Narrative Theory

Media Studies AS

Narrative:

the way in which a story is told in both fictional and non-

fictional media texts.

Vladimir Propp- Russian critic and literary theorist.- Analysed over 100 Russian fairytales in the

1920s.- He proposed that it was possible to classify the

characters and their actions into clearly defined roles and functions.

- Films such as Star Wars fit Propp’s model precisely, but a a significant number of more recent films such as Pulp Fiction do not.

- The model is useful, however as it highlights the similarities between seemingly quite different stories.

Propp’s Character Roles The hero (seeks something) The villain (opposes the hero) The donor (helps the hero by providing a

magic object) The dispatcher (sends the hero on his way) The false hero (falsely assuming the role of

hero) The helper (gives support to the hero) The princess (the reward for the hero, but also

needs protection from the villain)

Tzvetan Todorov Bulgarian literary theorist Suggests most narratives start with a

state of equilibrium in which life is ‘normal’ and protagonists happy.

This state of normality is disrupted by an outside force, which has to be fought against in order to return to a state of equilibrium.

This model can easily be applied to a wide range of films.

Equilibrium

Disequilibrium Attempted Repair

New Equilibrium

Equilibrium

Disequilibrium

Attempted Repair

New Equilibrium

Roland Barthes

French semiologist. Suggested that narrative works

with different codes which activate the reader to make sense of it.

Barthes’ Codes Denote – what the audience sees encoded by

the director Connote – what the audience decode it to mean

Action – a narrative device by which a resolution is produced through action, e.g. a shoot-out.

Enigma – a narrative device that teases the audience by presenting a puzzle or riddle to be solved. Works to delay the story’s ending pleasurably.

Claude Levi-Strauss Social Anthropologist. Studied myths of tribal cultures. Examined how stories unconsciously

reflect the values, beliefs and myths of a culture.

These are usually expressed in the form of binary oppositions.

His research has been adapted by media theorists to reveal underlying themes and symbolic oppositions in media texts.

Binary Oppositions A conflict between two things – often

opposites. For example 1970’s Western films:

Homesteaders Native Americanschristian pagandomestic savageweak stronggarden wildernessinside society outside society

Task:

Apply the key narrative theorists to the a thriller opening sequence

Propp Todorov Barthes Levi-Strauss

Thriller Film is a genre that revolves around anticipation and suspense. The aim for Thrillers is to keep the audience alert and on the edge of their seats. The protagonist in these films is set against a problem – an escape, a mission, or a mystery. No matter what sub-genre a Thriller film falls into, it will emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces. The tension with the main problem is built on throughout the film and leads to a highly stressful climax.

As media students you need to know HOW to achieve this?

Conventional characters

Serial killers, PsychopathOrdinary coupleFrustrated protagonist

Sound

Non-diegetic – music – progressive, mysterious, low notes, high string instruments, violins – back chillingSound effects – rain, screams, heartbeats, explosions, hyperbolic sounds – punches, kicks – foley No non-diegetic sound to aid realism

Camera work (shots and movement)

Short takes, fast pace, POV shots, extreme close ups, close ups

Lighting

Low key lightingFlashing/strobe – confusion/danger

Locations

Cities, populated places, urban settings - chaos

Narrative

Linear, omniscientNon-linear, restricted

Common effects

Slow motionFlash cuts, wash ins, wash outsFlash backs, flash forwards

Common themes

True story, isolation, loss, death, murder, stalkers, assassins, espionage, hostage, ransom, investigation,

Iconography

Guns, conflict, powerful supporting character, dim lighting

HMK this week

Complete the 2 class analyses

Using media language and key theories