NarrativeThe narrative in a film is how the plot is put together

to be presented to an audience.The narrative can be based around characters,

events, setting and genre. All pieces of media have a narrative structure in

which we can analyse (eg films, tv shows, documentary's etc)

Types of narrative• Narrative can have an open or a closed structure. This is

how the narrative ends• Open Structure – this can be when there is no final

ending to a story or plot (like a cliffhanger). Most tv dramas, soaps and sometimes sitcoms can have these. They will usually continue into another episode or sequel. • Closed structure – The plot and story line has come to

a complete end. The audience has closure to the film

Analysing Narrative• Technical codes – this includes many elements such as camera

angles, lighting, editing etc. This gives the audience a way of understanding what’s going on and how to feel about certain characters. • Verbal codes – this is to do with the things that are being said in

the film which establishes narrative. • Symbolic codes – These are things that we see withing the film

which we take as a meaning for something significant eg a character wearing a smart suit we might decide that this suggest that the character is classy and rich.

Theory - TodorovThis theorist believes that narrative is in 3 parts. This is known as the Equilibrium. This can be applied to many narratives in films. It splits the film into a sense of the beginningmiddle and end. The beginning is the idea ofthe equilibrium (every how is should be), then something will disrupt it leading to it beingresolved back to how it should be. This createsa new equilibrium.

Todorov’s Theory- Our opening Sequence

Equilibrium

Disruption

ResolutionRestored Order

New Equilibrium Our opening sequence it linked to the theorist Todorov’s. The narrative coincided

with the equilibrium presented.

Theory – Valdimir ProppProtagonist They are usually the main focus of the narrative

and are usually trying to solve or find something. Sometime is also known as the hero.

Antagonist Big part of the narrative. They will usually get in the narratives way and try and stop them.

Heroine Can be a prize or a reward for protagonist. If protagonist is male then this will usually be an attractive female.

Father Can be an authority figure and usually will start the quest or mission for the protagonist

Helper A sidekick to the protagonist during the mission. Will sometimes turn into another hero.

Donor Will offer or give th hero something inn order to complete the quest or mission. Such as a clue or an item to help.

Mentor Guides and can also help the heor get to what they need.

Valdimir Propp’s Theory – Our opening sequence

Our opening sequence does not fit into the idea of Propps theory. In our opening sequence we only reveal two characters, The protagonist and antagonist. This means the narrative in our opening sequence does not conform to all conventions and forms.

Protagonist (male) Antagonist (female)

Theory – Levi StraussHe showed binary opposites through the narrative of the film.• Good vs evil • Male vs female• Dark vs light• Humanity vs technology • Dirt vs cleanliness

Levi Strauss’ Theory – Our opening sequence

The binary oppisites shown in the opening sequenc of the ‘the cycle’ are • Good vs Evil – The innocent male character who are

bing hunted and prayed upon by the female antagonist • Male vs Female – The female is trying to victimise the

male characters and could therefor lead to male vs females later on in the film. • This also helps build narrative and encourages to

support the male character as he is seen as weak and powerless compared to the woman character.