Episode 10: Celluloid Dreams Film School Part 6: Narrative Structure & the Origins of Story

Matt & Mike explore sources of inspiration for films, as well as the various narrative structures through which those storylines are conveyed.Even though plot details may differ between narratives, universal themes are often explored through storylines that long predate the existence of film. Additionally, other sources of inspiration can influence various aspects of a film, including its visual expression of ideas and tone. Examples of sources of inspiration include the following:Oral storytelling historyReligious and mythological storiesStage Plays - both classic and modernShort Stories & Novels - both classic and modernGraphic Novels & Comic BooksVideogamesArtwork & MusicRadio, newsreels & newspapersOther Films - both foreign & domesticThe Entertainment Industry itselfActual Life Events and Non-Fiction materials based upon such eventsThe Collective Unconscious (assuming Carl Jung is correct)Some examples of Themes explored in film and its source material include the following:Good vs EvilComing of AgeSearch for IdentityDeath & RebirthArchetypal characters depicted in films and its source materials include the following:HeroShadowMentorTricksterShapeshifterHeraldNarrative structures for storytelling discussed within this video include the following:Linear - including backward linearNonlinear / FracturedCircular - including repeating time loop, time paradox, and thematic circular structures.BookendsMythical Hero storylines that include a call to adventureFurther exploration of narrative structures and devices to be continued over the next few episodes...