Week 3

It is not only the events that occur or the actual content within a text which give it meaning, it is also the sequel in which these events occur. 'Screen Narratives: Traditions and Trends' in Screen Media: Analysing Film and Television by Stadler & McWilliam explores and compares the different narrative structures (classical narration, fragmented narratives, multi-strand narratives, etc) and how they are used to engage an audience.

Before reading the chapter I never really made a connection between my own enjoyment of a film and the order in which it's narrated but in reflection, I have always been drawn towards the puzzle like nature of multiform narratives like The Butterfly Effect and Crash and retrospective stories (e.g. American Beauty, Irreversible and Memento) rather than the classic Hollywood 'Three Act Structure' (beginning, middle and end in that order). There has been an increase in demand and appraisal for multiform narratives and as such, more and more blockbusters have been filmed in this manner. As time has evolved, so have people's tastes and in turn the use of more complex plots.

Narration alone does not determine the quality or level of enjoyment an audience will experience from a film,  but it definitely does play an important role in the end result of a text. Like I am drawn to plots narrated in a particular way, I am sure other people have their own preferences and film producers can use these preferences, to target specific audiences. It's an everchanging world and it's difficult to keep up with something that  is as versatile as what people find aesthetically pleasing. With that said, a good film is a good film and will stand the test of time. All in all, I dont believe there is a correct formula or narration conducive to a successful film.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stadler, J. & McWilliam, K., 2009, ‘Screen Narratives: Traditions and Trends’ inScreen Media: Analysing Film and Television, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, pp. 155-182