Task 3 - Narrative Structures

TASK 3 – Narrative Structure

I have researched into various types of narrative structures within video production, here are the types of structures, their definition and examples of where they have been used:

 

Linear (sequential) Narrative:

A linear narrative is where the video productions story basically goes in a straight line, step by step. The story runs smoothly from beginning, middle to end with no flash back, flash forwards or broken up in any way.

Examples of video productions that use linear (sequential) narrative are used in soap operas such as Eastenders and Coronation Street. However they do sometimes use a non-linear ( non-sequential narrative). This structure keeps the video production easy to follow, and add new story lines.

Examples of films that have used this narrative structure are:

 Toy Story,

 Of Mice and Men.

 

 

Non-linear (Non-sequential) Narrative

A non-linear narrative also known as a disrupted or disjointed narrative is where the video production does not follow the normal order of start – middle – end. It can use flash backs or flash forwards to fill in parts of the story. This technique can help keep the viewer engaged however it can also become quite confusing.

Examples of film productions which have used this narrative are:

Hangover

The grudge

Watchmen

 

 

Flashback

Flashbacks are scenes that have happened in the past, Flashbacks can be used to break up a linear narrative to make it a non-linear narrative, interjecting scenes to reveal hidden parts of the story. Flash backs can also be used to make sense of a non-linear narrative that starts at the end of the story and the flash backs are used to fill in the beginning and middle.

Examples of video productions that have used flashbacks are:

Friends

The Butterfly Effect

Silence Of The Lambs.

 

 

 

 

 

Realist Narrative

 

A realist narrative is a story based on believable / real life stories; this makes the viewer more able to relate to the characters. Soaps such as Eastenders and Emmerdale often use realist narrative to connect their production to the audience making them more popular.

 

Anti-Realist Narrative

An anti – realist narrative is a totally fiction based production, it would never happen in real life, and is out of the ordinary.

Video productions that have used anti-realist narrative are:

Jurassic park

Total recall (original version)

Star wars

 

 

 

Open Narrative

An open narrative is where there is no ending; the story is left wide open to keep the view guessing and wanting more. It is used in TV shows to create great cliff hangers making the viewer wanting to watch the next episode. It is also used in films and provides the opportunity for a sequel to be made.

Video productions that use open narrative are:

Eastenders

Holly oaks

Planet of the apes (1967)

Jurassic park

The walking dead

 

 

Closed Narrative

A closed narrative is pretty much the opposite of open. It leaves no questions at the end of the film; it has a beginning – middle – and a definitive end, leaving everything explained.

Examples of productions that used a closed narrative:

Of mice and men

Titanic