Undertsanding and Enjoying Film Narrative. Part 1

So this weeks blog has been in the making for probably a couple of months, in terms of full mental composition. Last week I wrote about enjoying films at face value, relating the film to yourself and paying attention to why you enjoy certain movies, as it can reveal a lot about your inner psychology and narrative. 

This month I am talking about Understanding narrative, with a template example focusing on the popular movie Inception. There are several aspects to understanding fully the concept of narrative. This week we are looking at source. 

To understand and enjoy the plot or story of a film, one must first look at where it comes from and why that particular film was produced that year. Inception for example comes from a mixture of plots. The Matrix is perhaps the most relatable. Both films involve a focus on one mans journey in a creative unreal space. The main characters Cobb and Neo must overcome their inner struggles before the end to save the day, and everyone else's fate depends on the success of their struggle. The confusing part with both movies is in the premise and how it relates to our own reality. This becomes confusing to our own psychology, because rather than taking us to a planet of blue people who fly on dragons, both movies are set in present time, and make enough sense that they can be believed fully if you accept the premise that you never know what real is until you see the other side. Many movies have done this, so Inception is merely offering a new landscape to plant the ever popular tree of escape and thrilling thought. 

This movie and the Matrix are so popular and were made at their given times because society as a whole is slowly becoming mentally disconnected. Many are accepting concepts that are believable enough when you make the leap over the concept. To put it simply, its a lot like a man believing he is really a boy. Once he can mentally accept this small gap, everything changes. The focus on sleep and dreaming is important too, in a society heavily dependent on anti-depressants and mind altering drugs. Inception suggests that given a large dosage of sedation one can accomplish things not possible in our own reality, much like drinking alcohol or smoking weed can take you to places other things can’t. The movie is not saying it believes this, but it realizes that you do. I’m not saying these parallels are true, but it is a viewpoint to think about.  The movie is not saying it believes this, but it realizes that you do. It can’t be argued though, that audiences love these mentally thrilling escapes, and hollywood is happy to make money in its offer. 

Other movies such as Lord of the Rings, and last weeks suggested film Catch Me If You Can, draw on popular narratives or real life situations. Realize most of these movies are made (or should have been) so you don’t have to look at the back story or source to enjoy them, but enjoyment is enhanced through more extensive knowledge on what the film is about. Harry potter fans for instance enjoy the films far more than those oblivious to the source narrative, due to their in-depth mythology education, and therefore escape much easier into the fiction of the movie. I’m not saying you should go out and read every Narnia book to appreciate the movies, but you can if you desire a little more. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief was a recent personal example of enjoying the movies premise so much I was attracted to the original source. 

So where do audiences get lost watching Inception (other than color problem T.V.’s)?... Tune in to my next post. 

Catch Me If You Can: A Movie Watching Tutorial.

My film of the week.

Recently, after watching a number of films with my friends, most of which I offer comments on during and after, it has been suggested I write a tutorial on how to enjoy the various levels of a film. How to watch a film the way I do, if I may be so egotistical. There are numerous aspects and layers to a film that, when observed, can add tremendous enjoyment to even the worst of films. In fact I suggest watching a film multiple times, if you have copious amounts of free time or just love movies like Inception, because each time you can analyze the film from a different aspect. For those of you Christians reading this, its similar to the practice of Lexio Divina, only  more time consuming.

The first way I suggest, and look at a movie myself, is void of any analytical thought that doesn't help me understand the basic plot. Basically watch the movie as if you know nothing about them. Just feel and let the movie move and transport you, from your couch into a world beyond the Vail of light a sound across a screen. Even here you subconscious and conscious might notice certain aspects of the film. this is because of you your unique character and experiences, and its what makes movie so amazing. we can take what we want from a movie, kinda like stealing from the tip jar at Starbucks with inner and corporate encouragement. directors and producers want audiences to relate to movies individually, to connect with things based on our own experiences. its in this connection that we find enjoyment. A useful analogy is the mirror from the first harry potter film called the mirror of Erised. The mirror, or movie, shows us a reflection of ourselves but also the things we want most. I often smile at tender family moments in movies because more than anything I desire a close future family with my wife and kids.

So for now, just enjoy a movie. realize that you are connecting and seeing the very things you want to be, even if that is found in seeing things you don't want to be. these clues about yourself will reveal you desires and what triggers your best and worst responses.

Look for my next blog: Finding the Story as you Walk Through.
this will be on enjoying film narrative with a special look at Inception.

Whether or not you’ve seen Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, the following analysis of the films portrayal of gender identity will have you looking at it differently, and indeed your own culture. Although not indented to be a sexist or solely man focused, the film does heavily focus only on men. The 2000 academy multi-award winning film offers some interesting commentary. One aspect of the movie that starts this subtle viewpoint is the early dialogue. “If only you had been born a man, what a Caesar you would have made.” This line spoken by Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius to Connie Nielson as his daughter, Lucilla; reveals a present but not always conscious  ideology of men being at the top of every hierarchy, especially white men. The film is not blatantly obvious in purporting this message, but the cultural makeup of the late 90’s projected on to the classic roman society depicted in the film subtly conveys these notions. 

Let me interject here. Regardless of what a movie is about or where it takes place, there is a reason it was made when it was. Gladiator is no exception, it was made intentionally and reflectively as a product of the culture around it. This is true of every art form. our lenses always have biases that are predominantly set in our own experiences. Okay back to the review...

