Narrative And Genre.

According to Long and Wall (2009) the term Narrative refers to "the organisation of textual elements into a pattern in terms of space, time and perspective... 'events' which are ordered through time (temporal succession) and which we conceive as the cause of other events (causation)."

When applied to the medium of film, Narrative plays a crucial role in the development of the fabula (story) and syuzhet (plot). Like much anticipated superhero sidekick "Avengers Assemble", which is a prime example of a classic realist text.

To "avenge" means to "take revenge in retaliation for harm done" (Collins Pocket English Dictionary, 2000). Therefore, the title of the film already allows the audience to construct a fabula in their mind. In relation to this, Bordwell (1985) comments: "The fabula, however imaginary, is not a whimsical or arbitrary construct. The viewer builds the fabula on the basis of... relations of causality, time and space."

Narrative.

Within media, the term Narrative translates as "a set of events" whereby it is the intention of the filmmaker to build suspense. So in "Avengers Assemble", like in any other action film, there will be elements of "false scares" that are designed to live up to audience expectation.

Time.

The typical Narrative will have a beginning a middle and an end, but as filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard states: "Yes, but not in that order." Here, Godard is referencing the "disruption of the 'natural' order of time..." Time is a common feature to many films, particularly when it comes to the old trick of flashbacks and "bullet-time" (think "The Matrix"). These factors contribute to audience satisfaction and enjoyment.

Space.

A sense of space is needed in order to construct the fabula. Realism in film and other media help to produce a coherent sense of reality within the mindsof an audience.

• Quotes sourced from "Media Studies Texts Production And Context" by P. Long and T.Wall

Genre.

Genre can be linked back to 300BC, the time of Greek philosopher Aristotle, who distinguished dramatic modes such as comedy and tragedy which were ultimately "... concentrated in the beginning on producing defining characteristics for particular genres based on historical usage." This is otherwise known as the "structuralist" approach.

The dictionary definition, however, defines Genre as a "style of literary, musical or artistic work." (Collins Pocket English Dictionary, 2000)

Genre is related to audience expectations for example. With themes such as Science Fiction being "devoted" to a particular genre. Theorist Neale (1983) comments: "As far as genre is concerned, expectations exist both to be satisfied, and also, to be redefined."

• Quotes sourced from "Analysing Fictional Television Genres" by K. Akass and J.McCabe