3 Flashcards
the order in which events are portrayed corresponds to the order in which they occur.
Linear or Chronically Structure:
introduces the characters, shows some of their interrelationships, and places them within a believable time and place
exposition
a conflict begins and grows in clarity, intensity, and importance. Because dramatic tension and suspense are created and maintain, this is usually the longest section
Complication
When the complication has reached its point of maximum tension, the two forces in opposition confront each other at a high point of physical or emotional
Climax
At the climax, the conflict is resolved and there follows a brief period of calm, the —–, in which a state of relative equilibrium returns
Denouement
a Latin phrase meaning “in the middle of things”
Medias Res
A story that begins in medias res (a Latin phrase meaning “in the middle of things”) opens with an exciting incident that actually happens after the complication has developed
Nonlinear
sequences that go back in time to provide expository material
flashbacks
a filmed sequence that jumps from the present into the future
Flash Forward
It is the element that really captures our interest, heightens the intensity of our experience, quickens our pulses, and challenges our minds
Conflict
may consist of a personal and individual struggle between the central character and another character
External Conflict
centers on an interior, psychological conflict within the central character
Internal Conflict
contrasting characters whose behaviors, attitudes, opinions, lifestyle, physical appearance, and so on are the opposite of those of the main characters
Foils
minor characters whose actions are completely predictable or typical of their job or profession (such as a bartender in a western). They are in the film simply because the situation demands their presence. They serve as a natural part of the setting, much as stage properties like a lamp or a chair might function in a play
Stock Characters
Characters fit into preconceived patterns of behavior common to or representative of a large number of people, at least a large number of fictional people
Stereotypes
characters are deeply affected by the action of the plot (internal, external, or both) and undergo some important change in personality, attitude, or outlook on life as a result of the action of the story
Developing Characters
characters remain essentially the same throughout the film (Figure 3.22). The action does not have an important effect on their lives
Static Characters
characters are two-dimensional, predictable characters who lack the complexity and unique qualities associated with psychological depth. They often tend to be representative character types rather than real flesh-and blood human beings
Flat Characters
Unique, individualistic characters who have some degree of complexity and ambiguity and who cannot easily be categorized
Round Characters or 3-d characters
A story in which every object, event, and person has an abstract (as opposed to merely concrete) meaning is known as an
Allegory
is something that stands for something else
Symbol
comparison that helps us better understand an image because of its similarity to another image
visual metaphor
emerge directly from the context of the scene itself and are more natural and usually more subtle
intrinsic metaphor
most general sense, is a literary, dramatic, and cinematic technique involving the juxtaposition or linking of opposites
Irony
In order to etch a character quickly and deeply in our minds and memories, actors often exaggerate or distort one or more dominant features or personality traits
caricature
repetition of a single action, phrase, or idea by a character until it becomes almost a trademark or theme song for that character.
leitmotif
