Narrative Ideas

Just had a thought. It would be a interesting take to see whether i can flip narrative theory on it's head by applying the reverse of characterisation and conventional story structure, to create my story.

So to break that down if i take my idea of using Film Noir and Neo Noir elements to influence the imagery of my film, why don't i then apply this to only one character with a completely 'cut and paste' style of narrative?

Take for example, Todorov's three act structure. This is linear, Introduction to story, problem and climax then the resolution. This is the basic story structure most productions follow, even if they extend it slightly. Within this they also apply character development and development of the story world.

My idea would be having a solo character, that slowly has more revealed about him as the story develops but however, it wouldn't be conventional. In the form of here is the character, here is his name, his relationships, his job and so on.

The way i would try to reveal it would flip this. Say for example, the first thing you find out about the character would be his job and his place of work. This could then transition to his problem, then transition to his relationships without explanation or a resolution to his problem. But all the while retaining the crisp imagery of Noir.

The problem that arises with this though is that because my story would be forever changing it's focal point, i would have to try and use a bit more dialogue than initially planned to keep the story interesting and the audience hooked.

Anyway more later.

Possible Story Structure Idea

I had a thought yesterday, instead of being a traditional Film Noir piece, i could keep the film noir stylings and tell it from the view of a struggling writer.

Say for example you can see him writing, then it flashes down to what he is writing so you can see the situation his characters are in, then as it climaxes it flashes back to the writer, who just can't seem to write his big finish.

It would still be Neo-Noir at it's core but it would be juxtaposed with a slight hint of comedy.

First Meet with Supervisor

Today i had my first meeting with Fleeta.

I think it went well, he seemed really interested in my idea and gave me some good directions to start feeling in.

For example, when i mentioned i was interested in American style Film Noir, he sent me in the direction of Jim Cagnes and Jim Jarmusch, specifically Jarmusch's Down By Law.

Also told me that the Head of the Drama Dept. is Jackie Smart, should i decide to use student actors.