PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT (PART A - NARRATIVE)

THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT - PART A - NARRATIVE:

Questions:

1. Is the narrative linear or non-linear? Is there any deviation from the structure?
2. Identify the 5 stages of the narrative based on Todorov’s theory
3. Are there any narrative strands in the film?
4. Which binary oppositions can you identify in the film.

Answers:

1. The narrative is non-linear, as it follows the journey of 3 drag queens but also has flashbacks which makes it non-linear.
2. 5 stages of the narrative:


•  A state of equilibrium. - Tick, Adam and Bernadette leave for a drag show in a bus.
• A disruption of that order by an event. - Bus has been vandalized with homophobic hates and they are stuck in the outback.
• A recognition of the disorder. - Bus breaks down and they meet a middle aged mechanic, Bob, and joins them on their journey.  Adam gets beaten up by a homophobic gang where he is saved by Bob and Bernadette.
• An attempt to fix the disorder. - Tick and Marion have a son, and Tick is nervous about exposing his son to his profession and tries to get to know his son.  Tick is surprised that his son already knows about it and fully supports his career.
• A new equilibrium - conclusion. - Tick, Adam, Bernadette climb Uluru in full drag costume. Tick and Adam head back to Sydney while Bernadette and Bob remains at the resort.
3. Multi strand, as it focuses on 3 drag queens instead of 1.  As well later in the film Bob, the mechanic is also added into the plot.
4. Good and Bad, Gay and Straight, Homosexual and Heterosexual