Lecture Program & Film Reviews: Lecture #3 Structural Theories & Storytelling

 Structural Theories and Storytelling

This seminar focused on the structures within narrative, especially film. Syd Field was a screenwriter who created a framework called '1-2-1', which orders a narrative structure into a formulaic paradigm. This can be seen in the images below. Within this framework, a film can be deconstructed into Acts:

Act 1

Exposition - The introduction to the film’s main character(s), dramatic premise, & situation.

Inciting Incident - A complication or incident that sets events in motion.

Plot Point 1 - An event in which a character takes on the central problem.

Act 2

Obstacles - The main character faces increasingly intense & complex problems / obstacles.

First Culmination - Half way through the hero is achieving his goal but everything falls apart.

Mid Point - The main character faces increasingly intense & complex problems / obstacles.

Plot Point 2 - Linked to plot point 1 but demonstrates reversal. A change of direction.

Climax - The maximum tension point of the story, the hero confronts the major obstacle.

Act 3

Denouement 1: Third Act Twist - A character is not dead after all? – The Villain has one last attack.

Denouement 2: The Resolution - A calmer part of the story followed by the resolution of all the plot strands. 

The Three Act Structure In Gravity

Gravity is a prime example of a linear film using the 1-2-1 paradigm to create an arc plot that rises and falls throughout the film. Gravity is a disaster movie, using its structure to create high levels of tension and relief. Our protagonist is motivated by a 'ticking clock' plot, mounting the pressure onto the story. As an audience, we feel compelled to stress for Ryan, the protagonist, as she tries to return to earth. Looming dangers, such as the recurring debris circling the earth, keep the characters and audiences on their toes. In the images above, I demonstrate how the three act structure can be used to break down the story of Gravity.