NARRATIVE

( T H E O RY, C O N V E N T I O N A L F O R M A N D A P P L I C AT I O N O F T H I S T O M Y P R O D U C T )

CONVENTIONAL STRUCTURE• Narrative videos most importantly resolve around an

unfolding story-line, illustrating a series of events, often, but not always, relative to the lyrics.

• A key concept of narrative theory is the idea that story and plot combine to form structure, as suggested by Bordwell & Tompson’s theory. This same theory also proposes the assumption that all narrative is constructed around three separate aspects, these being- inferred events, explicitly shown events and non-diegetic material.

• Despite the fact my media outcome doesn’t have clear narrative structure relative to this theory, my product does in fact create a chronological series of events, enabling the audience to engage with the activity featured, while creating meaning through inferable imagery. This chronology can be referred to as the term ‘Fabula’ supported by Bordwell & Tompson.

TODOROV’S THEORY• Todorov’s theory samples this idea, extending it through

deeper understanding of imagery usage. In this sense, my video both obliges and defies this idea since the same shot is used in the end as the beginning opening shot, just in reverse speed. This creates the illusion of a sun rise and sun set, directly displaying the time restraint the video occurred within, while reflecting upon the feelings from that position in the narratives story-line the video began. From this, it can be said that the video follows a cyclic structure, creating feelings of completeness and the impression of an inevitable fate, making the narrative seem fatalistic based around the generic societies of youth populations.

TIM O’SULLIVAN• My product indirectly follows through with Tim

O’Sullivan’s outlook on narrative too, where he suggests that all narrative products have a common structure, existing in three stages: beginning with an establishment of plot or theme, followed by development of the problem, before finally reaching a new equilibrium.

• This theory can be applied to my outcome through inferable aspects; the plot is not made particularly apparent however can be interpreted based upon the audiences own personal experiences and views. The video is clearly directed towards a youth orientated audience, where the lyrics signify the inability to be content with daily life due to inadequate themes of love and lust, equating for a major aspect of today’s society.

THEME• Established in an obvious sense, a key theme in the

product is driving, this symbolising deeper meaning metaphorically representing change, and forever moving forward; moving on from bad experiences. This is then contrasted with the visuals, presenting ideas of personal strength and escapism, reminding the viewer of what youth means; overseeing the effects of individual, small obstacles. My video is built primarily upon a theme rather than a plot, yet still creates meaning in the same way, achieved through collaboration of technical and symbolic aspects in a common structure to display interpretational messages.

DIEGESIS• The diegesis implemented within my constructed media

text forms a constant, glorified scene fixed within the fictional space and time subjected through narrative use. This is achieved through use of verisimilitude, a process used to ensure the product forms realistic ideas, enabling for engagement from the audience. This is a conventional requirement seen amongst all existing successful products, replicated within my own video. The establishment of an idolised atmosphere built through realistic values and audience expectations is a frequently seen dynamic particularly effective in pop music, giving the audience something to look up too.

BINARY OPPOSITION – CLAUDE LEVI STRAUSS• With regards to Claude Levi Strauss’ theory, my product

defies this theory through opposition of a simple structure; Claude Levi Strauss suggests that all stories operate to clear binary oppositions, reducing a world from a complicated form to a very basic condensed reality. My product however, presents the presence of multiple truths based upon individual interpretation, resulting in stronger engagement and interest.

• Claude Levi Strauss refers to objectiveness, while my product is very strongly subjective.