Narrative Post Mock Workshop

Narrative

"Refers to the development of a ’story’, the roles and relationships of the characters within it, the situations and dilemmas they confront and the methods utilised for problem-solving within narratives."

1. Knowledge & understanding of MACRO Narrative = (analysis of the storytelling for some deeper meaning)

2. Application of Narrative & Genre to the chosen films demonstrating insight & depth = (analysis of meaning using storytelling) 

3. Offers a range of examples from the films chosen for response, demonstrating technical knowledge and understanding, with ability to link examples to the set question

Checklist

- 3 Act Structure - If it follows 3 act structure then it must have equilibrium and disruption – so analyse this, how does this motivate the heroes journey and reward – what is their reward – analysis of meaning (ie redemption?) V IS the disruption? Evey is the resolution? What is the equilibrium and why establish this as 'normal' – how does this focus our attention on the themes of the film?

- Cause/Effect – analysis of this relationship, if this is all V plan then all characters are being manipulated by him. Is this the typical hero? Why does Evey act? Why does V want revenge and how come he has superpowers

- Character driven/motivation - Theo decides to act for what reason – is he moving the plot forward or do things just happen to him? V is psychologically damaged as is Evey who he tortures. Is this typical for a hero?  

- Opposition & Conflict - clearly defined by the protagonist & antagonist. Is this the case with V - are the boundaries between who is the antagonist clear, V is manipulating everyone? Who is the antagonist in Children of Men.

- Positive Resolution & Closure – how are our protagonists rewarded for their journey? Is there a sense of closure and are we comfortable with this or is it open ended – what do you read into this and why have they left it like this? Any loose ends not tied up you are not satisfied with – what about the uprising and the state of England? What about the future of humanity? The public have been manipulate by the Norsefire party and now by V. Are they not just as sheeplike? Why does the army not open fire?

- Hybrid genres - mix together the boundaries of what type of film it is. Need sci-fi elements to establish it is set in the near fiture as technology and a bleak future 'seem' to be where we are headed

An answer – how do they relate to these concepts are they successful, why do they/don't they tell the story using CHN for what purpose?

How is the film telling the story to draw attention to its messages or themes – is it using the CHN to do this or not & why?

Are they actually very good at storytelling and why? Do the characters seem 2 dimensional and their attempts to resolve the problems overly far fetched?

How does the purpose compare for each film,

Justify = give reasons for your argument select from a

• TO WHAT EXTENT DO THEY CONFORM (OR NOT) IN COMPARISON and
• WHY DO THESE CONFORM OR NOT?
• HOW SUCCESSFUL (TELLING THE STORY INTERESTINGLY, to communicate a message, to entertain)?
• Non-Linear Narrative = Post-modern
• Flawed characters – not heroes – more realistic, more conflicted/complex = Post-modern
• Negative Resolution = Post-modern
• Is there a clear protagonist & antagonist – isn't V the terrorist? Who is the conflict between in CoM and how does this link to themes?
  HOW SUCCESSFUL (TELLING CLEAR STORY & AUDIENCE ENJOYMENT)?
• CLUNKY overly complex NARRATIVE?)
• Is V too DENSE in the scene with the old man?
• TOO PREDICTABLE?
• REALISTIC PACING of events or too slow? trying to focus on the themes, meaning/messages?
• V for Vendetta was adapted from a 3 part (episodic) comic book had to translate this way of storytelling to a film 
• TRYING TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT, unpredictable
• GENRE – THRILLER: SOPHISTICATED AUDIENCE = COMPLEX MYSTERY & SUSPENSE
• Storytelling techniques used to highlight create stronger sense of realism to focus on the messages = its a WARNING this is happening/will happen soon/could happen
• Storytelling is typically 'mainstream' to reach a wider audience with it Messages and Themes of Dystopia to stand out/draw attention to

What is your conclusion & what key examples from the film is this coming from?

 

Analysis + Thesis Statement + Argument in the form of an answer (with list of your points)