Narrative Structures

Linear Structure: Linear structure is a method used of a series of chronological order of events or sequences in film typically a beginning, Middle and end. An example of a film with chronological order is: Marvels The Avengers. Where the Avengers meet each other (Beginning), defeat the Loki (villain) - (Middle) and stop the alien invasion and save the day (End). 

Non-Linear: Non-linear structure is the opposite of linear structure. The film is in a reverse order of events, which still result into a story. An example of a non-linear film is: Pulp Fiction (1994). The film has three different story lines in one that are resembled in different orders. Were introduced to the Hit men (Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta) then after the film continues we change to a struggling boxer (Bruce Willis) and then finally a pair of robbers (Tim Roth and Amanda Plummer) all which traverse to different story lines which affect the chronological order.

Flashback: A flashback is a physiological disorder were a character in a film sees their past when least expecting, often mistakenly believing someone, or something is in the present. A film example of the use of a flashback is Men Who Stare At Goats (2009) Where George Cloony's character was recruited to the 'New World Army', a military program that trains soldiers to use psychic powers to defeat their enemies. 

Realist: A Realist film is where the film is based on actual events and storyline matches historical or modern events. A realist film example is Schindler's List (1993). The storyline involves Krakow in 1939 (WW2) and demonstrations the information and imagery of the holocaust during World War 2 (1939-1945).   

Anti Realist: An Anti Realism film is the opposite of a realist film. An Antirealism film is where the storyline is affected by unnatural events which add up to a storyline. A TV series, which does this, is Dr. Who where the series involves multiple unnatural beings and objects, which gives the audience a purpose of the storyline.

Open Ending: An open ending is an end towards a film where the narrative remains unclear and questionable. The ending leaves the audience with either a prequel, sequel or a questionable ending. A film example of a Open ending is Inception    

Closed Ending: A closed ending is a end of a film or drama production where the film ends with its storyline fully justified.