Classical Hollywood Narratives

Hollywood Narratives in

Pictures and Screenshots

Donna Lye14046

DIP Lvl 2 – ANN3A

Contents

1. Abstract2. Introduction3. Mise-en-scene 4. How Hollywood Narratives has evolved5. Has ‘New Hollywood’ retained

Classical Narratives of Hollywood? 6. Conclusion7. Bibliography

Abstract

• Introduction to Classical Narratives– Touch on definition and elements of

Hollywood Narratives .

• How Classical Narratives have evolved – Examples of the changes from older films vs

new films using the same franchise. – Discussion on how I feel about the changing

narrative elements in Hollywood.

Introduction

• Classical Hollywood Narrative is a dominant form of storytelling in Cinema that was introduced sometime between the 1920s to 1930s

– Follows a set of unspoken rules– Is typically expected from the audience – Is still commonly used in today’s films.

The 3-Act Structure

• Resembles the world we know

– Problem is introduced early in the movie

– Characters work on the problem

– By the end, the problem is solved

Mise-en-scene• Characters almost never look directly

into the camera– Occasionally shown to give dramatic

effect

• Backgrounds designed to be true to life– Occasionally elaborate but still designed

to resemble the world we know

How Classic Hollywood Narrative has evolved

• Considered the 1st film to make use of dialogue and the Classic Hollywood Narrative

• Marked the decline of silent films

• Gave MGM financial success to make more films


The Television


• Charismatic, more laid back and experienced

• Mostly pure entertainment

• Over the top stunts and explosions

• Reboot of the film franchise

• Features a darker, grittier and more realistic Bond

• Retains over the top stunts and explosions


• Follows 6 different stories that intertwine with each other

• Crosses through different time periods

• Retains elements of Classical Narrative

Has New Hollywood retained the Classical Narrative Structure?

The One Ring, The Fellowship of The Ring & the Destruction of the One Ring; The Lord of The Rings Trilogy

Harry finds out he’s a wizard, Dumbledore’s army, Harry versus Voldemort; Harry Potter Anthology

Conclusion

• A basic and and effective story structure that can be built on to tell a more compelling story

• Will continue to be the main structure of storytelling for a long time

•

Bibliography

• Berliner, T (2010), Hollywood Incoherent, United States of America: University of Texas Press

• Nelmes, J, Nichols, B (1996), Introduction to Film Studies, United States of America and Canada: Routledge

• Maltby, R (1995), Hollywood Cinema, United States of America: Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Classical Hollywood Narratives

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