A Study Of Memory Narratives In Films

The enigmatic and intricate nature of human memory has long served as a wellspring of inspiration for literary and artistic endeavors.Cinema,as an art form,harnesses its distinct medium-specific advantages to profoundly enhance the substance and structures of memory narratives.This thesis examines four paradigmatic manifestations of memory narratives in film.By integrating insights from film studies,science,and philosophy on memory,it scrutinizes the content and expression narratives of memory in specific cinematic instances.The first manifestation is "Memory Preservation." For instance,in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,spatial changes effectively convey the protagonist’s episodic memories within the confines of their mind,while in Memento,memory extends beyond the mind,as the protagonist’s recollections are intertwined with physical actions and external resources.The second manifestation is "Memory Replay." Repetition,a hallmark of memory,serves as a recurring narrative technique in film.Memory replay may encompass a form of re-experience,as seen in the incessantly haunting traumatic memories in Jacob’s Ladder that torment the protagonist.Alternatively,it may entail a form of re-cognition,exemplified by the protagonist in Source Code employing multiple iterations of the same memory to solve a puzzle.The third manifestation is "Memory Reconstruction." The fallibility of human memory,which often leads to errors,gives rise to contradictions and conflicts within memory narratives on screen.The fragmented temporal and spatial dimensions in The Father epitomize the misplacement of memories experienced by individuals with Alzheimer’s,while Rashomon portrays diverse recollections of the same event,showcasing how memory is influenced by various factors.The fourth manifestation is "Memory Loss." Forgetting,an inevitable psychological phenomenon,frequently serves as a central narrative theme in films.The consequences of profound forgetting are explored,as characters grapple with a loss of self-identity,as depicted in Still Alice,where the protagonist can no longer equate her present self with her past self.Forgetting also impacts intimate relationships,as depicted in The Vow,where shared memories are lost,posing challenges to the protagonist’s love and emotional connection.Ultimately,this thesis encapsulates the film narratives’ portrayal and reflection of memory:cinema not only fashions distinctive memory narratives in terms of content and expression but also provokes contemplation on the essence and function of memory.