Conventions of Cinema

By Georgia Scannell

NARRATIVE:
The narrative is the way in which a story is
assembled to convey meaning to the audience.
It is frequently thought to be the plot-This is
incorrect. The story is the content of the film,
and the sequence of events which will occur.
Should the need arise to analyse the narrative, we
would direct our attention to the construction of
the plot, e.g. is it linear or non-linear? Are
there flashbacks?

Linear Narratives:
As is suggested from the name, a linear narrative
progresses in a straight forwards manner; one
occurrence will happen after another, going
forwards in time.
As such, events happen sequentially; there is a
beginning, a middle and an end.
This structure can be easier for the audience to
comprehend due to the fact the plot is uncovered
with the characters. However, due to its
fundamental, classic nature, it can lack depth and
interest-We are so familiar with the format, that
we can begin to predict what will happen.
Similarly, our attention is easy to distractinfrequently is there a risk of a major twist being
present.

Example:
Full Metal Jacket is an example of a
linear narrative as there is an obvious
Clip can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEioAROPaQQ beginning-the recruits arriving at Parris
Island-middle-Jokers experiences whilst
working as a War journalist-and end-the
marines march back towards their camp,
singing.
Unlike many other movies, the high-octane
action and engaging storyline, keeps the
viewer interested and wanting to know the
outcome/result of the characters actions.
In this case, the narrative structure is
effective as we are experiencing the
Vietnam War with the cast-we know as much
about the forthcoming minutes/hours/days as
they do.

Scream has a stereotypical linear

narrative progression. There is a clear
beginning-with Drew Barrymores character
being killed-middle-the murders become
more frequent and violent-and end-Sidney
Can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM39LABHEDc confronts Ghostface, before the film
concludes.
As shocking and ground-breaking as it was
at the time, the plot has become
predictable, due in part to the linear
structure; it is straight forwards and
follows the Horror formula-a masked
murderer stalking teenagers. As such,
there is little to keep us engaged to the
extent where we are intrigued as to what
would happen next-By instead opening with
Sidney being held by the perpetrators as
they explain their motives and methods,
we are instantly drawn in-why target this
girl? What makes her so special? How was
he not captured sooner?

Example:

Non-Linear Narratives:
The antithesis of a linear narrative, here the plot is
organised in a way which can be indicative of the themes
present within the film, of a the fragmented mentality and
damaged psychological state of a character.
Consequently, the basic beginning-middle-end structure is
rearranged; the movie may open with the concluding moments
before going to the start where the story is fully explained.
It can be utilised to help the audience gain an empathetic
affinity with a character who has an alternative way of
thinking, or is still trying to comprehend the events which
have occurred.

Example:
Fight Club is the ultimate example of
a non-linear narrative. As can be seen,
Clip can be found at:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xnj8j7_figh we begin at the end. The protagonist is
held at gun point by Tyler Durden,
t-club-titles-sequence_shortfilms
before he begins his recollections as
to how he has arrived at this point.
Not only does the initial scene capture
our attention, the unique storytelling,
eccentric characters and unusual cutscenes-i.e. the narrator discovering
his power-animal-means that we are
never able to anticipate the
consequences of certain actions, or the
eventual outcome of the movie.

Example
An equally profound example is that of Pulp
Can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7Ed Fiction. The various interrelated storylines,
chapter focuses and varying lead cast
Q4FqbhY
members alongside the partially cyclical
nature (the beginning is connected to the
end) makes for an intelligent and engaging
film.
By causing each action to impact on another,
and for each cast member to be linked means
that we cannot afford to not focus-the movie
would lose all meaning.
Had this had a linear narrative, all impact
would have been lost; realistically, only one
persons story could be tracked and we would
not be able to appreciate the full scale of
Marcellus Wallaces empire.

Flashbacks:
Commonly an interjected scene, a flashback informs the audience
of a previous event, always before the current point and likely
to have occurred prior to the events portrayed within the film;
frequently, this is a childhood recollection of some description.
This can be an imperative aspect within a movie as it can assist
our understanding in understanding in why an individual behaves
in the manner that they do, meaning that our previous perceptions
of someone can be altered dramatically through a singular scene.
It can also assist in our comprehension of the plot, for example:
After discovering sanctuary at an abandoned Scientific Research
Facility, a group of Zombie Apocalypse Survivors uncover notes
revealing the origins of the annihilation of mankind. This is
shown through flashbacks of one biologists increasingly maniacal
and inhumane experiments. E

Example:
Can be found at:
://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mGv1fcV2W8

Although flashbacks can enable us

to see a different side to a
character, they can cause us to
experience mixed emotions as a
result.
Within See No Evil, we are shown
Jacob Goodnights abusive
childhood, and traumatic
upbringing.
Initially, we believe that we can
attribute his psychopathic nature
to be resultant of this.
However, as we see more, we
discover that his Mother also
appears to possess the same
qualities, suggesting that this is
an family issue.
Consequently, we find ourselves
divided as to pity him-is it
really his fault?-or fear him-what
else is he capable of?

Example:
Can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-1QgOMQ-ls

The flashbacks present within

SAW contribute massively to the
film.
Primarily, we uncover the recent
pasts of Adam Stanheight and Dr
Lawrence Gordon-This details,
albeit mysteriously initially,
how they became embroiled within
The Jigsaw Killers game.
Equally, it shows us that these
are not his first victims; we are
introduced to Amanda, a pivotal
role throughout the series,
alongside several others.
At the same time, it explains how
the pair caught the attention of
the psychotic John Kramer.

