Further conventions of a Psychological Film - Learnt by analysing "Donnie Darko".

A Psychological Film Incorporates Elements From The Mystery And Drama Genre, In Addition To The Typical Traits Of The Thriller Genre. 

Reality - characters often determine the truth and the fantasy within the narrative. 

Perception - this is how the characters view the story/characters. The perception of a character may be extreme or even unrealistic. 

Mind - the human mind may be a topic however this subject of the human mind may mess with the audiences as well as the main character. 

Death - this is regular in a psychological film. This is due to extreme cases and no understanding in real life problems. 

Sound - The music used in psychological films are usually eerie, tense and suspiciously calm - this forebodes an inevitable plot twist. 

I will enable that all these features will be displayed in my final short film. This will ensure that my Short film will carry on the convention of the psychological genre. 

This means my main character will see reality in a abstract lens, rather than a realistic one. Furthermore, the mind of the main character will be revealed (this will be done by a voice over) and this will be revealed to the audience. Additionally, there will be a death of a protagonist figure. The music involved will be slightly bitter and twisted but disturbingly calming.

Donnie Darko - Narrative

Looking at Todorov's Theory of Equilibrium, I watched the full film of Donnie Darko. Using the theory I analysed the structure of the film and how the narrative is represented. The Theory Todorov discovered consists of 5 stages which explains the narrative of a film or a trailer. Using Todorov's theory I will be able to see if the film Donnie Darko challenges the theory or obeys the stages of the theory by Todorov. The stages are:

Stage 1 - Equilibrium (profane diegesis & regular lifestyle for the main characters). 

Stage 2 - Disruption by an event or situation. 

Stage 3 - Recognition of disruption

Stage 4 - Attempt to repair/solve disruption

Stage 5 - Return to Equilibrium

It is rare to have a narrative end with the death of the protagonist, though this is necessary because his delusional thoughts cause the narrative problem. Donnie is the hero as he gives the narrative solution; Frank being the villain, he ironically saves Donnie. Donnie shoots the villain but then saves him by staying in his bed to die. Donnie’s selflessness makes him the ultimate hero of the film. The narrative works to hook the audience through the mystery. 

Situation: Donnie living a regular life as this middle class teenage boy (apart from his schizophrenia).

Disruption: air craft engine lands in Donnie's house - Donnie Survives this. 

Resolution: Donnies death. - repairs the break in the space - time continuum. (saves world).