Our reading this week discusses Narrative, the Narrative form itself depicts what we can directly see within the plot sometimes we must assume certain parts of the narrative and make our own interpretations of what think might’ve happened. Likewise cause and effect is extremely important in the movement of a narrative. We can look at the earliest story even and see how this is relative to later on in the film. Narrative in terms of events and there connection to time, such as manipulated order, frequency and duration can effect out understanding of how events are structured and the meanings they produce. How does the opening relate to the ending, is there a clear resolution and connection between the to, the developments that have been made are also important to note in the narrative. The presentation of the information is important to pay attention too, are we restricted to one character or multiple. how does this effect our relationship to them and the narrative? we must also look at the film conventions does the narrative follow these or steer away from them, what meaning does this give.
Mystery Road, a typically Australian movie that is easily recognisable as “True Australian” this is showcased via numerous sunburnt land shot. the setting itself really adds depth to the narrative. The shots used to communicate this was by using wide shots, establishing shots and aerial shots, this not only demonstrates the Australian land but it communicates the vast baron land of the outback. Moreover countless night shots are shown, this highlights the sunset of the Australian land, tones of red again convey this sunburnt and vast land.
The narrative itself is how everything plot, character and setting etc, develops. Another thing I noticed within this film was the lack of soundtrack, there was no music. Throughout the movie their is only digits sound, audio present at the time of filming, this sound adds realism to the narrative it allows audiences in the film to make up their own interpretation as they are not influenced by music to suggest how they should think.
The story itself which differs vastly from plot is an overarching idea which can include themes and motifs in Mystery Road, the story includes the struggles of poverty, drugs, alcoholism and murder in aboriginal communities. The plot which is basically what the film is about and what we literally see, this movies plot is about an aboriginal cop who is working within the community to find out the cause of a young girls murder.
Jay as a character seems to be a quiet, peaceful man who means well and want to benefit the community. This character despite saying little and perhaps an unreliable character we empathise with him as he hold a strong sense of compassion and want to constantly help. He pretty much maintains this characterisation and we build a sense of trust to this protagonist. Johnno probably has the most character development within the narrative. From the outset of the narrative we see him as quite a arrogant, selfish bad guy. His behaviour constantly seems suspicious as he talks down to Jay in his role at work. As the narrative progresses and builds we continue to create this idea of Johnno as perhaps an inclusive member in the murders. However his character helps Jay out and audience reaction suddenly changes to like him. This also allows views to empathise with his character when he dies trying to help out Jay.
The narration within a movie is important; the scenes, dialog, character and setting etc. all combine together to create an engaging story. The ultimate goal in any narrative is essential to set up suspension of disbelief, that no matter how surreal the idea or concept is the narrative must have a sense of realism allowing audiences to believe whats going on. This is created by time and space of the scenes placed together. All narratives are created through cause and effect which is needed as a bridging idea for the narrative information the important part of narratives that if its done correctly is should feel natural.