Structuring time

In narrative cinema

This is not just about narrative structure….

» ie. linear v’s non-linear plots.

» ie. linear v’s non-linear plots.

The three elements of time structure….

» Temporal order

» Temporal duration

» Temporal frequency

» Temporal order

» Temporal duration

» Temporal frequency

Temporal Order» The structuring of events which

may include chronological order, flashbacks and/ flash forwards.

» The structuring of events which may include chronological order, flashbacks and/ flash forwards.

Temporal duration» The manipulation of time from real

time to reel time, that is the foreshortening or expansion of time and the length of time events are portrayed on screen.

» The manipulation of time from real time to reel time, that is the foreshortening or expansion of time and the length of time events are portrayed on screen.

» There are a number of codes and conventions to the Temporal duration of time in films. Days, months and years can pass in a

quick succession of shots A character can get into a car one scene,

and be in their office the next. Fade to black or white, or another

transition effect like an iris or a wipe can signify missing time.

And costume, makeup or other special effects can advance quickly, telling us time has changed.

» There are a number of codes and conventions to the Temporal duration of time in films. Days, months and years can pass in a

quick succession of shots A character can get into a car one scene,

and be in their office the next. Fade to black or white, or another

transition effect like an iris or a wipe can signify missing time.

And costume, makeup or other special effects can advance quickly, telling us time has changed.

» Usually a combination of real time, foreshortened time and expanded time are used together in a narrative.

» Usually a combination of real time, foreshortened time and expanded time are used together in a narrative.

Temporal frequency

Involves the repetition of action from the same or different camera angles. It is another way that emphasis can be given to a particular event. This doesn’t just have to be a “Die Hard” explosion repeated three times…

Involves the repetition of action from the same or different camera angles. It is another way that emphasis can be given to a particular event. This doesn’t just have to be a “Die Hard” explosion repeated three times…

» It can also be used to build tension…» It can also be used to build tension…

Or reveal a new perspective of an event from a different characters point of viewOr reveal a new perspective of an event from a different characters point of view

The effect of all this…

Is to create the “beat” or “rhythm” in a film, and you should be able to describe and analyse the way each film’s time is constructed.

one of the questions on the past 4 media exams has always focused on time in narrative cinema.

Is to create the “beat” or “rhythm” in a film, and you should be able to describe and analyse the way each film’s time is constructed.

one of the questions on the past 4 media exams has always focused on time in narrative cinema.