This essay performs multiple tasks. On the one hand the narrative structure
of Frank Capra’s “It’s a wonderful life”, directed in 1947 shall be worked out.
It’s intended to show how meaning is created in this movie through an
understanding of its specific narrative structure.
On the other hand, this essay will include several central ideas from
contemporary texts in narrative theory, like William Simon for example.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Significance today
3. Storyline
4. Reception
5. The movie in sequences
5.1 General Overview
5.2 George Bailey’s youth
5.3 George stuck in Bedford Falls
5.4 George in trouble
5.5 Clarence’s appearance
5.6 A parallel universe
5.7 Everything back to normal and a happy ending
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Focus
This essay aims to analyze the narrative structure of Frank Capra’s 1947 film "It’s a wonderful life," utilizing concepts from contemporary narrative theory to deconstruct the movie into sequential chapters and thematic units.
- Deconstruction of the film into distinct narrative sequences and chapters.
- Application of narrative theory to examine character development and themes.
- Analysis of the protagonist George Bailey’s character traits in contrasting life situations.
- Examination of the viewer's role and narrative engagement throughout the film.
- Evaluation of the structural function of time jumps and narrative gaps.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
This essay performs multiple tasks. On the one hand the narrative structure of Frank Capra’s “It’s a wonderful life”, directed in 1947 shall be worked out. It’s intended to show how meaning is created in this movie through an understanding of its specific narrative structure.
On the other hand, this essay will include several central ideas from contemporary texts in narrative theory, like William Simon for example. Comparable to his analysis of the Godfather Part One the purpose here is not to apply a certain model of analysis. Similar to Simon’s analysis it is intended to structure the movie into different chapters. Furthermore the various themes of the movie shall be worked out. These themes will be analyzed in two ways. At first each chapter of “It’s an wonderful life” will be explored separately. This approach shall guarantee that a specific narrative structure will be worked out. Secondly general themes which are not applied exclusively in only one chapter shall be developed further.
Another aim will be to analyze the character traits of the movie’s hero, George Bailey, in contrasting situations. Additionally the supporting cast will be dealt with if necessary for the examination of the movie’s narrative structure. Along the lines of Stuart Kaminsky’s text “Narrative time in Sergio Leone’s Once upon a time in America”, the structure of “It’s a wonderful life” in separate scenes will be worked out.
Finally the role of the viewer will be examined. The viewer takes different positions through the course of the movie. The audience functions like a reader of the story presented by Frank Capra.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the goal to analyze the narrative structure, themes, and character development of Frank Capra's film using narrative theory.
2. Significance today: Discusses the film's evolution into a perennial holiday tradition and its reception as an ageless classic.
3. Storyline: Summarizes the biography of George Bailey, his struggles with the family business, and the pivotal intervention of his guardian angel.
4. Reception: Reviews the initial mixed critical response and the film's eventual status as a significant piece of American cinema.
5. The movie in sequences: Provides a granular analysis of the film's structure by breaking it down into specific scenes and thematic blocks.
6. Conclusion: Synthesizes how narrative gaps and time jumps shape the viewer's perception and confirms the film's theme regarding the individual's belief in themselves.
Keywords
Frank Capra, It’s a wonderful life, George Bailey, Narrative Theory, Film Structure, Bedford Falls, Pottersville, Narrative Gaps, Cinema, Character Analysis, Christmas tradition, Time Jumps, Guardian Angel, Audience Perception, Narrative Time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
This paper provides a structural analysis of Frank Capra’s 1947 film "It’s a wonderful life," focusing on its narrative techniques.
What are the central themes explored?
The essay explores themes such as heroism, sacrifice, the impact of the individual on society, and the use of narrative time.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to demonstrate how the film creates meaning through its specific narrative structure and to analyze how character traits are revealed in contrasting situations.
Which methodology is applied?
The author uses a sequential analysis approach, breaking the film into chapters and scenes to examine both specific developments and broader thematic threads.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It provides a detailed breakdown of the movie into sequences, comparing "Bedford Falls" with the "parallel universe" of "Pottersville" to highlight the impact of the protagonist.
Which keywords define this study?
Key terms include Narrative Theory, Film Structure, George Bailey, Narrative Gaps, and Audience Perception.
How does the author characterize the role of the viewer?
The author argues that the viewer functions similarly to a reader, taking on different positions as the narrative progresses and information is revealed.
What is the significance of the scenes in "Pottersville"?
These scenes represent an alternate reality that allows the viewer to understand the profound impact of George Bailey’s existence on his community.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2011, A structural analysis of Frank Capra’s “It’s a wonderful life”, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/191638
