Task 3 - Narrative Structures

·         Linear (Sequential) Narrative – The events happen in chronological order from the start to finish. The plot is told without using flashbacks or flashforwards of certain events involving the current story. Some examples of films that use Linear narratives are Drive, Now you see me, and Of mice and men.

·         Non-linear (Non-sequential) Narrative – The film isn't shown in order, often used in literature films. Non-Linear narratives do not follow in chronological order. They are the opposite to linear, they often have flashbacks and flash-forwards, they are never shown in a sequence. Some examples of Non linear narratives are 500 days of summer, Forest Gump, pulp fiction, memento.

·         Flashback – Flashbacks are where the narrative goes back in time from the current point that the film or story has reached. The often use special effects so there is no confusion with where abouts the film is. Some examples of films or programmes that use flashbacks are  How I met your mother, lost, films like titanic as it was filmed in flashback

·         Realist Narrative – Story lines that are believable because they appear real based on true story that happened in the past. Used in horror films to appear scarier than it would be when it first happened. Examples where realist narrative are used are Shameless. Soap operas, drama films, romance film. Shot hand held camera in horror

·         Anti-Realist Narrative`- Something that doesn’t or will never happen in real life.  Cadburys advert 2007. Fantasies, superhero films, child’s programs where animals talk. Donnie Darko.

·         Open Narrative - An open narrative is where the story is left wide open, the viewer has to guess what happened of is going to happen at the end It usually happens if there is a sequel in a program or if it is due to be made into a film or if a program is in two parts.  They are often used in crime dramas to keep the audience on their seats and guessing what happened and who is the criminal

Open Narratives can also be ongoing and never ending, for example soap operas as they have one more story running at one time

·         Closed Narrative – A closen narrative has a beginning, middle and an end. They are opposite to open narrative. The audience Expect an ending. A closed narrative doesn't leave questions it has a clear ending. Some examples that used closed narratives are Titanic, limitless. Mice and men, Sweeney Todd