This document provides an analysis of the film script for "The Girl on the Train". It summarizes that the script follows a typical film script format with locations, descriptions, and dialogue. It has a non-linear narrative structure by telling the story from three different female characters' perspectives without a clear dominant thread. The genre is a combination of mystery, thriller and drama targeted towards mature audiences. The target audience is mainly adults and teenagers who want an escapist experience that provides discovery and new sensations through the unfolding mystery.
1. THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN – FILM SCRIPT
STYLE – The media is film and the film was distributed by
Univ ersalPictures and produced by DreamWorks Pictures,
Reliance Entertainment and MarcPlatt Productions. The
script shows thegenericstyleof most film scripts, this is due to
the layout,as it begins with a monologue toset the scene,alike
most films.In addition, thespecific location, description and
dialogue is similarly shown alike other scripts.This script by
Univ ersalhas the backstory,an ov er voice and then backtothe
backstory, continuing tothe dialogue.It alsointroduces the
main character,Racheland her point of v iew.This may
indicatewe willexperience different character’s POVs. The
language style is quite lengthy for an opening,this could
suggest the plot is complicated.
NARRATIVE STRUCTURE- This film doesn’t have
a ty picalnarrative structure,therefore it’s a non-linear.This
is due tothe film essentially split into3.This is the 3
perspectives of the female characters whoare telling their
own point of v iew of the vents that have occurred.Allan
Cameron:Modular narratives (2008)his Anachronic
structurewhich modifies flashbacks and there is noclear
dominance between each narrative threads. In addition,
Cameron’s Forking-path is alsoused within the narrative.
This is where there are alternative versions of the story.
Furthermore,another one of Cameron’s structures is the split
screen.This is the different POV’s from each character telling
their own side.
GENRE – The genre ofthis film is
mystery/thriller/drama. This is targeted at mature
teenagers and adults.Due this combination, the film
features gory elements ofdeath, swear words, misuse
of alcohol as well as scenes ofa sexual nature.The girl
on the train fits into Buckingham’s (1993) theory that
genre is in a constant process ofchangeas the
storyline isn’t purely drama ormystery or a thriller,
but it’s all three within equal parts.For example,
Rachel was manipulated to make herselfthink she is
crazy. This shows features ofa drama. Whereas, when
we see all 3 perspectives we discoverthe mystery
elements on what happened to the girl who’s missing
and potentially dead.
TARGET AUDIENCE – The target audience is
mainly adults and teenagers. This is due to all the
previously stated features which makes the rating at 15.
In addition, the key target is stereotypically women who
have read the book, skilled working/ lower middle class
(C2/C1) on the NRS social demographic scale. In
addition, on the 4C’s scale, the target would be aimed at
the ‘explorer’ who is driven by a need for discovery.
Additionally,they respond to brands thatoffer new
sensations and instant effects. They seek difference. This
is due to the discovery ofeach new detail which is added
to the mystery throughoutthe film. Furthermore, the
uses and gratification (1974) by Blumer,Katz and
McQuail, the target audiencefor the girl on the train
would fit into the ‘diversion’ category which allows the
audience to escapefrom everyday life and their routine.
This is the main target for film companies.
CONTENT- The film premieredin London on September
20, 2016,before it was theatrically released in theUnited
States on October 7,2016. The film was a box office success,
grossing $173 million worldwide,but received mixed reviews.
Emily Blunt's (Rachel)performance received praise and
gaineda nomination at the 23rd Screen Actors GuildAwards
in Los Angeles,as well as a nomination for the BAFTA Award
for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 70th British
Academy Film Awards.