Narrative
In this narrative segment, I will be critically assessing the narrative within my three research films and illustrating how I intend to construct the narrative meaning within my short film.
I will define and explain narrative and closely examine one of the narrative theories and illustrate how the narrative theory has influenced my piece.
A narrative is the structure of a media text; the 'story' of the text. There are four main narrative theorists; Vladimir Propp, Claude Levi-Strauss, Rolande Barthes and Tzvetan
I will define and explain narrative and closely examine one of the narrative theories and illustrate how the narrative theory has influenced my piece.
A narrative is the structure of a media text; the 'story' of the text. There are four main narrative theorists; Vladimir Propp, Claude Levi-Strauss, Rolande Barthes and Tzvetan
Typically within the genre of poetic realism, Roland Barthes' theory is prominent.
Roland Barthes was interested in the negotiated ideology and the communication between audience and institution. Barthes proposed the idea that the reader forms a brand new idea meaning when reading a text, therefore drawing on previous experiences as well as the text itself. The cultural context of consumption of the text becomes just as important as the context itself. Barthes described it as 'networks' which closely relate to current texts within multimedia. One of Barthes' main, well known codes is the 'enigma code'. The enigma code is one which establishes a mystery for the audience, which will be resolved through the narrative. Barthes developed this theory in 1974 around his theory of codes and how they all contribute to the narrative.
Roland Barthes was interested in the negotiated ideology and the communication between audience and institution. Barthes proposed the idea that the reader forms a brand new idea meaning when reading a text, therefore drawing on previous experiences as well as the text itself. The cultural context of consumption of the text becomes just as important as the context itself. Barthes described it as 'networks' which closely relate to current texts within multimedia. One of Barthes' main, well known codes is the 'enigma code'. The enigma code is one which establishes a mystery for the audience, which will be resolved through the narrative. Barthes developed this theory in 1974 around his theory of codes and how they all contribute to the narrative.
Above image of Roland Barthes
'Ivan's Childhood'
October 2012
The film, 'Ivan's Childhood' by Andrei Tarkovsky follows this particular narrative theory. It includes an enigma of the character Ivan, which like the code expresses is not revealed until the end of the film. It clearly develops a negotiated ideology between institution and audience, the narrative illustrates something of a (for then the contemporary audience) recent occurrence and thus creates a strong relationship between the audience and the narrative. There will also be more then one meaning gained from the film, dependent on the audience. This film will be depicted differently by men and women, children and adults, a contemporary and a modern audience and a national and international audience.
From the time of 1:26:26 Tarkovsky presents the reveal, as the audience discover that Ivan has been killed. Then, as the film goes into a similar scene to the opening. Through this, the audience understand that these sequences represent Ivan's memory.
'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'
November 2012
It is a cylcic narrative. Changed for the purpose of the film, the narrative was altered in editing so that the audeince would come to like the character Clementine, before the events took place. Much like 'Ivan's Childhood' by Andrei Tarkovsky, 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' by Michel Gondry follows the conventions of Barthes' narrative theory. Differing from 'Ivan's Childhood', the enigma does not follow one character, but the uncoding of events which result in the unusual relationship between the male and female protagonists.
This is supposedly the first time Joel and Clementine meet, it is only later that the audience discover, that in fact is not true. However, this is the primary moment at which the audience witness interaction between the protagonists. This extract from the film sets up the enigma.
This clip explains how Gondry takes the audience back in time to before the first clip. This is when the enigma begins to unravel and the audience begin to learn what journey the protagonists have already been on together.
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'Memory'
January 2013
Similary to the films 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and 'Ivan's Childhood', 'Memory' by Andrei Tarkovsky follows Ronald Barthes' narrative theory. The editorial, cinematic and audio styles assist in the creation of an enigma.
The first thing that provides the sense of an enigma is the soundtrack that Tarkovsky has utilised in this short film. This is then supported by the cinematography, the use of tracking shots as a way of revealing the surroundings builds up suspense. The way it has been edited together also alludes to an essence of mystery. Also, beginning with an explanation of what the setting is, being a place known as 'The Zone', is intriguing and sets up the narrative to produce a reveal. Having the entire film in a style which makes it seem like the point of view of a character, means that the audience are discovering everything along with the (potential) protagonist. This is then broken when the narration begins, revealing that these are memories and the audience are being able to see what the protagonist has previously experienced.
My Film, 'Minnie'
The intention for my own film is to, much like 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', set up an enigma from the beginning. I want to do this because I feel it will connect the audience and protagonist from the start. My aim is to follow Barthes' narrative theory, much like my three research films.