In My Father's Den

Submitted By Neeenjah24
Words: 336
Pages: 2

In My Father’s Den.

The artistry and skill of a film comes from more than just camera and lights, it is also knowing how to tell a story well.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Respond to this question with close reference to one or more text(s) you’ve studied.

The structure of Mcgann’s film has often left viewers confused and thinking. He uses the technique of flashbacks to emphasize the non linear nature of the film. He specifically uses this technique on the character of Paul to tell the story of his traumatic past before he meets Celia or even before he left home then back to the obscure present where he deals with the outcome of his memories. The flashback near the beginning of the film where Paul, at the age of 17, leaves home doesn’t really tell us as the viewers why he’s left but as the film goes on Mcgann builds up the plot with more flashbacks that progressively pieces the story together. The flashbacks are often repeated later on in the film but with more detail, showing how Paul has dealt with his hardships and the broken relationship he had with Andrew his brother, Jackie the ex girlfriend, Celia and his father Geoff.
Brad Mcgann constructs the film into two parts so that it is told in both the past and present tense, before the disappearance of Celia (past) and after she disappears (present). Prior to Celia’s disappearance Mcgann shoots the film in a brighter light and colour to emphasize the trouble-free environment that everyone