Defamiliarization

Definition

Defamiliarization is a narrative technique that presents familiar experiences or objects in a way that makes them seem strange or new, prompting audiences to see them from a fresh perspective. This technique can disrupt the ordinary perceptions of reality, encouraging viewers or readers to question their preconceived notions and engage more deeply with the content. By altering familiar contexts, defamiliarization pushes audiences to think critically about what they are experiencing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Defamiliarization was first articulated by Russian formalist Viktor Shklovsky in the early 20th century, emphasizing the importance of making the familiar seem strange.
2. This technique can be used in various forms of art, including literature, film, and visual arts, to challenge audiences' perceptions and evoke emotional responses.
3. In film, defamiliarization often involves unconventional storytelling methods such as nonlinear narratives or stylistic choices that disrupt traditional viewing expectations.
4. Defamiliarization encourages audiences to re-evaluate their interpretations of reality by presenting situations or characters in unexpected ways that spark curiosity and reflection.
5. By utilizing defamiliarization, creators can highlight societal issues or human experiences, making audiences more aware of their own biases and assumptions.

Review Questions

• How does defamiliarization enhance the audience's understanding of familiar themes in storytelling?
  • Defamiliarization enhances audience understanding by presenting familiar themes in unexpected ways that challenge their preconceived notions. When viewers encounter a story element that feels strange or new, they are prompted to engage more deeply with its significance. This technique encourages critical thinking and reflection on ordinary experiences, allowing audiences to grasp complex themes in a more profound manner.
• In what ways can defamiliarization be employed within film narrative structures to evoke specific emotional responses?
  • Defamiliarization can be employed within film narrative structures through techniques such as non-linear storytelling, unusual camera angles, or sound design that contrasts with typical expectations. These choices create a sense of disorientation and intrigue, compelling viewers to pay closer attention to the narrative. By breaking conventional storytelling molds, filmmakers can evoke emotions ranging from confusion to enlightenment as audiences navigate the defamiliarized elements presented on screen.
• Evaluate the impact of defamiliarization on audience perception and its potential for social commentary in experimental narratives.
  • Defamiliarization significantly impacts audience perception by challenging viewers to reconsider their understanding of familiar situations, thus allowing for deeper exploration of social issues. In experimental narratives, this technique serves as a powerful tool for social commentary; it prompts audiences to reflect on societal norms and values by presenting them in a bizarre or unfamiliar context. This reflective process can lead to increased awareness and discussions about complex themes like identity, culture, and morality, fostering critical engagement with the material.

Related terms

Surrealism:

An artistic movement that seeks to challenge the perception of reality by blending dream-like scenes with everyday objects, often creating a sense of disorientation.

Metafiction: A form of fiction that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, highlighting the artificiality of storytelling to make readers aware of the constructed nature of narratives.

Cognitive Dissonance: The psychological discomfort experienced when confronted with conflicting ideas, beliefs, or values, often invoked through defamiliarization to provoke critical thinking.