Todorov's Narrative Theory

What is a narrative?
The narrative is simply the storyline of the film.

There are two types of narrative structure:

Linear- This is when the story is in chronological order. It has the beginning, middle and end. It also follows the timeline: Past, present and future.

Non-linear- The story does not always start at the beginning. It usually jumps around the timeline of events. This also links in with reverse chronology. It is when the plot is revealed in reverse order.

Todorov's Equlibrium Theory:
Todorov's Equilibrium Theory is that all films follow the same order and is in a structure split into three parts.

Beginning  ---> Middle  ---> End
Equilbrium established, Disruption/disequilibrium, and then equilibrium re-established.

Most short films fall into either category of linear or non-linear although linear is more common.

Intro to Genre Theory

I have watched several short films over the past few days. During this, I have noticed re-occurring conventions and features in similar genres which make up the macro elements.

This is supported by Steve Neale's theory in genre:

"Genres are instances of repetition and differences."

In other words, each genre has certain elements which are similar but they can vary. This is evident in most short films I watched. For example, the short films with the horror genre, "2am The Smiling Man" and "Lights Out" have the same conventions. I.e they both have one protagonist.

Another genre theory is by Barry Keith Grant who suggested that sub genres are used as more specific categories and allows audience to identify and recognise them by using familiar and what become recognisable characters.

This explains the idea that audiences are able to identify the genre by the familiar elements they see in the film.



Textual Analysis: Rear view

Codes and Conventions of a Short Film

I have looked at the codes and conventions of a short film to give me a better understanding of what a short film should look like.

Key Terms for Analysis of Short Films

For my textual analysis on short films, I will need to consider the mirco elements and how they make the macro elements. For my AS level, I only focused on the micro elements. For this year, I will need to know how I can apply the marco elements to short films.

Mircro elements are:

• Mise-en-scene
• Editing
• Camera angles and movement
• Sound

Macro Elements are:

• Genre
• Narrative
• Audience
• Representation

Welcome to my Blog

Welcome to my blog! My name is Chelsea Man and I am currently taking A2 media studies.Over the next coming months, I will be documenting my progress on to this blog. The main task is to produce a short film of any genre which will be around 5 minutes long. Other requirements is to create a film poster and magazine review for the short film.

To prepare for my coursework, I will be researching and analysing short films of various genres. During the following months, I will also extend and develop my skills on using professional software. All my coursework will be recorded here.