  The narrative focuses on the character development of Maximus as a gladiator and thereby offers its opinions on what a man should be and how women and children stand in relation to the male role. The film shows this in visual and narrative dynamics of the film, both present and perpetuate sociological and cultural reflections of male gender identity through its main character and choice Russell Crowe to star in this role The movie industry, as a for-profit business typically attempts to capture audiences by perpetuating the subtle underlying beliefs of society and the inner psychology of nineteen-year-old males who are the predominant movie going demographic. Basically it shows you what you want and already know.  Gladiator falls into this business model perfectly with a strong male focused protagonist, a wimpy male antagonist, stylized violence, epic shots, and a slight love interest. Movies such as Saving Private Ryan, The Matrix, and The Mummy, in the years leading up to this film represent Hollywood's commentary of the current events of the day. The tensions and terrorism of the Middle East, the Gulf War, and growing economic prosperity represent just some of the major forces that shaped late 90’s culture and no doubt acted upon the sociological and philosophical viewpoints of the nineteen-year-old male consciousness. Gladiator, attempted to make sense of the time period, its cultural identity, and its idealism. As a soldier, Maximus helps us understand and process our thoughts on war and what it does to individuals.  Additionally, it challenges us to consider our role in society. 

Further investigation into current events surrounding the film demonstrates that the focus of popular media is key to understanding the film as it portrays the idealism of the day. There was a strong focus on men, especially men in power, and a woman’s place in a male-centered society. Consequently, Rome is depicted in the film as a republic ruled and controlled by men, similar to the contemporary government.  The depiction of war, which is always a main headline in the news, focuses mostly on men. On a consumer level everything in some way shape or form, can be argued to focus or serve men. Even women’s fashion and make-up, acquiesce to men’s desires. Deodorant commercials, workout advertisements, movies and television shows of the time focus on this idealistic man. Maximus portrays the media and consumer views on the idealistic man; strong, loyal to his country, aggressive, and masculine. 

The visual dynamics of mise-en-scene (thats everything you see) create these perceptible gender specific aspects throughout the film.  The selection of Russell Crowe and visual his subsequent representation depict numerous “manly” qualities. Russell Crowe is fairly tall at 5’ 11”, has a muscular build,  and a large block chin. His facial and head hair is cut short and has a professional yet rugged look about them for the movie.  Even his eyes, with a slanted shape, and angular eyebrows, give him a dangerous, calculating, and yet gentle look during close up shots. Russell’s costumes also perpetuate idealistic male imagery. He is either wearing armor or a sort of sack cloth throughout the entire movie that display his muscular lower legs, thick neck, and large toned arms. The costumes are form fitting just enough to follow the shape of his body underneath, and the armor is always large and pronounces certain body shapes. Even the way he is cropped inside the frame, almost always waist up and center frame depicts this strong important vibe. Additionally, the lighting, which is usually harsh, shows great detail on his musculature throughout most of the film. 

The narrative of the film is perhaps most significant illustration of this male gender ideology. The dialogue develops Maximus as a tough and gentle guy. The opening scene shows Maximus as a man of power, courage, and loyalty as he fights in a winning battle. In the tent scene following, with Richard Harris and Joaquin Phoenix, the values of, “Wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance...” are inferred to be qualities present in Maximus but lacking in the antagonist, Commodes.  Throughout the movie, Maximus changes from quiet and tempered to aggressive and violent.  However, it is significant that the latter is depicted only in scenes of honor and defense. Most notably Maximus never cries out in pain.  Apart from the death of his family, he is unaffected by his circumstances. Around Lucilla, Maximus is gentle and soft-spoken demonstrating a manners and respect to the only real woman character in the movie. Maximus is a role model to Lucilla’s son and, in some ways, a father and son bond exists between the two. Maximus is also extremely loyal despite his own reservations, temptations, and desires.  He is loyal to Rome, Marcus Aurelius, and his dead family as seen later when he is praying. 

Further the weaknesses in Maximus are overcome at the end of the film thus giving the audience the triumph they relate to and desire. Gladiator has elements of the typical under dog story. Maximus never desires glory or power and yet he is always favored for them as he rises to power. He tries very hard to turn away from battle and even when he becomes a slave he describes caring little about his life. Yet he always gets up, he fights for his home, and the values and people of Rome. 

An interesting aspect of this movie is a lack of depicted sexuality between Maximus and a woman.  He is even loyal to his wife after she is dead. He fights regardless of afflictions or injuries and trumps at the end. This final triumph is probably is the most defining moment the director wanted to depict. Maximus is finally at peace and all is forgiven. His family and country are all that he loves and cares about in the last moments of life.

All these elements subconsciously act upon the audiences’ mind, your mind. They reflect and refract this continuing vision of a loyal and loving man who is fierce in battle and rises honorably to all challenges. Rome is an allegory for America, and it was no mistake that they were both republics. Ridley Scott intended to show a soldiers’ heroic battle in war and in defense of his principles. Maximus presents the characteristics we would want in ourselves given similar situations. These same characteristics are similarly promoted in the media through the news and consumer ads. It inspires and challenges us to leave ourselves behind for greater causes such as religion, family and country.  The film depicts a Man’s virtues and physical appearance, perpetuating, through visual and narrative elements our view on gender identity. 

Think about these thing when you think about or watch the movie. Women, think about how this makes you feel as an equal member of society, is hollywood ruled by men? Why? Don’t fall into stereotypes, enjoy the film and realize the subtle things your being sold and told. Think about what it means to you. Is it just entertainment or can it be something more to you...