Lets Talk About Narratives!

WHAT IS STORY COMPOSITION?

The narrative and storytelling of a film are the key features in engaging audiences, bringing emotions, and communicating themes. Here are the essential components that are the backbone of storytelling in a movie:

1. Plot:

The plot is the sequence of events that makes up the story. It is how the narrative unfolds, presenting the cause-and-effect relationships between characters and their actions. 

A decent plot typically includes:

Exposition: Introduces characters, setting, and the central conflict.

Rising Action: Builds tension through a series of events that complicate the character's lives.

Climax: The turning point or the moment of highest tension. 

Falling Action: The consequences of the climax begin to unfold, leading toward resolution.

Resolution: The conflict is resolved.

2. Characters:

Characters are the driving force of a film's story. They should have depth, detail and motivations that drive the narrative forward. 

Key aspects of characters include:

Protagonist: The main character whose goals or struggles frame the story’s focus.

Antagonist: A character that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict.

Supporting characters: These characters add depth to the story, helping to develop it.

Character Arcs: A change in character, his development throughout the story, usually due to overcoming challenges.

3. Setting:

The setting provides the physical, historical, and cultural backdrop for the story. 

It includes:

Time: When the story takes place whether it's past, present, future, or alternate realities.

Place: The location where the story unfolds, be it real or fictional.

Atmosphere: The emotional tone and mood created through the setting, the vibe basically. 

4. Conflict:

Conflict is the core of a film's narrative, driving the plot. It is the struggle between opposing forces and can be categorized as:

Internal conflict: The protagonist's psychological or emotional struggles.

External conflict: The protagonist’s confrontation with external forces.

Interpersonal conflict: Conflict between two or more characters.

Ideological conflict: Clash of beliefs or values, often explored in themes like morality or power.

5. Theme:

The theme is the central idea or message the filmmaker wants to convey. It provides meaning to the story. Common themes include love, redemption, identity, power, good vs. evil, and freedom. 

6. Point of View (POV):

The narrative perspective shapes how the audience experiences the story. Common points of view include:

First-person: Protagonist's viewpoint ("I" or "we").

Third-person: Outside perspective ("he," "she," or "they").

Omniscient: The narrator knows all the thoughts and feelings of the characters.

Limited: A restricted point of view, focusing on one or a few character's experiences.

7. Dialogue:

Dialogue is the conversation between characters. It serves multiple purposes:

Character development: Revealing personality, desires, or flaws.

Exposition: Informing the audience about key details of the plot or setting.

Theme: Conveying the film’s themes through characters' conversations.

Tension: Creating conflict or tension through disagreement or secrecy.

8. Pacing:

Refers to the rhythm and speed at which the story unfolds. It influences the audience's engagement and tension. The right pacing ensures that the film is moving smoothly without feeling rushed or dragged.

Films can have:

Fast pacing: Quick cuts, scenes filled with action, and rapid development of the plot. 

Slow pacing: Long takes, reflective moments, and gradual character development. 

9. Visuals and Cinematography:

The visual aspects of a film contribute significantly to the storytelling:

Framing and Composition: The use of space, leading the audience’s focus.

Lighting: Sets the mood and tone of a film. 

Bright lighting = warmth or safety.

Dark or shadowed lighting = danger.

Color: Colors often represent themes or emotions (e.g., red for passion, blue for sadness).

Camera movement: How the camera moves can manage the emotional intensity (e.g., a tracking shot can convey urgency or a static shot can suggest tension).

10. Symbolism:

Symbolism uses objects, actions, or elements within the story to represent larger concepts.

It makes up the mise-en-scene of the film and uses Barthes' semiotics theory. These symbols can be used to reinforce themes and provide deeper meaning to the film. For example, a rainstorm might symbolize sadness and distress. There are various connotations and denotations which are literal and perceived meanings.

Sources of information and research: Media studies book syllabus for a levels & Gemini.