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Understanding Narrative Techniques in Film

The document discusses narrative and techniques used in filmmaking. It defines narrative as how a story is related, compared to a story being the irreducible substance of events. Common techniques employed in films to shape narrative include flashbacks, repetition, dreams, hallucinations, premonitions, and voice-overs. These techniques can be used to mislead audiences, alter understanding of events, or set up expectations that are later subverted. Examples of popular films that utilize various techniques are provided.

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mlbrooking
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17 views6 pages

Understanding Narrative Techniques in Film

The document discusses narrative and techniques used in filmmaking. It defines narrative as how a story is related, compared to a story being the irreducible substance of events. Common techniques employed in films to shape narrative include flashbacks, repetition, dreams, hallucinations, premonitions, and voice-overs. These techniques can be used to mislead audiences, alter understanding of events, or set up expectations that are later subverted. Examples of popular films that utilize various techniques are provided.

Uploaded by

mlbrooking
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

How Can

Narrative Be
Defined?
The difference between Story & Narrative:

"Story is the irreducible substance of a story (A


meets B, something happens, order returns),
while narrative is the way the story is related
(Once upon a time there was a princess...)" .

-Key Concepts in Communication - Fiske et al (1983)


Typical Narrative
Diagram
What are the
Typical Techniques
Employed By
Filmmakers in
Narrative?
Technique Effect
Flashback,Flashforward,Present The information revealed in one time
frame will alter the understanding
that the audience has of another time
frame
Example: Saving Private Ryan, Citizen
Kane

Repetition Information can be revealed by


increasing the duration of a repeated
incident or by changing the
narrative point-of-view of the
incident
Example: Memento
Dream Dreams can be used to mislead the
audience by making them believe
that some events are actually taking
place but in reality are only dreams
Example: Mulholland Drive, Jacob's
Ladder

Hallucinations Again, hallucinations can mislead


the audience and situates them with
the character in terms of their
knowledge
Example: A Beautiful Mind

Premonitions Premonitions set up expectations


about what is to occur in the
narrative, but these expectations can
be subverted
Example: Don't Look Now

Voice-over Voice-over discrepancies can create


humour or be used to show deceit
between characters.
Example: Good Fellas
Click the link below:
[Link]

Complete the activities as necessary.

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