What is Narrative Form?

What really is narrative form? 

Narrative form is the way a film (or any motion picture medium) created. It is how stories are shaped and presented to us, viewers. Narrative form has two parts.

Story - all events in chronological order including those we see and those we presume.

Plot - how those events are arranged and presented on screen including flashbacks, hidden information, or scenes shown out of sequence.

The story is what happens, the plot is how we’re shown what happens. Narrative form is the glue that holds these elements together, guiding the viewer’s understanding and emotions.

Why is narrative form so important?

Building a strong narrative is crucial for any successufull project. It keeps the story clear, it communicates emotions, moods and ideas. It shapes how viewers experience your medium.Viewers rely on narrative form to understand what’s happening, in what order, and why. A medium without clear form can feel confusing or aimless. The form itself can highlight your ideas. Without a proper narrative form your medium will be accidentaly denied and will be left missunderstood.

Why use proper narrative form?

• Maximize the impact: Choose the right order of shots and scenes, direct what to reveal, and when, create suspense, empathy, or surprise.
• Guide your viewer: Help your viewers stay focused, even when talking about complex ideas, give them enough information, keep them engaged.
• Find the right balance: Keep your viewers informed but most importantly keep them curious build suspence, give them proper experience.

"Whether it is chronological or non-chronological. To me that's always about what point of view we are trying to address in the film. This perfectly sums up why narrative form matters. It's not just about order for order's sake, it's about perspective, theme, and how the audience experience the film."

Christopher Nolan

What's next?

Producing an easy to understand film could be challenging, you need to understand narrative form. Learn how story, plot, camera, light, editing, and its components all work together. Feel free to send us an email if you have any questions.

• https://web-app.usc.edu/soc/syllabus/20233/18600.pdf
• https://catalog.ucsc.edu/en/2021-2022/general-catalog/courses/film-film-and-digital-media

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