Narrative analysis

Symirroretry: http://symirroretry.com/

Before planning our film we decided to look into narrative conventions of a documentary to full fill expectations for our film.

We looks at different narrative theories to help structure our film such as Todorovs narrative theory. This theory suggests that all narratives follow a three part structure. They begin with equilibrium, where everything is balanced, progress as something comes along to disrupt that equilibrium, and finally reach a resolution, when equilibrium is restored

1. Equilibrium (everything as it should be)
2. Disruption (by an event)
3. Recognition of disruption
4. Attempts to repair disruption
5. Return to equilibrium

Story = a sequence of events, known correctly as the plot

Narrative = the way those events are put together to be presented to an audience.

Symbolic Codes;

These are the signs contained in the narrative that we decode as being significant and having meaning 

- for example a ragged coat worn by a character may mean that they are poor and possibly hungry. Think of them as clues that have to be followed, and different viewers/readers will follow clues in different ways.

Equilibrium: 

• noun a state or situation in which opposing forces or factors balance each other out and stability is attained
• noun within a narrative, the absence of tensions in need of resolution.

source: http://www.dictionarycentral.com/definition/equilibrium.html

Equilibrium -  The equilibrium traditionally is at the beginning of the film, showing how life is settled and calm. In the short film Symmirroretry it begins calm, everything is normal, showing off skateboarding skills. A voice over about how passionate they are about skateboarding. Use of establishing shots, and along side movement with the skateboarders.

Disruption - The disruption begins when another skateboarders joins the main character, even though they haven't realised there is a disruption you can see it beginning to unfold as the characters are wearing black balaclavas and skating as though they are on a mission. This is at the cycle stage of their film. 

Recognition of disruption - The recognition of disruption is within the artistic side of the short film where you can see how uncomfortable and on edge the main character is, surrounded by this person in big clothing, lots of jewellery and their painted body. Although this is a different take on the common Todorov's theory it relates to a wider range of audiences. This is at the dying stage of their film.

Attempts to repair disruption - As they discuss their passion of skateboarding it beings to repair the disruption of the equilibrium. On behalf of the artistic side this is at the rebirthing stage of their film.

Return to equilibrium - The use of symmetry, artistic close ups, movement, sinking and the return of the two men comes back into the film. As though they are running from their fears and continuing life. The "grim reaper" drowns and leaves the sheets, it becomes peaceful. The voice overs come back discussing about how it is difficult to create films and be a skateboarder due to the limitations other people put onto the producer, but he expresses he makes films that he wants to make.