“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. Through analysis of the films narrative, we see how it differs from the classical narrative structure of other films. 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.
In both Source Code and Mr Nobody the characters are faced with several problems to overcome. In Source Code, Colter Stevens is faced with the dilemma of doing as the military instructs him, under the false belief he can go home when his mission is accomplished. The main problem he faces is the threat of another terrorist strike, if he fails to locate and determine the identity of the train bomber. This is demonstrated in the scene when Derek Frost (The Terrorist) speaks to Colter in the car park. When Derek begins to speak about “rubble”, Colter is left on the ground bleeding from a wound, which Derek inflicted. In this sequence the camera uses a low angle shot, which could be used to convey the idea that it is from the point of view of Colter, relating these problems to him. In filming the shot from a low angle, also communicates Derek’s power over Colter in the current scenario, making Derek the focus of his problems to overcome. In overcoming this problem, he must put the needs of others before his own to accomplish his goals. In this respect, it follows the stereotypical narrative structure, portraying the protagonist as someone willing to sacrifice themselves. By establishing the characters in the middle of a virtual scenario, causes the audiences to believe it is reality for the characters. This is one of the features that breaks the structure of a classical narrative. In breaking this structure links strongly to my macro aspect of Narrative, through keeping the concept fresh and making the audience think about the order of the plot.
In Mr Nobody it becomes apparent that each and every choice Nemo makes, determines the next stage of his life. With this idea in mind, it is in fact Nemo’s choices that generate the problems he must overcome. The main problem that the narrative revolves around is Nemo’s dilemma of choosing whether to stay with his father or leave with his mother. We see this in the sequence towards the end when Nemo talks of the chess move known as “Zugzwang”. The sequence recaps over the future events that could happen, highlighting the problems each path has such as getting shot, being in a coma or even drowning in a car. The audience becomes aware of the different paths, through the use of train tracks to illustrate the choice between his mother and his father. This reveals to the audience that every path Nemo takes leads to a bad end. In recapping over these events previously seen in the film, highlights the many problems Nemo has to overcome. In the end Nemo conquers this dilemma by not choosing a parent, but in fact running off into the distance, a third pathway. This links back to the phrase in the sequence “Zugzwang”. When the only viable move, is not to move. In terms of narrative, the story is established on many paths that do not exist, except for in the imagination of a child. In following multiple story lines within one film is unlike the classic narrative structure. It is similar to Source Code in the way that both films defy classical narrative structure through the use of establishing the audience in scenarios that do not exist.
Through encountering these problems, the characters learn various lessons that they can use throughout the rest of their lives. Colter Stevens learns that what has already happened cannot be changed, but that he can learn from the past and apply it to future scenarios. This is referring to the many attempts of the Source Code simulation. An ethical lesson that is brought before the audience is whether keeping Colter alive, in a state where he is unable to physically function, is morally right. This is conveyed through the sequence when Colter makes a phone call to his father. Parallel editing is used to compare the character of Colter between two situations, one where he is fully functional and feels emotions, whilst the other he is in a vegetative state, being kept alive to serve the needs of the military. In doing this reinforces the point that it is unique ands keeps the interest of the post-modern audience. The lesson to gain from this is that we should think of the needs of individuals, as well as the needs of a collective.
In Mr Nobody we learn that choices cannot be avoided, nor can we always make the right decision when faced with a choice. It becomes apparent that we should use our basic principles and morals to guide us through life and make the most of it. This is seen in the sequence which talks about “Innate Fears”. It is filmed in the way that the audience interprets the sequence as a scientific television show, to ensure the principles described are related to the rest of the film. The film also reinforces the lesson that the smallest decision can in fact alter the rest of our lives. Another lesson that can be communicated is the idea that the things we perceive to be important, do not actually effect the bigger picture. This is demonstrated through the introduction of the film when the concept of “pigeon superstition” is discussed.
After exploring the problems that must be overcome and the lessons that have been learnt, the audience is affected in several ways. The audience can have mixed feelings towards the film Source Code. It can be viewed as very positive in the way that the terrorist is stopped, and Colter gets to live out a new consciousness with the passenger he falls in love with. The negative outlook is that in reality he dies and has has been manipulated by the military. This brings about the question whether or not it was morally right to keep him alive for the greater good. This is expressed in the sequence towards the end, when Colter has his life support cut off. A freeze frame is used to capture the emotions of everyone on the carriage. In doing this allows the audience to witness the positive impact of Colter’s good deeds, even if they change nothing, it brings piece of mind to Colter. Once the audience recognises this, they can feel sympathy for the protagonist, or even empathy by some who relate to the themselves to characters.
The film Mr Nobody can make the audience relate some of the messages to their own lives and cause them to think a bit more about the consequences of their actions. It also results in the audience questioning their existence, whether or not it is in fact real or just the outcome of a choice which hasn’t been made yet. Two key scenes in Mr Nobody where this can be demonstrated is towards the end when the futuristic society begins to collapse and when Nemo discusses “Entropy”. In collapsing the surroundings of Nemo and the journalist, causes the audience to realise that it never even existed. Throwing a twist in follows the stereotypical thriller narrative, but the twist questioning existence itself adds a unique spin to both films. This shows how the thriller genre has developed from thrillers such as Vertigo, to what they are present day.
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. The key plot point of the film Source Code is the terrorist threat on the train in Chicago, America; brining to mind previous non-fictional terrorist attacks. It contributes to a positive resolution in the sense the terrorist is apprehended and retribution is achieved, promoting the stereotypical message that America will always triumph against terrorism. A specific situation the film could link to is the pipe bomb planted at Spokane, Washington in 2011, the same year the film was released. Created to catch innocent civilians in the blast; the bomb was described as “a viable device” but was successfully defused. This situation runs parallel to certain aspects of the Source Code narrative. Mr Nobody can relate to societies development in the field of science allowing people to live longer, and how our choices are contributing to become a society like the one portrayed in the film. In relation to the films development of the Thriller genre, the reason it is done is 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, begins to link to the realm of video gaming, where the individual can contribute to deciding the actions of the character and plot.
