Homework 2: NICS

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

Narrative

Like other films, there is a three-part structure consisting of an equilibrium, a mission arising, and Lara Croft trying to resolve it while overcoming fights with monsters, robots and villains. There are always over-the-top stunts and special effects like huge ancient statues coming to life. The music is always exciting, fitting to the big action scenes like fights or chases. The story line ends in Lara having saved the world along with her sidekicks, Noah and Chris. 

Iconography

There are many iconic features in the Lara croft movies. Firstly her image, i.e. the french plaits, khaki green short shorts, and her skin tight lycra swimsuit. Also, her signature two pistols and other weapons all add to the iconography which has been built to give this film it's unique identity.

Characters

Lara Croft is the main character (obviously), who is unconventionally a female. This is one of the film's major USPs which widens the target audience to males and females. Her tough-girl image differentiates this action/adventure movie from others and is exciting and different to watch. 

Settings

The settings in Tomb Raider are always big, extravagant places like giant ancient tombs, or exotic islands. The scale and extremity of these settings add to the impact that the exciting action/adventure genre offers. 

Homework: Genre and narrative analysis

The Notebook

Genre

The genre of this film is a romantic drama. The drama aspect is made very evident through the film's slow pace, emotional themes, and dilemmas (e.g. Allie having to choose between two men). The characters are developed in depth, e.g. showing Allie and Noah's relationship from their teens until their old age, which is a typical convention of the drama genre. The romantic genre is illustrated in the emotional storyline, and Noah and Allie's affectionate relationship. 

Characters

Princess: Allie- The rich girl who falls madly in love with Noah, the poor boy.

Hero: Noah Calhoun- The love of Allie’s life and they obviously end up together.  

Villain/False Hero: Lon- Allie’s fiancé who isn’t really a bad guy but she has a dilemma of choosing between him and Noah.

Princess’ father: John Hamilton (Allie’s father) is a nice guy who wants his daughter to be happy even if it’s with Noah.

Donor: Frank Calhoun (Noah’s dad)- Before he dies, he buys Noah the dream house which wins him over Allie.

Helper: Fin- Noah and Allie’s friend who introduces them and is the go-to guy for both of them.  

Narrative

Equilibrium: At the beginning of the film, Allie and Noah first meet. She is initially reluctant towards him because of their differences in class, but their relationship blooms and they eventually fall deeply in love.

Disruption: Allie’s mother doesn’t approve of their relationship because of their difference in class. Allie is forced to go back to her home town and leave Noah. Many years later she gets engaged to a rich man, Lon Hammond, which Noah finds out about and is heartbroken. Missing him, Allie decides to go back and visit Noah, when her memories come flooding back and she has a huge dilemma over choosing between him and her fiancé.

Resolution: Allie (the older version now suffering from dementia) realises the story is about her and Noah, and they die happily and peacefully in eachother’s arms at the nursing home.