Narrative theory

Synopsis for a teen rom-com

The movie starts where we see the difference between two peoples lives. An upcoming snobby model, Savannah, and a warm hearted volunteer worker, James. When Savanna is told be her publicist that nobody is hiring her due to her what they are seeing of her attitude in the papers, she is forced to change her image.

Savannah decides to help at a childrens shelter where she meets James. The two begin to spend a lot of time together with James teaching Savannah new things about life. As time goes by the two fall in love. But when Savannah's ex-boyfriend comes back in her life, the old her begins to come back, and when James see's the real Savannah her leaves her.

As a month goes by, neither James or Savannah can forget about each other, and again their paths cross, at a charity ball, where james is being honoured for his work. Savannah then confesses her love to James and reveals how she has changed.

1.There are two heroes to the film the female and male protagonist Savannah, and James. This is revealed in the opening sequence as the camera follows the two as they walk to their seperate lives.

2.There is no obvious villian in the film, however Savannah's ex-boyfriend who interferes in their relationship will be portrayed as the bad guy

3.James' ordinary world, involves his job as a writer in the local newspaper where he reports on extraordinary people. And in his spare time helps out at the childrens shelter. Savannah's is as a high class model, who works in the day and parties in the night.

4. The test that Savannah will be subjected to is she will have to learn how to be kind to others, and that there is more to life than money and alcohol. James will learn that he needs to take some time to look after himself instead of always putting others first.

5. The heroes will have a best friend each. Savannahs will be her publicist, and James's will be a co-worker

6. James' enemy will be Savannah's ex-boyfriend, Savannah's will be the people who only use her for her status.

7. James learns to loosen up,and to put himself first, Savannah learns to change her snobby ways, and to have more respect for others.

Challenges in film making

Creating a film is more difficult than it seems. There are many aspects that need to be thought about both behind and in front of the camera. From my own experience of making film, these are example of what needed extra thought...

For example the people behind the camera need to think about;

• The 180 degree rule - this is where the camera must stay on the one side of the imaginery 180 degree   line, so that the audience does not get confused on the where abouts of the actors.
• Camera angles and shots - A variety of camera shots need to be used in order to keep the audience interested. Also different angles can be used to create not only entertainment but also a certain atmosphere. 
• Entertaining script - The script needs to be entertaining in order to keep the audience captivated, and interesting
• The right actors - The film needs to have the right actors to the play the right roles. This then makes the film more believale to the audience.
• The correct Setting - The location of the filming needs to be relevant to that of the script. also the lighting of the location is essential to creating the image
• Sound - Unless a microphone is used, then the camera and actors need to be in a place where there voices and actions can be heard effectively.

For people in front of the camera, they need to think about;

• Correct positioning - The actors must make sure they are positioned in front correctly so that they are not blocking others, and also fo the scene to look effective.
• Acting effectively - The actors need to be believable in what they are doing in order to make the film more believable and entertaining

In order to create a film there needs to be a lot of preperation made, however the time frame depends on the size of the project. the following needs to be prepared

• Location - The location of the scene can be either real or fake. also when filming in outside locations the weather needs to be checked before hand
• Actors
• Script
• Camera shots and angles (can be done using a storyboard) 
• Positioning of actors (done in rehearsal)
• The lighting
• Costume

 

Death at a funeral

Binary oppositions found in the film

The main opposition in the film is between the Barnes brothers and Frank Lovett. Frank Lovett is a homosexual dwarf who shows pictures to Aaron Barnes of he and the Barne's fathers secret relationsip. He then threatens the men, that he will reveal all to the rest of the family, unless he is paid $30,000

Throughout the film, the Barnes brothers, with the help of their friends try their best to stop Frank, as they are unable to afford to pay the money

Another opposition comes from Derek who had a brief fling with Elaine Barnes, and throughout the film tries his best to get her back, despite her being in a new relationship.

Also, Oscar, who is Elaines boyfriend, is meeting Elaines family for the first time, and is obviously very nervous. So Elaine gives Oscar one of her brothers 'valiums' which is actually an hallucinogenic.

This therefore causes a lot of trouble at the funeral, as Jeff and Elaine try there best to keep an eye on Oscar and make it unobvious to the rest of the family that there is anything wrong with him. 

The lesson that the protaganist Aaron Barnes leaves with at the end of the film is that it is wrong to judge his father, as he never judged them. he realises that no matter what, his father did his best to raise them, and that he will aim to bring up his own child the same way his father did.

Film 5 - Heathers

The elements that define Heathers as a teen movie are;

• American high school
• Attractive female protagonist 
• Teenage angst
• Romance

We can see that the film aims for a teenage audience as the film is set around life in an American high school, and the different groups involved such as, the popular, the geeks, and the bullies etc.


The film spoofs high school life, and uses teen movie clichés to present teenagers in a humours way.The female protagonist is portrayed as a gullible yet rebellious school girl who wants revenge on the Heathers for the way they have treated her and others.

The locations that feature within the movie are, the school and the school kids homes 


This dark, cynical black comedy creates a shocking yet humourous mood which is achieved due to the dialogue of the teenagers and the casual violence used throughout. 

Film 4 - American pie

The key elements which signal this movie to be a teenage movie are;

• American high school
• Male Protagonist
• Sex
• Romance
• White affluent middle-class family - with a large family

We can see that the film aims towards a younger audience due to its themes of sex, puberty and alcohol. The film creates a funny side to the issues which are relatable to an older teenage audience.


The film portrays teenagers in all different lights. The film features all the typical characters from a teenage movie, cheerleaders, sportsman, geeks, musicians. 

The types of locations that feature within the movie are, homes of characters, high school, and house parties.

There is a humourous mood throughout the movie, which is achieved from the main characters and the banter between the group. Also through the relationship of the main protagonist Jim Levenstein and his parents.

Film 3 - Ferris Bueller's day off

The key elements which define the film Ferris Bueller's day off as a teenage movie are;

• Amercian high School
• White affluent middle class family with a large house
• Young male protagonist 
• Attractive female protagonist 

It is clear to see that the film signals to a younger teenage audience due the storyline of skipping school, and anticipation to whether he is caught. 

The film portrays teenagers in a humourous light, and shows a wide range of personalities throughout the movie.

There are many locations used in the movie, such as a the house, school, police station and the city.

There is a light hearted and humourous mood ceated due to Ferris' monologues throughout the film, and because of the adventures he embarks on.

Film 2 - Kidulthood

We are able to define Kidulthood as a teen movie due to the following elements;

• Teenage characters
• Teenage angst
• School
• Bullying
• Sex
• drugs
• Romance

We immediatly see that the film is for an older teenage and adult audience. this is due to it's immediate reference to drugs and sex, also some of the scenes involving bullying, show strong voilence which is not suitable for the younger crowd.


The film does not portary teenagers in the best light, however the aim of the film is to show the behaviour of teenagers which is becoming more popular in todays society, it also shows the effects of their actions.




The locations that feature within the movie are mainly the school playgroung, alleyways, and the city. 

There is dark and pensive mood created in the movie due to the language and violence, this is done within the first five minutes of the film as we see a young girl being bullied violenty, by another group of girls. However there is dark humour within the movie which comes from a group of friends.