A STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE PRINCIPLE OF CAUSALITY IN A FILM, “EFUNSETAN ANIWURA”

Abstract

In contributing to the growing knowledge on film analysis, appreciation and criticism in Nigeria, a
critical evaluation is carried out in this study to analyse and appreciate the structural system in a
Nigerian film, “Efunsetan Aniwura.” Therefore, the study critically examines the structural
principle of the causality in this film. The authors employ both the library study and studio analysis
research methods while using a structural and conceptual approaches as a theoretical framework.
Findings reveals that, human beings are used as causal agents in “Efunsetan Aniwura”, the causal
elements comprise the material, efficient, formal, and final causes. Thus Efunsetan‟s daughter
(Toyosi) services as catalyst on different levels of causal motivations. Her death becomes both the
efficient and material causes. The formal cause is revealed through Efunsetan‟s inability to control
her tragic experience. The element of the final cause is exposed in her strong will of refusing to go
on exile and her willingness to commit suicide. The narrative depicts both the audio and the audio-visual planting systems. Tension and suspense are generated through the invocation of emotional
situations, public outcries, and emphatic conditions. The plot is based on a 1-2-3 chronological
order while the pattern of development is a tragic mode of a grace to grass format.