Narrative in Film

Narrative in film

Most of the films we see at the cinema are narrative films, films that tell a story. Even films which are factual often employ story methods to get this point across, for instance a documentary may follow the 'story' of a group of environmental warriors over a period of six months in their fight to prevent a road being built. We are so steeped in the narrative tradition that we approach a film with certain expectations, whether we know anything about the story or not. For example: We expect The opening to give us information about who, what and where. There to be characters who interact with each other. To see a series of incidents, which are connected with each other. Problems and/or conflicts. The ending to resolve the action or cast new light on what has happened

As the viewer watches a film, they pick up cues, recall information, anticipate what will follow, and generally participate in the creation of the film's form. The film shapes the particular expectations by summoning up curiosity, suspense, and surprise. The viewer also develops specific hunches about the outcome of the action, and these may control our expectations right up to the end. The ending has the task of satisfying or cheating the expectations prompted by the film as a whole. The ending may also activate memory by cueing the spectator to review earlier events, possibly in a new light. As we examine the narrative form, we will consider at various points how it engages the viewer in a dynamic activity.

Bordwell, D. and Thompson, K. 4th ed. Film Art: An Introduction,New York, McGraw‑
Hill Inc., 1993