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March 2002, Week 2

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Subject:
From:
Drew Perry <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 14 Mar 2002 10:47:43 +1000
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re: understanding the plot.

Any of these films, and others mentioned in this discussion (Last Year at
Marienbad e.g.) are only "incomprehensible" from a simplistic expectation of
concrete linear narrative conventions. Viewed as a dramatisation of
Robbe-Grillet's narrative theory, Marienbad, for example is totally coherent
and internally consistent. It just isn't a "story" in the usual sense. It
visualises something close to a unfolding thought process.
The Matrix is frequently labelled "incomprehensible" - by reviewers. I've
never heard an academic refer to it as such. There are a quite a few
philosophy sites discussing it - because it is so philosophically
consistent, so intellectually solid.
And Seven ... what exactly can't be understood in this straightforward
traditional Hollywood narrative structure?

No ... really ...





----- Original Message -----
From: "jane mills" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2002 5:21 PM
Subject: Understanding the plot



Understanding the plot.

Apologies for cross-listing

Un chien Andalou, The Big Sleep, Seven, The Usual Suspects, The Matrix,
Velvet Goldmine, Gummo, Mulholland Drive – all films that have incoherent
or, to some, incomprehensible plots and storylines. (For some reason I am
always completely baffled by films about counter espionage.) Does it matter?
Do we need to understand the plot of a movie to enjoy it? Could you let me
know more titles of incomprehensible films, any academic articles on the
subject , and your views on the subject?

Jane Mills
Honorary Associate, The University of Sydney;
Senior Research Associate, Australian Film,Television & Radio School
27 Dudley Street, Bondi, 2026
Tel: 9300 8836
[log in to unmask]

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