Narrative Analysis and the Use of Film Language of M.L.Pundhevanop Dhewakul’s Movies

Abstract

        This study is a qualitative research. The objective of the study was to investigate storytelling strategies and the use of film language in the films directed by M.L.Pundhevanop Dhewakul. The samples were 13 films consisting of Desire Under the Elms, I’m a Man, Seagull, Phuea Chai Wai Hai Kan Saknoi, Always on My Mind, Miracle of Love, Anda and FahSai, Forever, The Outrage or U-mong Pa Mueng, Jan Dara: The Beginning, Jan Dara: The Finale, Phlae Kao, and The Snake Lady, or Mae Bia. Data were analyzed using the text analysis.

        The results of the study in terms of storytelling strategies revealed that 1) the story structure (story grammar) employed in all 13 films was based on five-step series of events as follows: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action and Ending. There were four types of endings: happy ending or Character success, a tragic ending, realistic ending and surprise ending. 2) Character; two types of characters were found in 13 films: protagonist (main character) and antagonist (villain). 3) Setting; it was found that the scenes used in the films were natural scenes, created scenes, and scenes showing the life of the characters. 4) Perspectives in storytelling; it was revealed that there were two aspects of the narrative perspective: the first-person narrative and third-person narrative.

        Additionally, the results of study on the use of film language revealed the following components. 1) Light and shadow; it was found that natural lights and artificial lights were used in the movies. There were 3 types of lighting: high key, low key and light directionality. 2) Color; two elements of color were used consisting of the color of the scene and color by lighting. 3) Cinema Photography; It was found that the camera medium shot was mostly used 4) Sound; it was found that the Film Director, used dialogue, sound effects and music