The document discusses key concepts in representation and narrative. It notes that identity is constructed rather than innate. Narrative provides reassurance and uses techniques like enigma, retardation, and twist to intrigue audiences. Classic Hollywood narratives resolve all mysteries by the end to provide closure, while some films leave loose ends. Causality, the relationship between events, is what makes a narrative by establishing cause and effect.

1. Quick Representation and
Narrative Revision – Section 1b

2. REPRESENTATION

3. David Gauntlett
• “identities are not ‘given’ but are
constructed and negotiated.”
• “Identity is complicated. Everybody
thinks they’ve got one. Artists play with
the idea of identity in modern society.”

4. John Berger

5. Julian McDougall
• ‘In a media saturated world, the
distinction between reality and media
representations becomes blurred or
invisible to us.’

6. Jib Fowles

7. Paul Messaris
• “female models addressed
to women....appear to
imply a male point of
view”.

8. NARRATIVE

9. Edward Branigan

10. Kruger, Rayner and Wall
“narrative is an important source
of reassurance in a hostile
universe.”

11. Some narrative techniques
• Enigma – a puzzle, a narrative technique designed to
intrigue the viewer and encourage them to watch further.
• Retardation – Holding back key information from the
audience so they are unsure what is happening and likely to
watch further to find out.
• Ellipsis - a basic narrative technique used in classical
continuity editing which sees time compressed in order for
the narrative to progress more quickly (editing out the boring
bits!)
• Twist – an unexpected turn of events designed to shock the
audience.

12. Classic Hollywood Narrative
• This is a typical Hollywood narrative
structure, whereby the story is driven by the
protagonist (main character) and there is a
strong sense of closure: all enigmas that are
raised are resolved at the end. You need to be
aware of this traditional structure so you can
comment when a film does not do this, e.g. it
leaves some loose ends or leaves the audience in
suspense. Examples are The Italian Job or
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

13. Causality
• This is the term given to the relationship
between two events. It is what makes a narrative.
For example, the king dying and then his wife
dying is not a narrative. There has to be some
kind of cause and effect. Therefore, the king
dying and the queen dying of grief is a narrative.
If you find this hard to remember, just try to
remember that narratives are made up of cause
and effect and you won’t go far wrong.