Recap on Genre and Frozen

Quiz1. Name two genre theorists (2) 2. What areas are included within the Repertoire of Elements?

(5)3. What is the difference between semantic and syntactic? (2)4. What genre/s does Frozen fall into? (1) 5. List 5 conventions that tell you this. (5)6. What is intertextuality? (1) 7. What is an Easter Egg? (1) 8. Are there any aspects that could be referred to as

intertextual references or Easter Eggs in Frozen? Name 2. (2) 9. Why do audiences like to recognise generic conventions? (1)

Recap on Genre and FrozenQuiz1. Name two genre theorists (2) Neale Altman Bordieu2. What areas are included within the Repertoire of Elements? (5) Setting -

Technical/audio –Iconography – Narrative –Characters –Themes etc…

3. What is the difference between semantic and syntactic? (2) Semantic- symbolic/ iconic such as props, costumes, settings and iconography. Syntactic – typical narrative/ storylines used within a genre.

4. What genre/s does Frozen fall into? (1) Fantasy/Adventure/Disney Princess subgenre

5. List 5 conventions that tell you this. (5) could be anything, 6. What is intertextuality? (1) referring to a text within another text7. What is an Easter Egg? (1) hidden surprise for an audience 8. Are there any aspects that could be referred to as intertextual references or

Easter Eggs in Frozen? Name 2. (2) Rapunzel, Hidden Mickey, Wreck it Ralph9. Why do audiences like to recognise generic conventions? (1) they can gain

satisfaction from predicting endings etc… recognise features that they enjoy and what they don’t.

Applying this to Frozen

Write an answer to the following exam question only about Frozen:

A2. How typical are your three main texts of their genre?

Success Criteria:• All should- Show an understanding of genre

and generic conventions• Some should- be aware of audience and

industry interests• A grade: Ideological implications of

conforming to and challenging conventions

• All should use a range of terminology and consider some genre theory.

Specific points to consider for Frozen:

•Its conventions•Use of intertextuality/cultural competence•Balance between repetition and difference (Neale)•Consider the evolution of the genres you are discussing •Any issues surrounding the genre and appeal of the film

Key Terms and TheoriesGenre /hybrid/ sub-genre

Conventions/ iconography/ narrative/ setting/

characters/ technical codes/ Intertextuality/

Repertoire of elements/ Semantic/ Syntactic

Narrative and Frozen

To revise narrative theories and apply these to Frozen

• Main Theory: Todorov• He suggests that there are two structures: Linear and Circular• Todorov states that narratives are led by a cause and effect

format:• Todorovs Structure

– Equilibrium– Disruption– Realisation of disruption– Attempt to repair (confrontation/ climax)– Restoration/ new equilibrium

• It is important to note that not all theories can be applied to all texts and to only use the most relevant.

Narrative Structure

Problems with Todorov’s theory

• Simple structure• Some texts like to leave ‘open ended’ stories

to allow audiences to have their own interpretation ( e.g. Inception)

• Others never return to equilibrium ( e.g. Se7en)

Other types of narrative structure

• Multi-stranded (Casualty) • Non-linear (Memento/ Vantage Point)• Split screen (Kill Bill/ 24)

Narrative techniques and devices • Main Theory: Barthes• Barthes suggested that Narrative was conveyed through Key Codes: Action and Enigma

• Other devices– Manipulation of Time/ Space (e.g. Slow Motion)– Foreshadowing– Flashbacks– Subjective treatment (dream/wish fulfilment sequences)– Montage

• You should also consider how audience positioning can impact the narrative through techniques such as:– Privileged spectator position– Apparently impossible positions – POV Shots– Technical and audio can influence how we see a narrative too! (e.g. fast paced music connotes

action)

Character in Narrative

• Main Theory: Propp• Propp argued that narratives were character driven and all

storylines develop around these. • He looked at the character and the function within the story.

– E.g. the villain’s function is to prevent the hero from achieving his goal.

• Propp’s theory works well with folk tales and does still apply today (e.g. Star Wars) but doesn’t always work with modern day texts (Alien).

Binary oppositions

• Main theory: Levi-Strauss• Levi-Strauss believed all texts were structured

around Binary oppositions– E.g. Good Vs Evil

Applying to FrozenAnswer the following questions in full sentences:

1. How would you describe the structure of Frozen?2. What narrative techniques and devices are present within the

film?3. Do any of the characters have a specific role or function?4. Can you think of any technical/audio codes which help move

the narrative along or influence an audience reaction?5. Choose two of the features you have mentioned above and

explain their impact on an audience. How might they respond?

You have 15 minutes End

Narrative and Frozen

To apply narrative theories to Frozen

Images10 Images

Try to apply a narrative theory, structure, device etc… to each shot.

Some may have more than one.

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Applying this to Frozen

Write an answer to the following exam question only about Frozen:

A2. How is narrative constructed in your three main texts?

Success Criteria:• Show an understanding of how narratives

are constructed• Consider how narrative theory can be

applied.• Consider how narrative devices impact an

audience.• Use a range of terminology and refer to

specific examples

Specific points to consider for Frozen:

• How does it conform to/subvert narrative theory?

• What narrative devices are in play, particularly in terms of

time?• How do these devices impact

an audience?

Key Terms and TheoriesTodorov/Propp/Levi

Strauss/Barthes/Narrative devices/

Audience Positioning