Unit 1: The Elements of Film Elements of Drama
Plot The structure of a story The structure of a story There are two basic plot structures in Western Film: There are two basic plot structures in Western Film: Casual Plot Casual Plot Episodic Plot Episodic Plot
Casual Plot: 4 principal secions: 4 principal secions: 1. Expostion: the necessary background information for the story to unfold 2. Complications: a series of events stemming from a conflict; each complication leads to the next, generally building in intensity. 3. Climax: the moment of greatest tension, where the conmplications come to a head
Casual Plot cont. 4. Resolution: the end of the story, in which the complications are resolved, and the loose ends are tied together.
Episodic Plot Similar in many ways to casual plot Similar in many ways to casual plot but with one major difference. Does not move through a series of complications, but a succession of events that do not build directly from one to another. Does not move through a series of complications, but a succession of events that do not build directly from one to another. Events can be organized in a seemingly random fashion. Events can be organized in a seemingly random fashion. Ex.: Homer’s Odyssey, Don Quixote, Gulliver’s Travel’s, Huckleberry Finn Ex.: Homer’s Odyssey, Don Quixote, Gulliver’s Travel’s, Huckleberry Finn
Comparison Casual Plot Exposition Complications Climax Resolution Episodic Plot Exposition Episodes Climax resolution Both formulas are subject to variations” Multiple plots, each with its own structure Multiple plots, each with its own structure Flashbacks Flashbacks
Other variations: Omission of resolution. Omission of resolution. Linear Plot: story that maintains a strict chronological timeline. Linear Plot: story that maintains a strict chronological timeline. Nonlinear Plot: plot that incorporates either logical or illogical jumps of time. Nonlinear Plot: plot that incorporates either logical or illogical jumps of time. Epic: stories with long string of complications that lead to a number of climaxes, while conveying a larger story of a person’s life or a major event Epic: stories with long string of complications that lead to a number of climaxes, while conveying a larger story of a person’s life or a major event
Character Is applied in multiple ways, but most simply is someone in the story. Is applied in multiple ways, but most simply is someone in the story. Protagonist: the principal character Protagonist: the principal character Antagonist: principal adversary Antagonist: principal adversary
Setting Refers to both the location and the time frame in which a story takes place. Refers to both the location and the time frame in which a story takes place. Can have a strong psychological effect: Can have a strong psychological effect: Ex.: the seclusion of the island where Jurassic Park takes place adds to the feeling of terror at having no way out. Ex.: the seclusion of the island where Jurassic Park takes place adds to the feeling of terror at having no way out. Can run counter to the mood or action of a story. Can run counter to the mood or action of a story. Ex. Beautiful landscape and setting with a terrible plot like in Braveheart. Ex. Beautiful landscape and setting with a terrible plot like in Braveheart.
Setting Cont. Period Film: movie set in a defined historical era Period Film: movie set in a defined historical era Ex. Amadeus, Shakespeare in Love Ex. Amadeus, Shakespeare in Love Fantasy and Science Fiction films have a wide variety of time settings. Fantasy and Science Fiction films have a wide variety of time settings. Ex: Lord of the Rings, in mythical Middle Earth, and Star Wars set in the future. Ex: Lord of the Rings, in mythical Middle Earth, and Star Wars set in the future.
Theme Central idea underlying a given story Central idea underlying a given story Plot gives the basic actions of a story, and the theme provides us with its intellectual meaning. Plot gives the basic actions of a story, and the theme provides us with its intellectual meaning. Not all films have themes. Not all films have themes. Ex. Some light musicals which are purely for entertainment. Ex. Some light musicals which are purely for entertainment.
Mood Quality of a film is called the Mood or Tone Quality of a film is called the Mood or Tone The mood of the film does not necessarily have to match the mood of the story and theme. The mood of the film does not necessarily have to match the mood of the story and theme. In what ways can a director set the mood of a film? In what ways can a director set the mood of a film?