week 9 questions

How do films with multiple protagonists work within the model?

Sometimes the films have all the characters heading for the same goal. Other times, the characters' stories don't have much influence on one another. In this case, the film usually focuses more on 2 of the protagonists' stories.

List and briefly describe the narrational tactics discussed in the section "Tightening the Plot" (starting on p. 43).

two plotlines - one being a romance, normally heterosexual. romance may or may not be the main plotline.
"dangling cause" - each scene ends with something left unresolved leading into the next scene.
"dialogue hook" - line at the end of a scene that links directly to the next action
ticking clock - something that drives the plot forward, like a bomb or a deadline, or an appointment or some sort.
appointments - something unapparent planted early in the plot that becomes a key causal agent later on. like the first chest arc reactor piece that Pepper Potts has engraved for Tony Stark in Iron Man.
repeated object/line (motifs)- something that is repeated throughout the film
limited omniscience - the audience is shuttled from one character to the next, always knowing more than the characters, but never knowing everything.
credits/ addressing the audience - at the beginning and end of a film. used to introduce the setting and cue the film's conclusion (walk off into the sunset, etc).
montage - used to condense time and summarise a plot section, like training sequences in Rocky.

What does Bordwell mean by his claim that Hollywood narratives have "passages of overtness balanced with less self-conscious ones" (p. 50)?

Hollywood narratives have passages that almost directly confront the audience and make the movie's presence known. Like with title sequences, montages, or motifs. Anytime there's a scene that calls attention to the fact that you're watching a movie and not real life. Some scenes in movies have to address the audience, like with text scrolling across the screen for any reason.

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just a note, Bordwell's book is a LOT easier to read than anything else we've read so far. I am able to read it, retain it, and want to keep reading. as opposed to everything else, when it feels like i'm being forced to eat a giant bowl of plain oatmeal when i'm full.