"We Need to Go Deeper": Narrative Complexity in Recent American Film

Kursbeschreibung / -kommentar

Since its inception, the American cinematic landscape has undergone various shifts in terms of available technology (e.g. the transition from silent movies to ‘talkies’ in the 1920s/30s), production techniques (e.g. editing and extensive post-production practices), or morality (e.g. the introduction of the Hays Code or the MPAA rating), all of which have had a noticeable influence on the stylings of its central object: film. It is perhaps not surprising then that over the past couple of decades, we can observe an increasing complexity in terms of plot and narrative strategies not only of arthouse productions or cinematic experiments of the avant-garde, but also in the standard Hollywood blockbuster.

One of the most poignant examples of this trend is 2010’s “Inception,” a film whose entire plot hinges on, yet at the same time seems determined to confuse its audience with a multiplicity of diegetic levels lacking distinct hierarchies and decidedly metaleptic narrative strategies. In spite of all this, the film was hugely successful; it grossed $800.000.000 worldwide, received universal praise by critics, and won dozens upon dozens of awards. While “Inception” is certainly an extreme example for a mainstream blockbuster in terms of sheer narrative complexity, it is nonetheless exemplary of a general tendency in American cinema toward multi-layered, complex narratives.

In this course, we will watch and analyze a number of American films that employ such strategies. In order to be able to do so, it will be necessary to first develop a theoretical framework for the analysis of filmic narrativity by building upon established film theory and literary theory (e.g. that of Gérard Genette). Having acquired these tools, we will attempt to systematically dissect the films’ narrative strategies/techniques and in the process, unravel the undeniable appeal of such ‘mind-benders.’

Students are required to

- participate actively and regularly (both in film screenings and the seminar)
- discuss and familiarize themselves with narrative theory and the interdisciplinary application thereof
- hold short presentations
- write a term paper (4.000-5.000 words)
- go deeper

Students are expected to be familiar with the basic principles and terms of Genettean narratology. Preparatory reading material will be made available via Stud.IP.

We will watch and discuss the following films:

"Fight Club." Dir. David Fincher. Perf. Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, and more. Fox 2000 Pictures, 1999. [Screening: 20 October 2014]

"Adaptation." Dir. Spike Jonze. Perf. Nicolas Cage, Tilda Swinton, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, and more. Propaganda Films et al., 2002. [Screening: 17 November 2014]

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." Dir. Michel Gondry. Perf. Jim Carrey, Kirsten Dunst, Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood, and more. Focus Features, 2004. [Screening: 3 November 2014]

"Syriana." Dir. Stephen Gaghan. Perf. George Clooney, Kayvan Novak, Amr Waked, Christopher Plummer, and more. Warner Bros., 2005. [Screening: 1 December 2014]

"Inception." Dir. Christopher Nolan. Perf. Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, and more. Warner Bros., 2010. [Screening: 5 January 2014]