Realist:
Realist narratives are those which are believable to the
audiences, and cover subject matter which could occur at any
time. A large proportion of the time, this will claim to be
based on true events.
This is one of the primary methods of engaging the viewer, and
make them able to comprehend the severity of the situation,
and the emotions of the character.
By tapping into our primal fears and showing a child being
kidnapped, a crazed murderer chasing an innocent citizen or a
home being invaded by violent strangers, we are able to
envision ourselves in the scenario.

Example:
Can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm8duRDsS8E

The realism within Wolf Creek is

terrifyingly
obvious;
three
backpackers
kidnapped
and
mercilessly tortured at the hands
of Mick Taylor.
Unnervingly, Kristy, Liv and Ben
could be any one of us, any group
of friends who decides to go
travelling.
Additionally,
the
tension
is
heightened by the fact that the
bodies of the deceased are not
found
by
the
authorities;
we
envision the victims being left to
rot and decompose in a foul holding
areaIf they are already dead

Example:
Can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k10ETZ41q5o
And
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=514di7CMcPY

The Conjuring approaches the idea of

realism in a different way entirely to
Wolf Creek.
Here, the files of Ed and Lorraine
Warren have been studied to base the
film around.
The true life accounts have inevitably
been adjusted for commercial/personal
reasons
but
the
majority
remains
factual.
This impacts the audience in a unique
way-the unknown and unproven is bought
to life and we are left feeling
vulnerable and concerned for our own
wellbeing; if this can happen to a
stereotypical family-with evidence to
corroborate the paranormal activity-it
could occur to any of us.

Anti-Realism:
The storyline within an anti-realist piece will be less
believable than its counterpart, and be based on a completely
fictitious notion.
This technique is commonly utilised by the fantasy, horror,
science-fiction and romance genres.

This is effective as it can create a form of escapism-we are

able to ignore the norm and focus our attention on something
curious and unique. Similarly, we can immerse ourselves in a
new world, and experience events outside of what we believe to
be possible.

Example:
Can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2ienmZuReo

Whilst introducing us to an impossible

concept, Childs Play retains the
ability to terrify and unnerve us in a
similar way to The Conjuring; by
threatening
the
wellbeing
of
our
families.
The probability of a doll coming to
life is zero, yet we become absorbed
into the film, constantly questioning
the innocence of the toys left in our
bedrooms.
The peculiar and absurd concept ensures
that we do not believe that this will
happen to us, but we understand the
plight of the characters; we feel their
desperation
and
turmoil,
and
ultimately, their fear.

Example:
Can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqqBpAqnGKg

Stephen Kings IT is epitome of antirealism. A demonic entity taking the form

of ones biggest fearMost notoriously Mr
Pennywise the Clown.
We are fully aware that shape shifting
beings are non-existent and nothing can
manifest as anything that it wishes to;
it is the decimation of our childhoods
which effects us; clowns are often an
integral element of youth and we are left
haunted by ones psychotic, and inhuman,
nature.
As is common with this style of
narrative,
we
end
the
film
with
questions- what if this did happen?,
is it possible?, is everything as it
seems?, the impossible is seemingly made
plausible.

Open Ending:
An open ending will leave matters unresolved; there will be no
conclusion as to the affairs of the characters stories.
As such, the audience are frequently left to ponder the
ultimate fate of the cast, and how they continued with their
lives proceeding the film.

Due to the ambiguous nature, the movie can be memorable; we

will see something which will trigger a recollection of the
film, and cause us to again question our beliefs as to what we
believe the end to be.

Example:
Can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWiz6reVupA

The Blair Witch Project concludes with

a considerably disturbing ending; the
uncertain
fate
of
the
three
protagonists.
Consequently, this plays on the viewers
mind.
As
human
beings,
we
like
resolution and this film does not offer
that; it is up to us to determine the
outcome of the characters.
We are left to debate what we feel may
have
happened,
often
questioning
ourselves and altering our opinions
based on further inferences or more in
depth considerations.

Example:
Can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut6CAVrR5Q
8
(My favourite film!)

The ending here is potentially

more disturbing than that of
The Blair Witch Project-We are
left wondering whether or not
Alex reverts back to his former
ways.
After
experiencing
extended
periods of Ultra violence,
only to see him reformed in the
most horrific of ways we would
except
a
somewhat
positive
ending-which is not what we get.
Whilst graphically imagining an
idealistic situation he notes
how he is cured indeed.
As such, we are left to ponder
whether or not he once again
engages
in
his
explicit
fantasies, or simply envisions
them.

Closed Ending:
A story with a closed is one where all events central to the
plot are resolved.
Any questions raised will be answered, allowing us almost
complete comprehension.
Due to there being few-if any-remaining queries, sequels are
incredibly difficult to concoct, unless an identical script is
followed, with different characters.

Example:
Can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XKTEFFQWNU

Most episodes are stand-alone in regards

to the key events; they are a self
contained drama-we discover whodunit
moments before the end, and throughout the
red-herrings
and
false
clues
are
disclosed. Essentially, they are movies
condensed into an hour.
Despite this, there are several continuing
themes, such as the relationships between
characters, i.e. Sara Sidle and Grissom.

Example:
Can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQvgyt8fjBE

Again, all the events are condensed

into half and hour and-unlike CSI-very
rarely
mentioned
in
proceeding
episodes.
This is appealing to viewers as it
means that they do not need to have
seen the show before to understand what
is going on.
Although there are several continuing
trends, it is not essential for one to
be aware of them.