Classical Hollywood Narrative Structure In The Film Shadow Of A Doubt

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Describe the classical Hollywood narrative structure. Use examples from the film Shadow of a Doubt to illustrate the structure. There are three acts in the classical Hollywood narrative structure. The first being Equilibrium (Belton, 2005). Equilibrium is where life for these characters follow normal daily routine. The second act is known as Disruption (Belton). Where normal affairs are changed by an incident. Finally, the last act is known as Restoration (Belton). Where life returns to a normality having changed or progressed from the incident. The film Shadow of a Doubt (Hitchcock, 1943) starts with an introduction to Charlie Oakley. We see he is a shifty man with a dark secret and a need to flee his current situation. A man of mystery and …show more content…

She loves the ring not only because it was a gift from him, but because of it’s unknown history. The inscription made her feel joy and the ring was once a symbol of love. However, once she learns of Thelma Schenley’s murder by her uncle’s hands, the ring is stained by a darkness. The ring no longer bears value to Charlie, the same of her Uncle. How do the structure and style of Shadow of a Doubt work together to convey the theme of the movie? This may seem redundant, but it is a chance to summarize and apply your findings from the first three questions. The narrative structure of Shadow of a Doubt (Hitchcock) sets in motion the formal elements of classic Hollywood cinema. Characters behave and learn information that which forces the transitions between the three acts. Uncle Charlie is on the run, so he goes to his sister’s house. Equilibrium is established with the introduction of the Newton family. Life is normal and average before the knowledge of Uncle Charlie’s arrival. It is this piece of news that disrupts the natural equilibrium at the Newtons. It isn’t until Charlie’s death that restoration occurs. The character and narrative development are necessary to the unfolding theme of lurking …show more content…

What is your reaction to the film? Elaborate on your answer - if you liked it, why did you like it, if you did not like it, what was it specifically that you did not like about the film? How does it compare to your experience watching contemporary films? I simultaneously enjoyed and was bored of the film Shadow of a Doubt (Hitchcock) for a number of reasons. The linear narrative path set up everything in a way where one could make an educational guess as to the outcome. I felt as if I had seen this story before. Drifter rolls into town with a dark secret, he’s well liked, but someone finds him suspicious. It has all been done before and I have seen it pan out a thousand different ways. Despite this, the characters developed in a way where I felt empathy towards them. I didn’t want Emma to see her brother differently and the young children needed their “cool” uncle. I watched the film with care as I wanted to see how Hitchcock could simultaneously bring justice to the antagonist while not destroying the family we grew fond of. We realize the importance of Uncle Charlie as we see Emma breakdown when she learns he is leaving. The viewers understand that this family relies on Emma’s wellbeing. If she was to learn of Charlie’s evil-doings that would be the end of her sanity. The climactic death of Charlie answered my question. The antagonist gets justice while our protagonist family doesn’t get destroyed

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