Session 4 film narration: Film Appreciation Course
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Transcript of Session 4 film narration: Film Appreciation Course
Narration in FilmsNarration in FilmsNarration in FilmsNarration in Films
Film Principles
Bong S. Eliab
Ateneo de Davao University
Film Principles
Bong S. Eliab
Ateneo de Davao University
NarrationNarration
Plot: distribution of story information to the viewer.
At any point in a given narrative, we can ask ourselves how much we know (as viewers) in relation to the characters on screen.
This relationship can be represented as a hierarchy of knowledge and there are a few important terms we use to express these relationships.
Plot: distribution of story information to the viewer.
At any point in a given narrative, we can ask ourselves how much we know (as viewers) in relation to the characters on screen.
This relationship can be represented as a hierarchy of knowledge and there are a few important terms we use to express these relationships.
Swimming Pool
Range of NarrationRange of Narration
1. Unrestricted Narration
2. Restricted Narration
1. Unrestricted Narration
2. Restricted Narration
Francois Ozon’s Swimming Pool
Unrestricted NarrationUnrestricted Narration
When the viewer knows more than any or all of the characters.
Highly unrestricted narration is called omniscient.
When the viewer knows more than any or all of the characters.
Highly unrestricted narration is called omniscient.
Swimming Pool
Restricted NarrationRestricted Narration
When the viewer knows only as much as a single character (usually the protagonist).
Example: Malena, The Road Home
When the viewer knows only as much as a single character (usually the protagonist).
Example: Malena, The Road Home
Malena
Depth of NarrationDepth of Narration
1. Objective Narration
2. Perceptual Subjectivity Narration
3. Mental Subjectivity Narration
1. Objective Narration
2. Perceptual Subjectivity Narration
3. Mental Subjectivity Narration
Swimming Pool
Objective NarrationObjective Narration
Viewer’s knowledge is restricted to the external behavior of the characters.
Highly objective narration (in certain forms of documentary, or in the films of Jim Jarmusch, for example) is known as "fly-on-the-wall."
Viewer’s knowledge is restricted to the external behavior of the characters.
Highly objective narration (in certain forms of documentary, or in the films of Jim Jarmusch, for example) is known as "fly-on-the-wall."
Lawrence of Arabia
Perceptual Subjectivity Narration
Perceptual Subjectivity Narration
Viewer has access to the visual and aural perspective of the character through the "point-of-view (POV) shot.
Viewer has access to the visual and aural perspective of the character through the "point-of-view (POV) shot.
DreamersDirected by Bernardo Bertolucci
Mental Subjectivity NarrationMental Subjectivity Narration
The viewer is plunged into the character’s mind and consciousnessViewer has access to inner-thoughts (through voice-over narration), dreams, fantasies, visions.Use of flashback scenes
The viewer is plunged into the character’s mind and consciousnessViewer has access to inner-thoughts (through voice-over narration), dreams, fantasies, visions.Use of flashback scenes
Swimming PoolLudivine Sagnier with Director Francois Ozon
MotifMotif
Any significant, repeated in a film
Visual or aural motif
Plays significant role in the narrative or stylistic system
Any significant, repeated in a film
Visual or aural motif
Plays significant role in the narrative or stylistic system
Note the hairclip on The Road Home
MotifMotif
Common visual motif Aural motif: recurring
melody, a line of dialogue
Others: a distinctive camera movement, a prop, a lighting technique, or an abstract theme of idea
Common visual motif Aural motif: recurring
melody, a line of dialogue
Others: a distinctive camera movement, a prop, a lighting technique, or an abstract theme of idea
MotifMotif
Common visual motif Aural motif: recurring
melody, a line of dialogue
Others: a distinctive camera movement, a prop, a lighting technique, or an abstract theme of idea
Common visual motif Aural motif: recurring
melody, a line of dialogue
Others: a distinctive camera movement, a prop, a lighting technique, or an abstract theme of idea
Motif serves important functionsMotif serves important functions Unity: helps unify film by
establishing central issues and images to which the film returns again and again.
Allows viewers recall previous moments in the film when that image or idea appeared
Allows filmmaker to help audience identify narrative patterns, connections between characters, events and ideas
Unity: helps unify film by establishing central issues and images to which the film returns again and again.
Allows viewers recall previous moments in the film when that image or idea appeared
Allows filmmaker to help audience identify narrative patterns, connections between characters, events and ideas
Motif serves important functionsMotif serves important functions
Aesthetic Coherence: provides coherence to film’s visual style (its look and texture)
Suggests thematic meanings
Aesthetic Coherence: provides coherence to film’s visual style (its look and texture)
Suggests thematic meanings
Julio Medem used high key exposures (increased brightness) for Sex and Lucia