3. The Set-Up
3
ïThis is normally the first 5 â 10 minutes of the film. It is
here that all vital information is provided (main characters,
basis of the storyline, location, genre). This is the most
important part of the film.
ïDuring the set-up the following will occur:
ïCATALYST: the catalyst is what gets the story going. Usually
an event.
ïCENTRAL QUESTION: this is a problem, situation or issue
that needs to be resolved by the end of the film.
4. âThe Ringâ, Dir. Gore Verbiniski
4
ïLast lesson we identified a couple of horror conventions
which are linked to narrative. What are they?
ïFALSE SCARES: this is when the audience expect to jump
or be scared but nothing happens. It can be either a noise or
an action which leads to nothing (a door opening and you
expect someone to be standing behind it but no-oneâs there).
ïWatch the opening carefully and list the important elements
that add to the Set-Up of the narrative.
5. After the Set-UpâŠ
5
ïOnce key elements have been introduced it is important that
the narrative moves quickly so that the audienceâs interest is
maintained.
ïTURNING POINTS: are used to do this. These change the
direction of the story and raise the stakes. There will be a
turning point at the end of Act One and Act Two.
ïThe moment the audience most want to see is the
CLIMAX. This is the big finish of the film â where the
good and bad guy meet.
ïThe RESOLUTION is the final part of the film where all
loose ends are tied up (unless thereâs a sequel!)
7. Key Words for Narrative
7
RESOLUTION
CATALYST
TURNING POINT
SET-UP
CLIMAX
CENTRAL QUESTION
8. Todorov: Equilibrium, Disruption, New
Equilibrium Todorov
Stage One
Equilibrium
(An ordered state)
Stage Two
Disruption
(by some event)
Stage Three
Recognition
(of the disruption)
Stage Four Attempt to repair the damage
Stage Five
(Return to a)
New Equilibrium
Todorov
Stage One
Equilibrium
(An ordered state)
Stage Two
Disruption
(by some event)
Stage Three
Recognition
(of the disruption)
Stage Four Attempt to repair the damage
Stage Five
(Return to a)
New Equilibrium
9. Horror Tasks
9
1. Select 3 Past Student Horrors to watch from Student
Resources.
2. Watch each opening once and draw a tension graph as you
watch it.
3. Comment on the specific elements that made the tension
rise/fall in the opening sequence.
4. Fill in the Past Student Evaluation sheet for each film.
10. Horror Tasks
9
1. Select 3 Past Student Horrors to watch from Student
Resources.
2. Watch each opening once and draw a tension graph as you
watch it.
3. Comment on the specific elements that made the tension
rise/fall in the opening sequence.
4. Fill in the Past Student Evaluation sheet for each film.