Short-film narrative structures

Narrative structures 

Typical narrative structure: Tzveten Todorov’s linear narrative. 

1. Equilibrium — everything is in order, ‘Normal’.

2. Disruption — disruption by the means of an event/action. 

3. Recognition — recognition that a disruption has taken place. 

4. Repair — an attempt to repair the damage caused by the disruption

5. New equilibrium — problem is solved and we return to a new equilibrium. 

3-Act Structure 

The 3-act structure follows a similar basis of that of the linear narrative, except there’s 2 climaxes, and one big ‘midpoint’, that’s usually a plot twist. Act One is the set up, Act Two is the confrontation, Act Three is the resolution. 

Analysis of the linear structure in The Wizard of Oz:

- Equilibrium: Dorothy is happy at home 

- Disruption: Tornado destroys her home and drops it on Oz 

- Recognition: Dorothy realises she needs to get home 

- Repair: She finds Wizard of Oz

- New equilibrium: She texts back home after realising Wizard of Oz is fake

Choice of short films to analyse: 

1. The Ellington Kid 

The Ellington Kid (A short film by Dan Sully) from Dan Sully on Vimeo.

2. Over 

jorn-threlfall-over from Jörn Threlfall on Vimeo.

3. The Arrival

The Arrival from Zen Design Studio on Vimeo.

4. The Fly 

The Fly from Short of the Week on Vimeo

Short film I chose to analyse: Over 

 

1) How are the narrative structures we have studied relevant to the short film? 

The short film begin with the equilibrium of a usual neighbour hood suburb in the UK, with the time being dated as 6.20pm. The disruption occurs when the body falls to the ground, to which it sounds a car alarm. The recognition are the scenes prior to that, in which the police start investigating. The new equilibrium is the beginning of the short film. The short film works backwards to display the events in an indifferent order.

2) Are there any interesting narrative features within the film?

The beginning was the end, and the end was the beginning (how usual narrative structures are), and therefore, the narrative structures are not directly linked with how the film is shown.

3) What did you like about the use of film language within the text/film?

I particularly liked how there were many long sequences, and the camera stayed in one position for a sequence, whilst everything around it is in action. Similarly, I liked how the short film took place in one location, that was always shown on camera, through long shots and some close-ups before returning to long shots, and through that, the events were effectively shown.  

4) What was innovative or creative about the film?

The way in which the short film was structured. 

5) How did the short film differ from a feature film?

It was in reverse order, as typical feature films often follow the standard narrative, as did this film, but the new equilibrium and the old equilibrium are switched — to perhaps show how everything is still the same, despite all that has happened; nothing’s changed. 

6) How might this help inspire your film coursework this year?

This film might help inspire me to use more long sequences, whilst all the action takes place, but in one shot type — through this, events, were able to be shown with cutting to other shots or close-ups, and hence everything was flowing through this one shot type. The way in which the film was shown was also very creative, and I may choose to take inspiration from this for my coursework.