Coming to Terms with the Past: Voice-over Narration in The White Ribbon

Abstract

This thesis explores the question of meaning in The White Ribbon through an analysis of the film's voice-over narration. The topics of setting and audience are discussed in relation to Haneke's previous films as a means to contextualise the various reactions to The White Ribbon, which are then surveyed. Whilst it becomes clear that opinion remains divided over whether the film depicts a quintessentially German scenario or not, only a small percentage of reviews and analyses discuss the film's voice-over narration. By considering influences on voice-over narration and drawing connections to other media, the special characteristics of this film technique are detailed. This leads into a discussion of relevant theory on voice-over narration. Utilising elements of existing theories, this thesis develops an original methodology that focuses on aspects and interactions that are often overlooked in other studies, such as the vocal characteristics of the narrator, and the interaction between other sound elements and the voice-over narration. Using the findings of this analysis, an interpretation of the film is given that focuses on the concepts of nationality, history and memory and seeks to address the questions raised in reviews of the film.