Narrative Revision Sheet

Todorovs Theory of the Classic Hollywood Narrative

This theory gives the basic idea that most mainstream narratives can be broken down into 5 easily recognisable stages: Equilibrium Disruption of the equilibrium Recognition of the disruption An attempt to put things right New Equilibrium restored.

Syd Fields 3 Act Paradigm

This theory states that most mainstream lms follow a narrative structure in 3 main parts or acts. These are: Act 1: The set-up. Act 2: The confrontation. Act 3: The resolution. To put it another way - a beginning, middle and end.

Parts of a Film Narrative

Opening - The very start of the lm, the rst
5-10 minutes. Set-Up - The rst section in the lm, usually the 1st act. Exposition - How information is conveyed to the audience. Conict - The obstacles the hero must overcome in order to provide drama and interest for the audience. Confrontation - The second act. Climax - The main scene of confrontation that the lm has been building to. Resolution - The new equilibrium, how the world of the characters is left after the climax.

Deus-Ex-Machina
An important term to use when discussing the endings of War of the Worlds.
It refers to a plot device where the main conict of the lms narrative is resolved through some accidental or god-like means rather than through the heros own actions. Seen as something of a cop-out and unsatisfactory for audiences it is not often used any more. Context: War of the Worlds was an enojoyable lm but I felt that the deus-exmachina ending really left me wondering why the audience were following Rays character.