Conventional Vs. Unconventional Narratives

There are definite differences between conventional films like Casablanca versus alternative movies like Daughters of the Dust or Monsoon Wedding. When comparing Daughters of the Dust and Monsoon Wedding to Casablanca there is a completely different feel. A classical film narrative is usually "centered on one or more central characters who propel the plot with a cause-and-effect logic, develops plots with linear chronologies directed at certain goals, and employs an omniscient or a restricted narration that suggest some degree of realism" (Corrigan and White 248). Where as alternative film narratives "deviate from or challenge the linearity of the narrative, undermines the centrality of a main character, and questions the objective realism of classical narration" (Corrigan and White 249). The most basic difference is the lack of distinction of main characters and secondary characters in the two alternative movies versus the conventional Hollywood film. Monsoon Wedding and Daughters of the Dust do not focus on one specific character, but rather introduce a hand full of characters. It is not a coincidence that all the women from the Peazant family in Daughters of the Dust are wearing white or that Aditi, the bride in Monsoon Wedding, has just as much screen time as the other family members do. Both these movies give a balanced perspective of each character rather than narrowing in on one or two specific characters. In contradiction, Casablanca's two main characters, Rick and Ilsa, are obviously the focus of the movie. The next question is what makes this basic difference in narrative characters between the three films evident?

Returning to my first few blog entries about technical aspects of film, it is obvious that mise-en-scene and cinematography play a big role in determining who is a main character and who is a minor one. Specifically, the way the characters are filmed, the lighting, their make-up, their costumes and the way they are staged are all things that enhance or diminish the characters importance. For example Ilsa in Casablanca has a radiance about her that is created from her make-up, which acts as a character highlight of her beauty and in return is emphasized by a soft, highlighting lighting technique used to make her stand out. In addition to make-up and lighting, shallow focus and close-ups also play a role in making Rick and Ilsa main characters. In opposition though Monsoon Wedding is filmed very differently. The staging of the Verma family is most often in social blocking to display the importance of the family as a whole. And even when the camera is focusing on Aditi and her husband to-be Hemant Rai, the camera is not necessarily focusing on their faces. For example the scene where Aditi meets Rai at the diner the camera focuses on their hands to say more about their relationship rather than their faces. Similarly in Daughters of the Dust social blocking is common. A perfect example of this is the family meal where the characters hands are the only things in view and the food is the focus of the scene. Unlike Hollywood conventional filming, alternative films highlight things that may seem arbitrary, but have deeper metaphorical meaning. In other words, there is a reason the characters in Daughters of the Dust are shoot from the feet up rather than the other way around and through this process the audience is forced to question why.

After comparing these three films in depth it seems fair to say that Hollywood style movies are biased by the main characters point of views, where as alternative movies tend to give a more balanced and well rounded perspective from a group of people. When comparing which type of movie is more realistic to everyday life, alternative movies come out at the top. It is not realistic for someone to take sides or judge a persons actions knowing only one side of the story and this is exactly what classic Hollywood films do. Although I will admit I like to root for the heroine and hate the antagonist, real life is not black and white and no one is as linear as the Hollywood style makes people seem. It may be true that Hollywood convention is easier to watch and maybe even more entertaining to some, but it ignores a lot of characters that could effect the story being told. Granted all sides of a story can not be included in one film even when using the alternative style, but at least conventional movies make an attempt to shed light on the grey areas of the characters lives. I am not saying that Hollywood movies are not worth watching because personally I love the escape from reality that I receive from movies like Casablanca, but what I am saying is that there is something to be said and looked at in alternative style movies which challenge the norm of film.