Kari’s Hum 210 Blog

“The diegesis of a narrative is its entire created world”(Felluga, 1).  The film Waterworld does a wonderful job developing the diegisis of the movie.  Everything from the wardrobe, make-up to the languages used in the film is fictional and custom to the world in which the characters live.  I would be easy to say Waterworld is unrealistic and would never happen but the way that the film develops leaves room for possibility in a fictional manner. Meaning, yes it is unlikely that the whole world will be covered with water from glaciers melting but the plot in water world gave reasons for belief.  For instance when Costner’s character would bring items for trade that others had never seen before, this left open the door to possibility. On the other hand, Titanic was based on a “true” story but was embellished for moviegoers.  I found a website on furl that explains how to write and develop a novel.  In essence, that is what Cameron did with Titanic, he embellished.  “Good fiction doesn’t just happen, it is designed”(Ingermanson, 1).  Cameron brought out the best of every fact he researched in regards to the Titanic, much of the film was factual.  As far as the love story goes, he built interest that the audience would be unable to resist.  Jack and Rose were captivating, thus Cameron “designed” fictitious section of the movie.  I wonder if he had left the film strictly factual if it would have grossed as much money.  I think society thrives off of love stories, which are usually hand crafted and unrealistic.  Cameron’s genius in creating Titanic made sure that the industry took note of moviegoers interest in love affairs, especially the tragic ones. 

Felluga, Dino. “Terms Used by Narratology and Film Theory.” Introductory Guide to Critical

Theory. 28 November 2003. Purdue U. 3 February 2006. http://www.purdue.edu/guidetotheory/narratology/terms/.
Ingermanson, Randy. “Disturbing Your Universe.” The Snowflake Method for Writing a Novel.  3 February 2006. http://www.rsingermanson.com/html/the_snowflake.html