The document discusses considerations for the narrative structure, style, and theory for a psychological film opening sequence. It will use a non-linear structure with flashbacks to establish characters. The style will be restrictive to create mystery, and use objective character identification to make the audience feel close to characters. In terms of theory, it confirms the opening will start in disequilibrium, feature a villain, use an enigma code, and employ anachronic ordering through flashbacks. Inspiration is drawn from films that use similar conventions like flashbacks, tense music, and lighting.

1. Narrative structure, style &
theory
Jordan
Laurel
Katelyn

2. Consideration of narrative structure
Structure
Non-linear
Most psychological films are non linear due to the use of
flashbacks. We plan to use flashbacks within our opening
sequence to make the audience feel connected with the
characters as this is what we found out when doing our
questionnaire that they liked. For e.g there will be flashbacks to
when the villain seeks out their victims.

3. Consideration of narrative style
Style
1) Unrestricted? OR Restricted?
2) Subject character identification OR Object character
identification?
1) It restrictive as we want to create an enigma for the
audience so they want to watch the rest of the film to find
out what is going on. For e.g the villain’s identity is never
fully shown.
2) The audience is given objective character identification
meaning they see the characters thoughts and memories.
This is to make the audience feel close to the characters.
Jordan
Katelyn

4. Consideration of narrative theory
Theory
Todorov: Yes
Propp: Partial
Barthes: Partial
Cameron: Partial
Todorov: The opening sequence will start with disequilibrium, this is
usual for psychological film, as they usually do not go in a linear
fashion. There will be flashbacks to the equilibrium, however the
opening sequence will be set in the disequilibrium.
Propp: Within our opening sequence their will be a villian.
Barthes: The enigma code is present as we want the audience to
wonder what the villain is doing and why he does it?
Cameron: Split, forking and episodic narrative are not used. However
anachronic is, as flashbacks will be seen within the opening sequence.

5. Conventions
Convention Use Develop Challenge Inspiration/similarity from a real film? How?
1) (plot) involves
characters past x
Hunger games, as the flashbacks show the main characters
past which inspired us to do something similar.
2)-(narrative) plays
on time, not in a
linear order
x
Memento inspired us to try and use a non linear narrative
to create a psychological feel to the film.
3)-(lighting)
mysterious and
tense
x Hard Candy, as the lighting is blue and sterile which creates
tension within the film. This inspired us to use tense and
murky lighting.
4)-(CAMSAMC)-
close ups and mid
shots
x
Panic Room uses a lot of close ups of facial expressions to
show how the character is feeling.
5)-(MES) wild body
gestures x
Within the film Panic Room the girl has a seizure which
inspired us to use wild body gestures to show psychological
problems.
6)-(music) builds
tension to create
shock within the
audience
x
Se7en uses tense music which was parallel to the pace of
the editing, which builds up tension and intrigues and
shocks the audience. This inspired us to used tense music.
7)-(locations) a
familiar place
x
Texas Chainsaw has a scene where the characters are in a
fun fair at a park which is unusual as its open and public, so
we decided to film in a park for one of our scenes.