Non-narrative Elements in Narrative Film (Case Studies: Late Spring and Chungking Express)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Art University, Tehran

2 Assistant Professor, 23Faculty of Art and Architecture, Islamic Azad University (Central Tehran Branch), Tehran, Iran.

3 M.A in Art Research, Islamic Azad University (Central Tehran Branch), Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Non-narrative elements encompass a broad set of formal techniques, ranging from visual elements to musical forms. The use of camera movements, lighting, actors' clothing, and even the space selected for various scenes of the film can play a major role in creating non-narrative elements. Furthermore, the use of organized specific parameters and stylistic techniques leads to creating a sort of narrative that is called parametric narrative. Since there is no explicit implication for the application of these specific stylistic techniques in parametric narrative, and on the other hand we cannot also consider implicit meanings and implications for them, the ultimate function of such organized stylistic techniques can be considered to be in establishing such a strong internal norm in the film; a norm that in most cases shows the mastery of film's style on its plot and story. That is why the themes used in this narrative style are selected simply to prepare space to highlight the stylistic structure of the film. Non-narrative elements, unlike the parametric narrative elements, usually have implicit and conceptual meanings. In fact, non-narrative elements try to penetrate the hidden layers of meaning in line with the general meaning of the film. So, essentially a dual role can be considered for non-narrative elements. This means that on one hand, these elements, having hidden layers of meaning, will increase the conceptual dimensions of the artwork; and on the other hand, due to their formal properties, they enrich the artwork in terms of shape and form. So it can be said that non-narrative elements play an important role in the aesthetic expression of the film. However, these elements constitute only a part of the style-oriented techniques of the film. The shape of these elements and the techniques used to display them suddenly impress the audience and makes him to step down for a moment from the normal world of the film and to immerse in depth of the entity of characters or their inner world. But the point that should be noted is that where these elements refer to people insights, they don't purely express personal and psychological aspects of people. This means that they do not contribute in the characterization and expression of personal attributes; a task that is done mainly in classical narrative by well-known arrangements. These moments are like a kind of Revelation of time for the character of the film and sometimes for us - a search for a meaning which may even doesn't exist. From this perspective, non-narrative elements are the mere expression of being in a pure emotional moment, which is less definable. Although a type of formal similarity is seen among the non-narrative elements used in a film due to the overall style and atmosphere of the film, in general, such a similarity is seemed to be more a result of the common theme of the film, because in terms of conceptual expression, each of these elements recount a part of the hidden meaning behind the film at that particular moment. 

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References

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Journal of Fine Arts: Performing Arts & Music
Volume 22, Issue 1
March 2017
Pages 41-50

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