Year 9 Media Arts · Responding — Analyse and Evaluate · 10m read

Genre and Narrative in Film

Genres set expectations; narratives deliver surprises. Understanding both lets you analyse and create engaging films.

Learning objective: Analyse genre conventions and narrative structures in film.

By the end of this lesson you can:

• I can identify genre conventions.
• I can analyse narrative structure.
• I can explain how films engage audiences.

Narrative is a rollercoaster. The slow climb (setup), the drops and loops (conflict), the biggest drop (climax) and the gentle glide back to the platform (resolution). Audiences love a well-designed ride.

Story and genre

GENRE CONVENTIONS:
• Settings, characters, iconography, plots, music, lighting (e.g. horror: dark settings, low-key lighting, jump scares).
• Hybrid genres combine conventions.

NARRATIVE STRUCTURE:
• Three-act structure: setup, confrontation, resolution.
• Todorov's equilibrium model.
• Linear vs non-linear (flashbacks).

ENGAGEMENT:
• Enigmas (questions), cliffhangers, character identification.

| Narrative concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Three-act structure | Setup → confrontation → resolution |
| Todorov's equilibrium | Equilibrium → disruption → recognition → repair → new equilibrium |
| Hero's journey | Call to adventure, mentor, trials, return |
| Linear / non-linear | Chronological vs flashbacks, parallel timelines |
| Point of view | Whose story? |
| Narrative viewpoint | Restricted (one character) vs omniscient |

Key ideas at a glance

• Disruption drives story: No problem, no plot.
• Characters change: Arcs matter.
• Genre shapes structure: Conventions guide expectations.
• Structure creates meaning: Non-linear can create mystery.

Worked example (Medium)

Name three conventions of science fiction.

1. Conventions. Futuristic settings, advanced technology, aliens or AI.

Answer: Futuristic settings, technology, aliens/AI.

Worked example (Hard)

Apply Todorov's theory to *Finding Nemo*.

1. Equilibrium. Marlin and Nemo live safely in the reef.
2. Disruption. Nemo is captured by a diver.
3. Recognition. Marlin sets out to find him.
4. Repair. Journey with Dory; rescue.
5. New equilibrium. Marlin is less overprotective.

Answer: Each stage maps; the new equilibrium shows character growth.

Common mistakes

• Retelling the plot Analysis focuses on construction. Fix: Discuss conventions and structure.
• Retelling plot instead of analysing structure No analysis. Fix: Name the stage and explain its effect.

Non-linear narratives

Films like *Memento* (told backwards) or *Pulp Fiction* (out of order) use non-linear structure.

This makes audiences work to piece the story together, creating mystery and showing that the order of information shapes meaning.

Practice questions

1. A film combining comedy and horror is a:

   1. Hybrid genre
   2. Documentary
   3. Biopic
   4. Silent film

   (1 marks)

2. What is a non-linear narrative?

   (2 marks)

3. In Todorov's theory, the problem is the:

   1. Equilibrium
   2. Disruption
   3. Repair
   4. Resolution

   (1 marks)

4. A flashback creates a:

   1. Linear narrative
   2. Non-linear narrative
   3. Documentary
   4. Montage only

   (1 marks)

5. Explain how restricted narration creates suspense.

   (2 marks)

Summary

• Genre conventions set expectations.
• Narrative structures.
• Engagement through enigma.
• Narrative theory explains how stories are shaped.