He suggests that narratives frequently contain a number of character functions (types) and also a number of actions or events.

Propp’s Character Types• The Hero – A character who seeks something• The Villain – Opposes or blocks the Hero’s quest• The Donor – Provides the Hero with (magical) objects to

help his quest• The Dispatcher – Sends the Hero on his way by

delivering a message• The False Hero – Disrupts the Hero’s hope• The Helper – Aids the Hero• The Princess – A reward for the Hero and object of the

Villain’s plot• The Father – Rewards the Hero’s efforts

• Pick a film of your choice and see how many of these character types you can find.

Propp’s Actions or Events1. Preparation – The Hero begins his quest2. Complication – Hero experiences obstacles3. Transference – Hero has to move from one

place to another4. Struggle – Hero encounters the Villain and

eventually defeats him5. Return – The Hero comes home6. Recognition – The Hero is rewarded for his

efforts

Do these actions mean you can still apply this theory to your chosen example?

ActivityUse the storyboards you created last lesson and identify what elements of narrative theory you incorporated.

Can you rearrange your images within the storyboard to create an alternative narrative structure?

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