TTIHAU Topic 6

The narrative structure, narrative element, codes and conventions, meaning and theme of the film

Sample Essay 1
Introduction

"10 Things I Hate About You" is a teen romantic comedy film released in 1999, directed by Gil Junger, and starring Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The film follows the story of two high school students, Kat and Patrick, who fall in love despite their initial animosity towards each other. In this essay, we will analyze the narrative structure, narrative elements, codes and conventions, meaning, and themes of the film "10 Things I Hate About You."

Narrative Structure

The narrative structure of "10 Things I Hate About You" follows the traditional three-act structure. The first act establishes the characters, setting, and conflict. The main characters, Kat and Patrick, are introduced as two individuals who initially dislike each other. The conflict is established when Cameron, a new student, falls in love with Bianca, but her father forbids her from dating until her older sister, Kat, starts dating.

The second act of the film develops the relationship between Kat and Patrick. Initially, Kat is resistant to Patrick's advances, but as they spend more time together, she begins to soften towards him. The second act also introduces various subplots, such as Bianca's attempts to date Cameron and Joey's scheme to pay Patrick to date Kat.

The third act of the film resolves the conflict and provides a conclusion to the story. Kat and Patrick confess their love for each other, and Bianca is allowed to date Cameron. The final scene of the film shows the characters at the prom, where they have all found happiness.

Narrative Elements

The narrative elements of "10 Things I Hate About You" are crucial to the development of the story. The film uses various techniques to establish the characters and their relationships, including dialogue, camera angles, and music. For example, the opening scene of the film uses a close-up shot of Kat's face to establish her character as a rebellious and independent teenager. The dialogue between Kat and her father in this scene also sets up the conflict between them, which drives the rest of the story.

Another narrative element used in the film is the use of voiceover. The character of Cameron provides voiceover narration throughout the film, which helps to establish the setting and context of the story. The use of voiceover also helps to convey the emotions and thoughts of the characters, particularly Cameron and his feelings towards Bianca.

Codes and Conventions

The film "10 Things I Hate About You" uses various codes and conventions of the teen romantic comedy genre. These conventions include the use of high school settings, popular music, and a focus on romantic relationships. The film also uses the convention of the "meet cute," where the two main characters meet in a memorable and often comedic way. In this film, Kat and Patrick first meet when Patrick falls off his motorcycle in front of her.

Another convention of the teen romantic comedy genre used in this film is the use of an ensemble cast. The film features a large cast of characters, including the two main couples, as well as various supporting characters. This allows the film to explore various subplots and create a rich and diverse world for the characters to inhabit.

Meaning and Theme

The meaning and theme of "10 Things I Hate About You" revolve around the idea of identity and self-expression. Kat, the main character, is initially presented as a rebellious outsider who resists conforming to societal norms. However, as the film progresses, she learns to embrace her individuality while still finding happiness and love.

The film also explores the theme of acceptance and tolerance. Kat's relationship with Patrick is initially based on mutual dislike, but as they get to know each other, they learn to accept and appreciate their differences. Similarly, Bianca's relationship with Cameron is based on his acceptance and appreciation of her interests and personality, rather than trying to change her to fit his ideal.

Furthermore, the film also highlights the damaging effects of social expectations and gender roles. Kat's father, for example, tries to control her behavior and force her to conform to his ideals of femininity. Similarly, Joey's character, who represents toxic masculinity, tries to control and manipulate the female characters in the film for his own gain.

The film ultimately suggests that true happiness and fulfillment come from embracing one's true self and accepting others for who they are, rather than conforming to societal norms or expectations.

Conclusion

"10 Things I Hate About You" is a classic example of the teen romantic comedy genre that uses various narrative elements, codes, and conventions to explore themes of identity, acceptance, and self-expression. The film's traditional three-act structure and use of voiceover narration help to establish the characters and their relationships, while the use of popular music and the ensemble cast contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere of the film.

