Questions and Answers
What is Buster Keaton's 1927 movie 'The General' a textbook example of?
Classical paradigm
What type of narrative is a 'slice of life' that has no clearly defined beginning, middle, and end or clear-cut conflict?
Realistic narratives
What are the characteristics of the methodology of French director Jean-Luc Godard?
Beginning, middle, and end not necessarily in that order
What is the difference between the story and the plot of a movie?
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What type of narrative begins with an overt conflict, builds to a climax, and ends with a neat resolution?
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What type of narrative often scrambles and rearranges events to emphasize a thematic point?
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What is 'voice-over narration'?
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What is a 'flashback'?
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Why are American films seen as 'fast-moving' compared to 'slow' European and 'very slow' Asian films?
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Why is Red, and not the film's central character, Andy, the narrator of The Shawshank Redemption?
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What are the traits of a realistic narrative structure?
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What is a circular or cyclical narrative structure seen in such movies as MAS*H?
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Why are the style of a film's opening credits, musical score, and first few scenes so important to the viewer?
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What are the characteristics of a style of movie-making that is called 'cinema verite'?
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What type of genre typically withholds information from the audience until the end of the movie?
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Study Notes
Classical Narrative Structure
- "The General" by Buster Keaton exemplifies the classical paradigm, featuring a defined conflict, escalating complications, and a resolution providing formal closure.
- Classical narratives typically begin with a clear conflict, build to a climax, and conclude with a coherent resolution.
Alternative Narratives
- Realistic narratives, often referred to as "slice of life," lack a structured beginning, middle, and end, as well as clear-cut conflicts.
- French director Jean-Luc Godard's methodology allows for a sequential structure but not necessarily in traditional order.
Story vs. Plot
- The story signifies the overarching subject matter, while the plot entails a specific structural method through which this story is conveyed.
Formalistic Narratives
- Formalistic narratives rearrange events to emphasize thematic concepts, diverging from traditional storytelling formats.
Voice-Over and Flashbacks
- Voice-over narration involves non-synchronous spoken commentary that reveals a character's thoughts or memories.
- Flashbacks are editing techniques showing interruptions to the present with scenes from the past, enhancing narrative depth.
Film Comparisons
- American films are characterized as "fast-moving" due to their less realistic portrayal of events when compared to European and Asian cinema, which generally move at a slower pace.
Narration in "The Shawshank Redemption"
- In "The Shawshank Redemption," Red serves as the narrator instead of Andy, preserving suspense and limiting the audience's knowledge of events.
Realistic Narrative Traits
- Realistic narratives are structured chronologically with an implied, invisible author. Events unfold on their own, enhancing authenticity.
Circular Narratives
- Circular or cyclical narratives, such as those seen in MAS*H, resolve by returning to the original starting point, creating a sense of closure.
Importance of Opening Elements
- A film's opening credits, musical score, and initial scenes establish the tone and mood, foreshadowing the development and outcome of the narrative.
Cinema Verite Style
- Cinema verite is a documentary filmmaking style that utilizes minimal equipment and a non-intrusive approach, capturing reality through aleatory methods.
Suspense Genre
- The suspense genre, including thrillers, police stories, and mysteries, strategically withholds key information from the audience until the narrative's conclusion.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapter 8 of Intro to Film with these flashcards. This set focuses on key concepts such as Buster Keaton's 'The General' and narrative structures like the 'slice of life'. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of film narrative techniques.
