Narrative

Studied with application to 'Fallen Angels', 'Trainspotting' and 'Fish Tank'.

Narrative as a broad term is about the arc or story that a film takes on. However, when analysing narrative it must be considered in relation to structure, its relation to the real world and the viewer. How thee story conveys the messages and whether it takes on a traditional narrative or challenges the conventions of them.

Characters in Film represent a symptom or issue the narrative is exploring.
These issues are negotiated via the structure of the narrative.
There is a debate to be had through POV and visual representations vs the viewer as to what view the viewer will take on the issues and hence the narrative (see preferred, oppositional reading etc)
Narrative structures can suggest the possibilities within the constructed world of film.

Structuralism - 
Developed by Ferdinand De Saussure (1857-1913). Is mostly used today only in terms of approaches and less the vocabulary.
A Structuralist narrative is focussed on the small details that make up structure. It elaborates on a film's focal points and focusses on the intricacies to convey the messages of a film. It aims for the viewer to be able to appreciate the film down to the very smallest details. Using a very classically structured narrative; leading the viewer from on scene to the next seamlessly in order for them to appreciate ALL of the film. Making it easy to watch so a viewer doesn't miss anything. It gives the viewer a taste of what that genre is all about.
Part of Structuralism is the understanding that:
Narrative is composed of Written, Visual and Verbal forms all of which appear in cinema.
All Narrative is actively constructed.
Narratives apply to all of humanity and culture in real life - there's infinite possibilities within these so the narrative of a film will definitely relate to one.
Narratives have always existed throughout history only in real life they are more subconscious.
An example of the studied films is 'Inception'.

Hollywood Narrative Structure - Beginning Middle and Ending.
The Hollywood narrative comprises of three acts. Setup, confrontation and resolution.
Act 1 - First Quarter of the Film
Act 2 - The next two quarters
Act 3 - The final quarter

Todorov and Equilibrium as part of the Hollywood Narrative Structure - 
He explained narrative as:
1. Equilibrium is established
2. Disruption of equilibrium
3. Character(s) identify disruption
4. Character(s) seek to resolve the issue and restore equilibrium.
5. Equilibrium Restored

Vladimir Propp and Narrative -
He classified the characters of Folk Tales as 'The Seven Spheres of Action'
1. The Villain
2. The Helper
3. The Donor (often magician)
4. Female in Distress and her Father
5. Dispatcher
6. Hero
7. False Hero

Levi Strauss and Binary Oppositions - 
Strauss theorised that all narrative was based off of a fundamental opposition between character and themes. Good vs Evil, Hero vs Villain etc.

Formalist Narrative Structure - 
Siegfried Karacauer founded the concept of formalism. A formalist film can be described as having no interest in real life or realism. It is composed of a highly stylised narrative with elaborate sets, costumes and special effects. It is more concerned with the stylistic or aesthetic elements than the narrative itself. It seeks to make sense to the viewer by avoiding clashing with Structuralist narrative but maintaining focus on aesthetic. It wants to be visually exciting, discounting any sense of reality but still clearly convey a message. Therefore, while discounting realism it preserves a sense of verisimilitude.

Points covered in the text when referencing narrative may include - 
Genre and Ideology
Structuralist or Formalist
Characters and their Functions
Use of camera, sound and editing
Use of dialogue, language and music
Appearance - dress-codes, body language and mise-en-scene
The applying context to elements such as - 
Characters, roles, beliefs and attitudes
Stereotypes (traditional or conventional presentations)
Social, cultural, political and historical general context

Questions may be phrased as - 
The formalist conception of narrative based on the difference between story and plot.
The structuralist conception of narrative based on binary oppositions.
How narrative can function as an ideological framework.
The conception of genre, genre conventions and genre in relation to narrative.