narration

narration

• a commentary delivered to accompany a film, broadcast, etc.
• "The thing about voice-overs – you have to be very careful there that you don’t show what they’re already seeing. Add to what they’re seeing"

comedy: in the film "dead pool" narration is used from the main character to tell the story. it also adds humour to the film as he makes jokes and explains the scene from his perspective as a witty character. without the narration I would argue that the film would lose the majority of its comical value and much more link it to an action film alone. therefore the narration makes the film better.
horror: in the film "zombieland" the main character is narrating to inform the audience of his survival. he is telling the audience his survival rules which helps the audience relate to him as a character. it also helps the viewers put themselves in the film and make them question what they would do if they were personally in that situation. this further intrigues the audience.
action: the film "dead pool" it is also an action film and the comical narrative is over the top of many action scenes which interests the audience. the narration also helps the audience to understand the action that is going on and also help you pick a side of the characters which is usually the narrator "dead pool" himself.
drama: in the film "stand by me" there is also narration from the main character. the narration is telling the story that is happening but in much more depth and is giving us an insight in to the situation of the main character "Gordie". if the narration was from any other character the whole perspective of the film would be completely different. the narration does give us an insight into the other characters however it is from "Gordies" point of view so entirely his opinions. it also helps to understand why the boys are doing what they're doing and allows the audience to feel compassion and connect with the characters.
romance: in the film "Bridget Jones diary" the narration is entirely of Bridget in the perspective of her reading her diary to you. the narration allows you to connect to Bridget in a sympathetic way as you feel compassion towards her mistakes and constant embarrassments. it also creates a better connection to her for the audience as it completely explain what she is thinking in every moment so you feel like you are in her head.

what do you think is required for a good piece of film narration?
personally, I think the main part of a good narration is the voice itself. if the voice doesn't link to the genre of the film it wont fit and wouldn't be a good piece of narration. for example in "dead pool" the voice fits perfectly, not only because it is the main characters voice but because he naturally has a sarcastic tone to his voice which adds to the comedy in the film genre. some people argue that the voice over in "the great Gatsby" ruins the film. in the telegraph they mention how the voice itself doesn't match the extravagant lifestyle of the Gatsby. I think the gloomy voice gives the audience the idea that the film is going to end in tragedy far too early in the film.