One way to appreciate film is by examining its narrative structure. As young writers, this is a great exercise. You can learn a lot about writing by paying attention to narrative.
Narrative can be:
• Omniscient
• Limited (over the shoulder)/Restricted
• Multiple Perspective
Narrative largely depends on how time works in the story.
Chronology: (how time works in a story)
• Chronological/linear time
• Non-chronological/non-linear
• Flashback
• Frame
When we examine time and narrative in film, we should ask:
Who does the camera favor?
This is your clue as to who you need to be concerned with/about.
Hitchcock applies several effective narrative techniques to keep his audience on its toes. The most famous of these is:
The MacGuffin: an object of importance to the characters but of little interest to the director (and consequently to the viewer).
As you watch Psycho, pay attention to:
1. The MacGuffin (what is it for which character?)
2. Set-up
3. 1st Turning point
4. Development
5. Other turning points (there can be several of these)
6. Climax
7. Resolution
This blog is designed for Rochester City School students at the School of the Arts in support of their classes: Playwriting & Film Studies.
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