Narrative

Apocalypto is a linear narrative text as it is chronological order. The linear narrative is there to set up heroes and villians. This done in various ways for example, the order in which the events happen set up the heroes and villians from when the residents are taken from the area within the jungle and are represented as innocent people. The frequent shots of Jaguar Paw insist that he is the hero. Whereas, the brutal beating that is given by the opposing clan represent them as evil. Therefore, there is a clear line between good and evil in this movie and that scene alone represented who is represented as what.

Within the movie the constant use of dramatic sound's add to the entertainment keeping the primary audience on the edge. For example, when Jaguar Paw is running through the jungle the constant stop and starts of loud action music adds to the entertainment. This is similar to the editing. In the same scene the constant quick cuts add to the anticipation of whether he will get to the other side.