Question
Explore how elements of narrative ambiguity position the spectator in the experimental films you have studied
Underline
Explore how elements of narrative ambiguity position the spectator in the experimental films you have studied
Knee jerk reaction
The ambiguous narrative of Bunuel's first two films positions the spectator in an uncomfortable position, to provoke an extreme response
Plan
Cinematography
Lighting
Shot types
ECU
Angles
Movement
MES
Editing
Dissolve
Non-linear
Narrative
Story
3 act struc
Todorov
Equilibrium
Ending
Transgressive
Sound
diegesis
Performance
Abstract
Exaggerated
Dream logic
Surrealism
Freud
Sex
Fetishism
Toe
Eye slit
Ceiling
Marxism
Religion
Blasphemy
Bourgeoisie
Jesus
Introduction
DAC
Definition, argument, context
Surrealism refers to an art movement that explores the logic of dreams. Surrealist art is therefore often extremely confusing, in a deliberate attempt to challenge conventions. In this essay, I shall argue that narrative ambiguity in surrealist cinema positions the spectator in a deliberately uncomfortable mode of address to provoke an extreme response. In order to explore this idea, I shall use the examples of Un Chien Andalou, a short surrealist film released in 1929, the directorial debut of Luis Bunuel. I shall also be using the example of L'Age d'Or, Bunuel's feature length debut, which provoked an outraged reaction when it was premiered in Paris due to its brutal honesty and shocking imagery
Paragraph
PEA
Point, evidence, argument
p - One way that Bunuel uses narrative ambiguity to position the spectator in his films is through is through his use of highly unconventional and deliberately alienating opening sequences. This can be seen in the famous eye slitting opening scene of Un Chioen Anmdalou. The film begins with a title card announcing 'once upon a time', a narrative device conno9tative of fair tales. We cut to a mid shot high angle of male hands sharpening a razor, instantly positioning us with 'the man' through the use of POV. A montage is established of the man (played by Bunuel), sharpening his blade, and smoking furiously . We cut from Bunuel to a shot of the moon, which develops a sense of confusion. Then, surprisingly, a disconnected and apparently unrelated close up shot of a beautiful woman's enters the frame. We cut back to the moon, and then cut pback to an extreme close up of an eyeball being slit open. This highly confusing and unsettling montage constructs a dreamlike link between the eye and the moon, as to position the spectator in an unfamiliar and highly uncomfortable position. This opening scene has no resolution: it is never referred to again, and completely lacks any sense of internal logic or narrative continuity. This highly upsetting binary constructed through sex and death presents an upsetting and misogynistic mode of address for the spectator, where the destruction of a beautiful woman's body ise presented as entertainment. This opening scene clearly uses narrative ambiguity to disrupt the conventions and expectations of a traditional film.
The opening to L'Age d'Or presents an even more ambiguous narrative opening, and once more positions the audience in an uncomfortable mode of address
Another way that Bunuel uses narrative ambiguity to position the spectator in his films is by
Furthermore, narrative ambiguity can also position the spectator through...