Textual Analysis (Essay Plan)

Introduction (Thesis Statement)

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” In light of this statement, the assignment will compare and contrast the narrative of two thrillers; Mr Nobody (2009) directed by Jaco Van Dormael, and Source Code (2011) directed by Duncan Jones. In the film Source Code, the audience witnesses the experiences of the protagonist known as Colter Stevens. He is being used by a military program to help determine the identity of a train bomber. This is accomplished through a reoccurring simulation of the same event, where he slowly pieces together various details which lead him to the killer. The film Mr Nobody follows the life of a man called Nemo Nobody. It captures the various choices Nemo makes over his lifetime, but also the different scenarios as a result of alternative choices. To act as a point in time to show where Nemo currently is, the audience is referred back to the future in which Nemo is the last mortal on Earth. It becomes apparent in both films that our choices play a vital role in where we end up. This is shown through the experiences and actions of our protagonists. Exploring the narrative of these films communicates the character roles, the problems they must overcome, what lessons are learnt, how the audience is affected and the meaning of the films features through the analysis of key scenes.

Body Paragraphs (Domino / PEAS Structure)

• Character roles and problems to overcome -> Key Scenes 3 (Rubble) and Key Scenes 1 (Zugzwang) -> Talk about the connection to the scene, highlight the various micro aspects which are used to reinforce the point -> Talk about how the character(s) will overcome the problems they face, link to how their morals and values impact the decisions they make. Make reference to how this effects the narrative. Best location for possible messages or philosophical quotations.

• What lessons are learnt -> Key Scenes 1 (Freeze Frame) and Key Scenes 3 (Pigeon Superstition) -> Talk about the connection to the scene, highlight the various micro aspects which are used to reinforce the point -> Talk about how the lessons the characters have learnt effect them and their future decisions. State how these lessons have been learnt. Make reference to the purpose of these lessons.  

• How the audience is affected -> Key Scenes 2 (Phone Call) and Key Scenes 2 (Entropy) -> Talk about the connection to the scene, highlight the various micro aspects which are used to reinforce the point -> State how the audience can relate to some of the features of the film, then how they can apply them to their own lives. Discuss what morals and messages can be communicated to the audience. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, both films use a unique technique to communicate narrative. It becomes apparent that the Thriller genre has changed over time, in order to fit the needs of a post-modern audience. To help understand the new technique the two Thriller films have adopted, a sophisticated audience is required. This is done to make the audience draw conclusions and thoughts towards characters and plot developments, keeping the audience captivated throughout the film. In making the audience interact more with the film starts to link to the realm of video gaming, where the individual can contribute to deciding the actions of the character and plot.