Category: 1.2 Narrative Structure

This critical report represents a concluding effort for this unit. The subject matter has proven to be genuinely engaging, revealing substantial nuances that warrant additional scrutiny. Recognizing the existing gap in research, there appears to be untapped potential for further investigation in this domain. Revisiting this topic in subsequent modules is a prospect that I find intriguing and worthwhile. My Essay is attached below: Additionally, Please find my research presentation surrounding this topic below:

After establishing the keywords and formulating the questions, I successfully identified the articles that best aligned with the research. Beres, L. (1999). Beauty and the Beast: The romanticization of abuse in popular culture. European Journal of Cultural Studies, 2, 191–207. Corsaro, W. A. (1997). The sociology of childhood. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge. Dundes, L. (2001). Disney’s modern heroine Pocahontas: Revealing age-old gender stereotypes and role discontinuity under a façade of liberation. Social Science Journal, 38, 353–365. Ingraham, C. (2005) Thinking Straight: The Power, the Promise, and the Paradox of Heterosexuality. Routledge Jimenez, Sharik, “THE REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN DISNEY …

WEEK 9 – Academic Writing Approaches and Citation Revision Read more »

After several searches and based on the articles I was able to find, I chose to deepen my interest in gender inequalities, which can also interact with the representation of sexuality. Indeed, I find that however widely these issues are analysed, they are at the centre of several debates. After realising which field I wanted to analyse, I chose a few keywords that could help me search for the most suitable and relevant articles. Gender inequality  Performative gender representation LGBTQ+ community  LGBTQ+ representation Gender-sexuality relation Animated film Disney animated film I wondered how the lgbt community was portrayed in Disney …

WEEK 8 – Critical thinking for Research Topic Read more »

Activity – Pick a film you personally have watched and enjoyed. Breakdown the story arc (what are the 8 stages) Breakdown the characters into their archetypes. Create a timeline for the main character starting before the film starts. I choose to analyse my favourite movie Interstellar (2014) by Christopher Nolan. The film has a very complex narrative so the stages can be viewed differently based on individual perspectives. These are the 8 stages: Stasis (Ordinary World): The movie begins on Earth, portraying a dystopian future where crops are failing, and humanity is struggling to survive. Trigger: A mysterious gravitational anomaly …

WEEK 7 – Narrative Structure and Character Role Read more »

During this session, Nigel introduced the concept of mise en scene, composition and staging as techniques to help develop the narration of the film which are part of Screen Direction. Screen direction, in the context of filmmaking, refers to the perceived direction in which actors or objects are moving on the screen from the viewpoint of the camera or audience. It is a fundamental aspect of visual storytelling that contributes to the coherence and understanding of the narrative. The rules of screen direction are crucial not only for the actors’ movements but also for guiding camera positioning and movement. Consistency …

WEEK 6 – Film Language and Research Approaches Read more »

In the first part of this lesson, Nigel talked about animated documentaries explaining that this is a unique genre that combines elements of traditional documentary filmmaking with animation techniques to convey information, tell a story, or explore real-world events. In this genre, instead of using live-action footage or interviews exclusively, animators employ various animation styles to visualise and depict real-life events, stories, or interviews. Like traditional documentaries, animated documentaries cover a wide range of subjects, including historical events, personal narratives, social issues, biographies, and more. The animation allows for a creative and often subjective interpretation of the subject matter. Animation …

WEEK 5 – Social and Political Comment in Animation Read more »

In the lesson, Nigel discussed the Auteur theory, tracing its origins to critics associated with Cahiers du Cinema. This theory emerged from the belief that American cinema merited thorough examination and that masterpieces were not exclusive to a select group of directors but could be created by a variety of authors whose work had been previously overlooked. Auteurism, as articulated by Watson (2012), is redefined through the abandonment of singular and transcendental notions of the artist. By relinquishing essentialist ideas about art-making, a multitude of potential auteurs emerge, including creative personnel, agencies, and even corporations. Their influence on the art …

WEEK 4 – The Auteur and the Animation Read more »

In the second week’s session, Nigel introduced us to experimental animation, describing it as an avant-garde domain of artistic exploration with a rich history rooted in creativity and innovation. Before the era of modern technology, animators pioneered groundbreaking techniques, pushing beyond the conventional boundaries of animation. He also explained the two main types of experimental animation: formative abstraction and conceptual abstraction. Formative abstraction involves altering visual fundamentals such as color, space, and form, coupled with exploring the dynamics of movement, time, rhythm, and sound as integral themes in the work. The artist’s engagement is primarily investigative and may lack a …

WEEK 3 – The Avant Garde Read more »

In our second academic session, Nigel discussed The Elements of Art, highlighting their foundational importance for artists creating visual works. He elucidated how these elements offer a practical framework for understanding and analyzing art visually. Mastering these basics enables artists to express ideas, convey emotions, and create visually appealing artworks. The Elements of Art serve as essential tools in the creative process, forming a solid foundation for artistic expression. Here’s a brief overview of each element: Line: In the context of art, a line is a fundamental element defined by a point moving in space, appearing in two or three …

WEEK 2 – Visual Language and Cultural Contexts Read more »

This session served as an introduction to Design for Animation, Narrative Structures, and Film Language. Despite being the initial phase of the module, I have already begun contemplating potential subjects for the essay that we have to write. It is anticipated that these topics will evolve and undergo refinement as my understanding of the module deepens. Initially, my interest is directed towards a few broad topics. One of my favourites is “The Different Impact of the Maternal Bond of Lead Characters in Animation Storytelling.” I am interested in exploring the depiction of maternal behavior towards children in animated films and, …

WEEK 1 – Unit Introduction Read more »