Recording-2025-03-05T01:37:48.087Z

Non-Narrative Films

• Many films explore themes outside traditional storytelling.

• Experimental Films: These films often focus on aesthetic, abstract concepts rather than narratives.

  • Example: Maya Deren’s Meshes of the Afternoon (1946), which uses repetition of images to evoke a dream-like atmosphere rather than a clear story.

• Documentary Films: Present real-life events without a narrative structure.

  • Example: Waltz with Bashir (2008) by Arie Fulman, which blends personal experience with animated depictions of historical events.

Analyzing Non-Narrative Films

• Begin with questions to identify the film's organization:

  • What is the underlying model (e.g., an argument, news report, dreams)?

  • What formal features stand out (contrasts, repetitions, patterns)?

Characters in Film

• Characters are critical in both narrative and non-narrative films, shaping the thematic focus.

• Films like Women Talking (2022) feature characters sharing experiences that enhance their depth beyond mere narrative.

• Mainstream films such as Oppenheimer and American Splendor (1994) heavily focus on character biographies.

• Character Analysis:

  • Consider aspects of realism:

    • What defines their realism? (clothing, dialogue, actions)

    • If unrealistic, what is the intention behind this portrayal?

  • Assess character fit within the story’s setting and central narrative focus.

  • Identify character transformations and what they represent (e.g., independence, sexuality).

Point of View (POV) in Film

• Definition: POV indicates the perspective from which a story is told, shaping audience perceptions.

• Types of POV:

  • Physical POV: The literal angle from which events are viewed.

    • Example: Watching from a rooftop vs. a basement.

  • Psychological/Cultural POV: Emotional and cultural influences affecting perspectives.

• Generally, films utilize an objective POV but can shift to a subjective POV.

  • Example: Gone with the Wind and All Quiet on the Western Front present objective views but can become subjective in key scenes.

  • Apocalypse Now (1979) exemplifies a personal, nightmarish perspective through its protagonist's eyes.

• When analyzing POV:

  • Observe how and when character perspectives surface.

  • Consider if the POV constrains or expands what is visible.

Comparative Analysis and Adaptations

• Films often adapt narratives from other media, necessitating an understanding of narrative, character, and POV.

• When writing comparative essays, be cautious of how the medium influences meaning.

  • Example: Pride and Prejudice adaptations transform the original text through cultural and social lenses.

• Key considerations in adaptations:

  • How do adaptations maintain or alter original tropes?

  • Assess the impact of historical context on interpretations (e.g., adaptations of literary works by different genders).

  • Use of contemporary elements (e.g., music tracks, technology) in adaptations like The Great Gatsby (2013) illuminates both connections and differences between texts.

• In analyses, detail and formal evidence are crucial to support comparisons, such as POV and thematic elements between works.