Narrative structure

What is the 3-act structure?

The 3-act structure is an old principle widely adhered to in storytelling today. It can be found in plays, poetry, novels, comic books, short stories, video games, and movies. It was present in the novels of Conan Doyle, the plays of Shakespeare, the fables of Aesop, the poetry of Aristotle, and the films of Hitchcock.

Act 1: The Setup
The setup is when all the major characters of the story are introduced and where they live in the world, and what conflict is to move the story forward. In act 1 the writer has the right to create any setting and reality that they wish. During the first pages of the script, the writer will define the reasons and logic of the story.

Act 2: The Confrontation
The second act is the longest, encompassing half of a movie, and taking place between the first and third acts. For some screenwriters act 2 is the hardest one to complete. This happens because after the initial boost of a new story, the writer is left without any pot elements to introduce the story, characters and the conflicts that are all established. At this time the writer will create a solid frame for the narrative and test each aspect they write for the final script.

Act 3: Resolution
Act 3 presents the final confrontation of the movie, followed by the denouement.This act is usually the shortest in length because after the turning  point of the second script, the main character is face to face with the villain or just about to, then ensues and then the conclusion.

http://www.elementsofcinema.com/screenwriting/three-act-structure/

What is the classical Hollywood narrative?

Classical Hollywood narrative, and classical continuity  are terms used in film criticism which designate both a narrative and visual style of film-making which developed in and characterized American cinema between 1917 and 1960 and would become the dominant mode of film-making in the United States.

https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/donnalye/classical-hollywood-narratives

An example of classical hollywood narrative is the updated versions of films since 1930 to today. For example the classic James Bond poster is more colourful and is more themed towards the year, however the the Skyfall poster is more targted to the characters dark backstory.