Starting with the conclusion: Les Revenants is atypical
In this absolutely bizarre scene, Claire is absolutely terrified by her long dead daughter Camille seemingly returning from the grave. However, Camille to have no idea what has happened. This engrossing scene captures the appeal of Les Revenants, an arguably fascinating show that expertly blends expectations of genre with a highly confusing and involving family drama
By now you will have watched the first episode of the French TV thriller/horror/zombie/drama/tragic romance/surreal/whatever show Les Revenants (AKA The Returned). Les Revs is very very different from the other TV show we have studied (which is either Humans if you are taking the exam in 2023 or Black Mirror if you are taking the exam in 2024 and beyond. In fact, we can take a second right now to present a specific and straightforward argument that you will use in the final exam:
Les Revenants is highly atypical
or
Les Revenants is particularly subversive
or
Les Revenants is extremely unconventional
So if you found Les Revenants difficult, impenetrable, weird, confusing, subversive or just plain odd, then good! Your argument will be that this show clearly does things different. How and why are the questions we need to answer here.
Les Revenants is extremely unconventional in terms of generic conventions
Most of the things we have looked at so far, with the exception of Adbusters have been extremely conventional in terms of genre. However, it is clear the Les Revenants is very unconventional in terms of genre. It doesn't really fit clearly in to one genre.
Task 1: generic conventions
Below are a number of genres and subgenres that Les Revs could fit in to. This is all highly debatable. For each of these, make a list of conventional elements and unconventional elements. These should all be related to the textual analysis toolkit, for example shot types, camera angles and so on. Please use the episode itself as guidance for this task.
Genre: Horror
Subgenres: psychological horror, zombie, supernatural horror, folk horror
Genre: Drama
Subgenres: thriller, psychological thriller, soap opera, romantic tragedy, paranormal romance
Examples:
Psychological horror: themes of madness and confusion are encoded through the use of long takes, and through the isolated and nightmarish setting. Further examples include...
Psychological thriller: The use of over the top performances, particularly in the scene when Lena is reunited with Camille emphasise the intense psychological trauma experienced by the main characters. This is further anchored through...
Les Revenant is extremely unconventional in terms of narrative
Task 2 - what narrative techniques does Les Revenants utilise
Consider the following narrative techniques, and explain to what extent Les Revenants uses these elements. Remember to check the glossary (or just google) if there's anything you need a refresher on!
- Todorovian equilibrium
- Multi-strand/flexi-narratives
- Character arcs
Les Revenants is unconventional with it's cinematography
Let's tie together the elements of cinematography and narrative with editing.
Task 3 - watch the scene where Camille comes home
This is the scene where Camille returns to the Seurat family household and meets with her mum. A very alienating, confusing, and potentially satisfying scene is played out, making full use of a variety of different elements of media language. But what does it mean? Why is Claire freaking out? Why is Camille so chilled? And how can we make sense of this scene?
Task 4 - watch this video
And make notes on how the 'Camille comes home' scene creates meaning for the target audience.... whoever that may be!