Narrative structure theorists

Hannah Tapscott

TODOROV

1) A state of equilibrium2) A disruption of the equilibrium by some action3) A recognition that there has been a disruption4) An attempt to repair the disruption 5) A reinstatement of the equilibrium

Conventional narratives are structured in five stages:

The type of narrative structure is commonly seen throughout many films. It is easily recognisable and familiar.

PROPPPropp identified eight main character roles within a narrative, which he proved by looking at many folk tales. These roles are also usedin much more modern storylines such as Television dramas. The eight main character roles are:

1) The hero (usually male) (restores the narrative equilibrium)2) The villain (creates narrative disruption)3) The donor (gives the hero something – helps in resolution of the narrative)4) The helper (aids the hero in the task of restoring equilibrium) 5) The princess – victim (character most threatened by the villain)6) The dispatcher (typically can be the princesses father) (sends hero on task)7) The false hero (appears to be good but is revealed at the narratives end, to have been bad.

LEVI-STRAUSSHe identified we make sense of everything by using binary opposites and observes that all narratives are arranged around these binary opposites.

Examples of binary opposites:- Good vs Evil- Boy vs Girl- Weak vs Strong- White vs Black

They are:1. Narrative2. Editing3. Camera Movement and Framing4. Diegesis

Vernallis theory centres around 4 key concepts that all relate to the way the music video is constructed.

VERNALLIS

GOODWIN1. Music Videos demonstrate genre characteristics.The majority of artists use this technique to show the category which they fall into. Aspiration in hip hop, dance routines in boy/girl band videos and live performances for heavy metal bands are all examples of this.

2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals.Lyrics are represented with images, whether they are illustrative or contradicting, throughout music videos. There is a definite correlation of the lyrics within the song and the visuals displayed. These can be supported by the lyrics with a demonstration of the situation or narrative, this can display the inner message with a visual interpretation, or completely contradict the lyrics, to demonstrate an alternative, different or new artist.

GOODWIN – (CONTINUED)

4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist, and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work.This is used to primarily sell the material of the artist, and also to introduce a style to which fans can relate and imitate. An example of this is new up and coming modern pop singer, setting an example to people creating fans based on their style, genre of music and costumes that they wear, this helps to define them more as a artist from other singers in the same profession. This has a massive impact on their fans, and the music industry as a whole, and defines them just as much as their music.

3. There is a relationship between music and visuals.It depends whether it is illustrative or contradicting a link between the music in the song and the video, specifically relating to tempo and transitions. For example, in more up-beat pop videos, the editing will be quick and fast, cut shots with a general tempo matching the speed of the song. However a more sombre video will feature more slow, fading cuts, to emphasise the slow beat expressed in the song. Particular high and low points throughout these songs can be emphasised by specific changes in the style of the video.

6. There are often inter-textual references (to films, tv programmes, other music videos etc).In many music videos, the artist uses several references to other memorable images throughout pop culture. These images are then recognised by the viewer, and they understand the band is attempting to replicate this, for either comic effect, or the attempt to create a relationship between the band, and the original image. This could also be a way to relate to a wider audience and explore a different generation or area of fans by being influenced by other artists.

GOODWIN – (CONTINUED)5. There is frequently reference to notion of looking (screens within screens, telescopes, mirrors, etc) and particularly expressive focus on the female body.This includes music videos which focus on mise-en-scene which features several depictions of people looking into mirrors, telescopes, screens on a TV or board etc. As well as this, many music videos contain lots of depictions of the female body in a sexual manner. This is a constant feature throughout music videos, whether it be the singer herself, for example, Miley Cyrus or Rihanna, who present themselves in a sexual way to the audience in many of their music videos. Another example could be female dancers in the background of a male singer or even groups. The majority of these videos are associated with rap or R&B genre videos with occasional pop videos.