The Basics: Institutional Mode of Representation

Institutional Mode of Representation and Classical Hollywood Style

• term invented by Noël Burch

• dominant mode of film construction

• became the norm by 1914

• Classical Hollywood era is the dominant style in IMR, but other styles include: art house, independent and foreign

• characterised by the attempt of to create an entirely closed fictional world on screen

Classical Narrative Structure:

• cinematic style focuses on creating verisimilitude (mise-en-scene, sound etc.)

• narrative follows the general order: equilibrium, disruption of equilibrium, new equilibrium (Todorov’s theory)

• narrative follows a clear linear pattern (flashbacks must be clearly articulate)

• events are linked by cause and effect

• plot is character-led; narrative is psychologically motivated, usually towards achieving a goal or desire

• the role of hero(ine) is central – narrative must focus on protagonist

• narrative must have closure

Classical Codes of Narrative Cinema:

• individual shots are ordered according to the temporal sequence making up the story

• editing techniques maintain the appearance of ‘continuity’ of space and time (allowing the audience to watch a film without conscious effort due to ‘invisible’ editing)

• establishing shots (2 to 3 usually) to convey a setting

• 30º rule (min. for camera movement between shots)

• 180º rule (max. for camera movement between shots)

• use of shot-reverse-shot

• dissolves used to signify temporal or spatial jumps

• voice-over narration used to bridge spatial and temporal gaps

• point-of-view- shots used to engage the spectator through identification with the look of a character

Mean Girls (2004)