Section B: Narrative Essay

Analyse one of your coursework productions in relation to narrative

In this essay I will be discussing how the concept of narrative is applied to my A2 music video, and what theories and conventions are used to portray the narrative I am aiming to show. My A2 production was a music video based around the song 'Save the World (tonight)' by Swedish House Mafia, which is primarily part of the dance genre which a sub-genre of pop. Throughout this essay I will discuss how specific theorists and their ideas relate to my product and its narrative, and the examples that exist to help reaffirm these ideas and beliefs.


One theory that clearly relates to my product is that of the theory presented by Tim O Sullivan, who proposed the idea that 'Media texts are a way of telling a story'. This can easily relate to my product as the main concept of it was to provide a consistent underlying story throughout. An example of this is the existence of a main character who is shown through various clips to aspire to be a superhero, through the likes of saving people in distress. This is made clear throughout the whole of my product, and relates to the theory as this underlying idea unfolds as the video goes on, 'telling' the story in a way a paperback novel would. Another idea to support this theory is the existence of a clear, stereotypical costume in most clips. The costume clearly depicts that of what is normally associated with superhero's, which in turn normally revolve around the idea of storytelling and following a 'comic book' like structure. The costume is also a vital prop in upholding the idea of a narrative, strengthening the idea of a story being told through its conventions and clear link to the aim of the narrative. Another example is the persistent showing of the main character, the superhero, throughout the clips and within different settings; as the story unfolds. This keeping the focus of the music video on the development of the main characters narrative, maintaining the audiences interest in the character development.


Another theory that exists in my product is that of Levi-Strauss's; of whom suggests there is a clear showing of 'characters and their opposition', also referred to as 'binary opposition'. A clear example of this in my product is the relation during the scene of fighting, which sees the protagonist superhero 'save' a girl from an attacker. In this scene the opposition is visually shown through the contrast in costume, with the superhero wearing bright and colourful clothing, while the attacker is in black and has most of his facial features covered. This progressing the narrative and showing the challenges that exist within the story of my product. Another opposition that exists is that of the superhero and his fellow college pupils, which although is not a focus of the narrative, its clear that the main character is 'seperated' from the real world and his surroundings, therefore opposite to the normal life going on around him and submerged in a narrative. This theory is also challenged in some respect as there is no clear binary opposition throughout my product, with the narrative having multiple scenarios (car scene, assault) that shift the focus of the superhero's problems and creates no true binary opposition to the main character. Creating twist on the stereotypical narrative.


Sven Carlsson's theory is also present in my product. Sven suggests that there are '2 rough groups of narrative: performance or conceptual clips', which place narrative telling into sub-categories. My product can be seen to be conceptual through the focus of main character ambitions to be a superhero and the focus of the narrative to portray an idea and concept, instead of character performance. Another example that supports the idea of my narrative being conceptual is the surreal element of my video, following an unrealistic storyline that is more fairytale that actual real conventions; again removing the focus on character performance and pushing more the underlying idea of the narrative. Sven's theory can also be seen to be challenged within my video however. Although its argued video's are placed in one group or the other, its clear my product also contains elements of performance clips; such as the consistent use of lip syncing, and the brief elements of instruments being used (such as the recording studio clip). This therefore resulting in my music video being a merge of Sven's two ideas, creating a unique narrative that is not stereotypical. 


The theories Michael Shore presents can also relate to the narrative elements of my product. An idea presented by Shore is the idea of recycled styles being present throughout specific genre narratives, with ideas being taken and reproduced throughout same, and sometimes different, genres. An example of this my product is tie of instrument performance with a 'deep' narrative, which has become common across genres as a way of portraying a narrative in a unique and appealing way. giving depth to my narrative that appeals to a wide spectrum of audiences. Shore also presents the idea that throughout narratives there is normally an information overload, which sees music video's overload the audience with information that is hard to digest in a short space of time. For example, my product contains 3 short scenarios that contain a variety of clips; but are short and fast, which makes it hard for the narrative to be digested in just one sitting. This also giving my narrative the sense of 'thickness' and depth that creates greater interest throughout the video. Shore's ideas overall adding layers to my narrative that follow typical conventions and link to whats normally associated with videos across my genre.


Lastly, the idea that 'All narratives feature stock characters' presented by Propp also is present in my product. For example, it is made clear throughout my product who the main character is through his consistence appearance and narrative focus, especially as his fills the stock idea of a 'good' protagonist. Thus placing my narrative into a more stereotypical field, where the audience can easily understand character roles and the foundations of the narrative. Another example is the use of stereotypical opposition in my product, clearly shown during the 'assault' scene, which placed the attacker in a typical bad guy role; aided by the generic costume conventions and actions. This again reaffirming the easy understanding of the narrative and the ability to link elements together easily. Also, during the car crash scene it is made clear who was in distress while who was the saviour, placing the characters in stock roles that exist through a variety of narratives and genres. 


In conclusion, its clear a variety of theories and elements exist in my narrative to create a story that is both stereotypical, and challenging at the same time. In turn creating something fairly unique, with the incorporation of elements that show clear links and conventions for the audience so that my narrative can easily be understood.