Ultimately, "10 Things I Hate About You" stands out for its emphasis on individuality and acceptance, offering a refreshing take on the traditional romantic comedy genre. Through the development of the characters and their relationships, the film encourages viewers to embrace their true selves and accept others for who they are, rather than conforming to societal expectations or norms.

Sample Essay 2
Introduction

"10 Things I Hate About You" is a romantic comedy film directed by Gil Junger and released in 1999. The film stars Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt and tells the story of two high school students, Kat and Patrick, who fall in love despite their initial animosity towards each other. In this essay, we will analyze the narrative structure, narrative elements, codes and conventions, meaning, and themes of the film.

Narrative Structure

The narrative structure of "10 Things I Hate About You" follows the traditional three-act structure. The first act establishes the setting, characters, and conflict. The main characters, Kat and Patrick, are introduced as two individuals who initially dislike each other. The conflict is established when Cameron, a new student, falls in love with Bianca but is unable to date her until her older sister, Kat, starts dating.

The second act of the film develops the relationship between Kat and Patrick. Initially, Kat is resistant to Patrick's advances, but as they spend more time together, she begins to soften towards him. The second act also introduces various subplots, such as Bianca's attempts to date Cameron and Joey's scheme to pay Patrick to date Kat.

The third act of the film resolves the conflict and provides a conclusion to the story. Kat and Patrick confess their love for each other, and Bianca is allowed to date Cameron. The final scene of the film shows the characters at the prom, where they have all found happiness.

Narrative Elements

The narrative elements used in "10 Things I Hate About You" are essential to the development of the story. The film uses various techniques to establish the characters and their relationships, including dialogue, camera angles, and music. For example, the opening scene of the film uses a close-up shot of Kat's face to establish her character as a rebellious and independent teenager. The dialogue between Kat and her father in this scene also sets up the conflict between them, which drives the rest of the story.

Another narrative element used in the film is the use of voiceover. The character of Cameron provides voiceover narration throughout the film, which helps to establish the setting and context of the story. The use of voiceover also helps to convey the emotions and thoughts of the characters, particularly Cameron and his feelings towards Bianca.

Codes and Conventions

"10 Things I Hate About You" uses various codes and conventions of the romantic comedy genre. These conventions include the use of high school settings, popular music, and a focus on romantic relationships. The film also uses the convention of the "meet cute," where the two main characters meet in a memorable and often comedic way. In this film, Kat and Patrick first meet when Patrick falls off his motorcycle in front of her.

Another convention of the romantic comedy genre used in this film is the use of an ensemble cast. The film features a large cast of characters, including the two main couples, as well as various supporting characters. This allows the film to explore various subplots and create a rich and diverse world for the characters to inhabit.

Meaning and Themes

The meaning and themes of "10 Things I Hate About You" revolve around the idea of identity and self-expression. Kat, the main character, is initially presented as a rebellious outsider who resists conforming to societal norms. However, as the film progresses, she learns to embrace her individuality while still finding happiness and love.

The film also explores the theme of acceptance and tolerance. Kat's relationship with Patrick is initially based on mutual dislike, but as they get to know each other, they learn to accept and appreciate their differences. Similarly, Bianca's relationship with Cameron is based on her acceptance of his kind and caring personality, rather than his social status or appearance.

Another theme explored in the film is the idea of gender roles and expectations. Kat defies traditional gender roles by being independent and outspoken, while Bianca initially conforms to societal expectations of femininity and popularity. However, as the film progresses, Bianca also learns to embrace her individuality and reject the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

The film also touches on the theme of family and relationships. Kat's strained relationship with her father is a central conflict in the story, and their eventual reconciliation serves as a significant emotional moment in the film. The film also explores the relationships between siblings, particularly the bond between Kat and Bianca.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "10 Things I Hate About You" is a classic romantic comedy that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and family relationships. The film's narrative structure and elements, including dialogue, camera angles, and music, work together to create a cohesive and engaging story. The use of codes and conventions of the romantic comedy genre, such as the high school setting and focus on romantic relationships, further add to the film's charm. Ultimately, the film's themes of self-expression and acceptance make it a timeless classic that resonates with audiences to this day.