Search This Blog

Monday, November 15, 2010

Development of Idea's and Structure in Moving Image

Three Act Structure
"Every movie needs to have a beginning, a middle and an, end, but not necessarily in that order." - Jean Luc Goddard.
Every story has a 3 act structure. For example the film 'Knocked Up' directed by Judd Apatow

Act 1: The end of act 1 occurs when the protagonist of the story makes a commitment that leads into the rest of the story.

Introduced to the characters; Alison, who lives with her sister's family. The family setting, and her workplace. Also introduced to Ben, and his reckless lifestyle. The promotion - Alison gets promoted to an on camera position, which she celebrates with her sister Debbie. Whilst out she 'meets the pothead reckless Ben Stone.' Despite her sister leaving the evening early. Alison makes the commitment to stay out alone with Ben. This leads directly into the main action (no pun intended). Drinking and dancing until the two go home together and have a one night stand without a condom.

Act 2 concerns the state of equilibrium being disturbed, which triggers a sequence of events. At the end of this equilibrium is restored but different to the original state.

The awkward morning after, state of equilibrium is disturbed when during an celebrity interview, Alison experiences morning sickness. Allowing her to realise she's pregnant. After telling Ben and meeting with a gynaecologist, the decision is made to keep the baby. Various events then occur that illustrate Ben's bad parenting   skills, or the ability to look after anyone. Funny vegas shroom scenes. After which Alison concludes shes better off alone.


Act 3: Finally the main action becomes relevant to the inner story.The emotional impact on the characters. Within the 3rd act the protagonist grows emotionally, romantic or otherwise.

Due to the loss of the one person he truly cares about, Ben takes it upon himself to take responsibility and read various baby books. Once Alison goes into labour she calls Ben for help. Due to his emotional growth he is able to take control and handle the situation. Equilibrium is restored. 



Visual Information

When information is changed into design. This principle reminds me of kinetic typography. The text is explaining the fact of the situation, the story. Whilst the type of text visually describe the tone of the situation.  
This is a still from kinetic typography video of a scene from Pulp Fiction, having a general calm conversation. When a shot is accidentally fired, into the face of the another person. Hence how the background has suddenly turned red to depict blood shed, and the slight white splattering left, hints as to how the blood was shed. Yet the typography shows no sense of alarm, highlighting that the character has not yet realised what has occurred.

No comments: