quiz 6 Flashcards
How do classical Hollywood style narratives represent the relationship between the individual and their world/society differently from how that relationship is represented in alternative/art cinema narratives?
Hollywood characters, in their Hollywood world:
The film-story presents a closer, easier relationship between individuals and society/social history and social problems and the world
Art cinema characters, in their art cinema world:
The conflict between protagonist/individuals and their world/society is dramatized
What three primary characteristics can we expect to find in the classical narrative?
- Focuses on one or more central characters who drive the plot
- Plot is chronological, based on goals of characters
- Narration is omniscient & objective
What is the three-part structure of the classical narrative?
Presentation of situation
Disruption/crisis
Resolution
What is a characteristic of the classical Hollywood protagonist?
Heroic motivation
Where would we most commonly find alternative film narratives?
In “foreign” and independent films.
What is a characteristic of the art cinema/ alternative story?
It focuses on perspectives -lives and stories- that we don’t usually see in classical Hollywood stories. Art cinema characters and their stories are ‘”traditionally excluded from classical narratives.” ( Corrigan and White, 1)
What are the three reasons (and effects of) why the alternative film narrative choses to tell film-stories which audiences don’t usually see in mainstream, classical style film narratives?
Unsettle audience expectationsProvoke new thinkingDifferentiate themselves from Hollywood/mainstream
What three characteristics can we expect to find in the alternative narrative?
Deviates from linearity( not chronological)Undermines the centrality of the protagonist(they don’t necessarily drive the plot)
Questions objective realism= gives us other /subjective perspectives= visible film language
Describe one way the alternative narrative may use character differently than the classical narrative does.
Multiple characters Stories often not connected Minimum plot or story
What is the most common plot order in a classical narrative?
Linear and chronological
What is the most common non-linear plot ‘device’ seen in classical Hollywood style films as well as art cinema films?
Flashbacks.
The more the film breaks with linear chronology the more it may be demonstrating the subjective perception of one character.
What element is used to create suspense and anticipation in a classical narrative?
The deadline structure
Hollywood Protagonists
- They make things happen.
- They have heroic motivation ( Corrigan, White, 1)
- They have a goal, and they’re on their way to achieve it.
- Their actions make the next actions happen.
- We understand what they stand for. We root for them.
- They vanquish the force that has disrupted their world and restore order to the story-world of the film.
- It’s all about them, and their goal.
Hollywood Antagonists
- They have a goal.
- Their aim is to achieve their goal through their actions.
- We understand what they stand for and we root against them.
Roberts & Wallis on Classical Hollywood Narrative
Film style is meant to create a believable story environment (verisimilitude) but never stand out as noticeable = invisible film style.
Narrative structure follows : “order/ disorder/order restored.”
The story is chronological meaning events follow a linear timeline.
Narrative events are connected to each other through cause and effect, helping to create a linear narrative chain of events.
The plot is anchored in the goal of a person, the protagonist.
This protagonist, who is a hero, is central to the story.
There is closure.
