Film Studies:
The Narrative Form
Film: A Critical Introduction (Pramaggiore)
Defining Narrative
A narrative is
• an account of a string of events
occurring in space and time
(setting).
Not merely a cluster of random
elements, a narrative
• presents an ordered series of
events connected by the logic of
cause and effect.
Film: A Critical Introduction (Pramaggiore)
A narrative may be factual or
fictional, or a blend of the two.
Case Study: The Matrix
• Neo learns that the Matrix controls human
life (cause), he decides to join Morpheus
and Trinity in their quest to defeat it (effect).
• Neo’s character traits, including his values and
beliefs, contribute to his decision. A different
character might refuse to get involved,
preferring the false sense of security the
Matrix provides.
Film: A Critical Introduction (Pramaggiore)
Another Case Study:
Let’s Watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLOP3_cjr8k
This narrative shows selected chronologically arranged
events in the life of a few characters.
1. Celebrate anniversary in the French Riviera
2. Husband goes first.
3. Husband arrives at the hotel.
4. Husband emails wife.
5. …
6. Etc.
Film: A Critical Introduction (Pramaggiore)
Review Vocab thus far…
• Event: In a narrative either an
action by a character or person or
a happening.
• Setting: The place where filmed
action occurs.
• Sequence: A series of related
consecutive scenes, perceived as a
major unit of a narrative film.
Film: A Critical Introduction (Pramaggiore)
Narrative piece events together in a
linear fashion (first, second, third…)
that clearly shows the audience the
reasons for, and the consequences
of, character behavior. This logic of
cause and effect ties together
character traits, goals, obstacles,
and actions.
Film: A Critical Introduction (Pramaggiore)
Narrative films generally focus on
human characters and their
struggles. Characters possess traits,
face conflicts, perform action, and
undergo changes that enable or
hinder their pursuit of a specific
goal.
Film: A Critical Introduction (Pramaggiore)
The goal may be concrete or
abstract, lofty or banal: in some
cases it may be finding love; in
others it may be saving humanity or
arriving safely at a destination.
Film: A Critical Introduction (Pramaggiore)
Quick Review…
• A narrative film includes at least
one character and events; its
settings may be factual or
imaginary.
• The central character (protagonist)
has one or more goals but faces
problems in trying to reach them.
Film: A Critical Introduction (Pramaggiore)
Diegetic and Non-Diegetic
Elements
Narrative films often include
elements that exist outside the
fictional world of the story-such as
the opening or closing credits, or
background music.
The implied world of the story,
including setting, characters,
sounds, and events, is the diegesis.
Film: A Critical Introduction (Pramaggiore)
Diegetic and Non-Diegetic
Elements
Elements that exist outside the
diegesis are called non-diegetic or
extradiegetic devices.
The audience is aware of these nondiegetic components of the film, but
the characters, are not.
Film: A Critical Introduction (Pramaggiore)
Diegetic and Non-Diegetic
Elements
Filmmakers use non-diegetic
elements for several reasons:
• Draw attention to aspects of the
narrative from a position outside a
story
• Communicate with the audience
directly
• Engage viewers on an emotional
level
Film: A Critical Introduction (Pramaggiore)