Todorov's Narrative Theory

Todorov's narrative theory basically states that most stories or plot lines follow the same pattern or path. There are 5 steps in this pattern:

1. The first part of the story will display a happy start, where the majority of characters are content and everything is as it should be. So, in The Simpsons Movie, at the beginning everything is normal and Homer is just doing chores.

2. the second part of the story will feature a problem or something will disrupt the happiness. In The Simpsons Movie, it begins when Homer saves a pig.

3. Realisation is the part of the plot when everyone realises the problem and it is chaos. So, the Simpsons are kicked out of Springfield and forced to move to Alaska.

4. Restored order is the part of the plot when the characters attempt to repair the damage and restore the problem. So, the Simpsons go back and save Springfield.

5. Equilibrium Again: This is the final part of the plot where the problem is solved and normality can resume again. So, the dome is blown up and everyone is free.

Levi Strauss and His Approach To Narrative

• Claude Levi Strauss studied hundreds of myths and legends all around the world, from that he found out that we as humans make sense of the world, people and events by seeing and using binary opposites.
• He found out that narratives are arranged around the conflict of binary opposites.

• In the mid-20th century, two major European academic thinkers, Claude Levi Strauss and Roland Barthes, came together and discovered that the way we understand certain words does not depend so much on the meaning that they directly contain, but much more by our understanding of the difference between the word and its opposite or, as they called it, 'binary opposite'.
• They realised that words simply act as symbols for society's ideas and that the meaning of words was a relationship rather than a fixed idea just a relationship between opposing ideas.

Examples are; Good vs Evil, Peace vs War, Black vs White, Ignorance vs Wisdom, Civilised vs       Savage and Young vs Old.

Basically, Levi Strauss' theory is that the conflict is based around the binary opposites and that the binary opposites are the central climax of a narrative structure.

Propp's Theory

Propp studied various Russian fairytales, and discovered that there are always eight main character types present. These are:

Hero
Traditionally the hero is a male protagonist whose role it is to restore normality or equilibrium. He does this by defeating the villain(s) and winning the love of the heroine.

Villain
The villain is the cause of the disruption and the enemy of the hero. The villain may also be a threat to the safety and well-being of the heroine.

Dispatcher
The dispatcher sends the hero on a journey to restore equilibrium. The dispatcher may also be the father or father figure of the heroine, sending the hero on a quest to see if he is worthy of his daughter.

Donor
The donor gives the hero something to help him along his journey. This gift may be a piece of advice, a skill or an object such as a weapon.

Helper
The helper assists the hero in restoring equilibrium. The helper may be a sidekick, with the hero throughout, or someone he meets along the way.

Heroine
The heroine is usually a passive and vulnerable character, threatened by the villain and needing rescuing by the hero.

False Hero
The false character is a character who initially seems to be on the side of the hero but who turns against him or deceives him.

Barthes: 5 Narrative Codes

Barthes suggested that there will be one or more of the five codes that describe the meaning of a text. The texts may be 'open or 'closed'.

Hermeneutic/Enigma Code

• This code refers to mystery within a text. Clues are dropped, but not many answers are given.
• Enigmas within the narrative make the audience want to know more.
• Unanswered enigmas tend to frustrate the audience.

Proairetic/Action Code

• This code contains sequential elements of action in the text.
• Proairetic elements add suspense to the text.

Semantic Code

• This code refers to parts within the text that suggests or refers to additional meanings.
• Elements of the semantic code are called semes.
• The seme has a connotative function in the text. It has an extra layer of meaning in addition to its literal meaning.

Symbolic Code

• This code is about symbolism within a text.
• It creates opposites to show contrast and create greater meaning, creating tension, drama and character development.

Referential Code

• This code refers to anything in the text which refers to an external body of knowledge such as scientific, historical or cultural knowledge.

AS Film Reviews: Elegy For April

BARTHES: Enigma code helps set up the basic plot of how the audience are unaware of exactly what is happening which makes them become more interested in continuing to watch. Cultural references to the place giving audience background information to the setting.

TODOROV: As it is only the beginning of a film we only see the beginning of this story and therefore only one side of the story told and the audience have much to learn still about each character.

LEVI-STRAUSS: Doesn't seem to be conflict between the two. They both seem to be on the same side. Feminine Vs. Masculine.

PROPP: Types of characters are unusual. Not clear if they are villains or heroes. It is only an opening scene so there is no punishment for wrongdoings yet. Both characters are constructed. Unclear what initial lack is.

AS Film Reviews: An Fiach Raicleach

BARTHES: Cultural references so audience get a lot of background to 1700s Ireland. Enigma code helps set up the basic plot of how the audience are unaware of exactly what is happening which makes them become more interested in continuing to watch.

TODOROV: As it is only the beginning of a film we only really see the beginning of this story and therefore only one side of the story is fully told however the audience can recognise an enemy in the antagonist.

PROPP: Typical characters. Hero Vs. Villain is effective. Initial lack is her tragedy. She seeks help. Punishment of the villain does not occur as it is only an opening scene. Both characters are constructed.

LEVI-STRAUSS: Binary oppositions. Very obvious conflict between the protagonist and antagonist She is in danger. Feminine Vs. Masculine. Pagan Vs. Christian. Weak Vs. Strong.

Shot Type Plans

These are the ideas that myself and the other cinematographer that is working with me have come up with for shot types before the title appears onscreen:

long shot of her falling

mid shot or close up of her screaming

shot reverse shot for dialogue

close up on hand as Steve hands over purse

long shot of her running away

mid shot then long shot of him leaving, shaking his head