Todorov’s Narrative Theory

Shanelle Peters

Narrative Codes

The term ‘Narrative’ means the way the process of telling stories is organised, structured and then potentially decoded or understood.

Narrative has two parts:

Narrative Structure

Elements

Todorov’s ‘Narrative Theory’

• The Narrative Theory starts with a state of equilibrium. This then moves to a disequilibrium with the occurrence of a problem, then changes to a new equilibrium once this troublesome situation is resolved.

Narrative Structure

1. Equilibrium

2. Disruption

of Equilibrium

3. Recognition

of the disruption

4. An attempt

to repair the damage

5. New

Equilibrium

Narrative Structure in ‘The Cabin In The Woods’

Five college friends (Jules, Marty, Holden, Curt and Dana) drive to a remote cabin in the woods for a

vacation. The enjoy the serenity and freedom of the cabin.

The group enter a cellar in the cabin and inadvertently summon

a zombie family that kills Jules (The Whore) and Holden (The

Scholar).

On the discovery of a hidden camera Marty becomes convinced they are

being manipulated and are on a reality TV show. They attempt to flee but one

of the technicians controlling the environment prevents their escape

and Curt (The Athlete) is killed.

Dana(The Virgin) flees with Marty(The Fool) to the lower levels of the technicians facility and discover that the scenario is to appease

‘The Ancient Ones’ who require the ritual sacrifice of five young people who embody certain stereotypes. This must take place or

The Ancient Ones will destroy the world.

The two survivors Marty and Dana agree it is better for another species to take humanity’s place if this is the price for human existence. They hold hands

as the hand of an Ancient One rises up and destroys both the facility and the

cabin with them inside.

2. Disruption of the Equilibrium1. Equilibrium

3. Recognition of the disruption

4. An attempt to repair the damage

5. New

Equilibrium

Analysis of Opening Title Sequence

CameraThe Establishing Shot of rust coated clockwork is evident of man made machinery which could have connotations of the artificial.

The Establishing Shot of Lionsgate, (an independent entertainment studio) shows red and black clouds which not only create a sinister atmosphere but are similar to the preconceived image of hell; this is indicative of the involvement of a demonic entity.

CameraThe Extreme Close Up spilled blood portrays a ‘cave man like’ drawing of what appears to be a harvest of crops. This then pans to another shot of spilled blood depicting a brutal sacrifice beneath what appears to be either the sun or an omnipresent being. The image could be interpreted as a depiction of Cain and Abel foreshadowing violent death.

A juxtaposition is created between the images of sacrifice and death depicted on the blood as the Two Shot Master Shot shows the two men by the coffee machine. This shows not only a sense of normality but contrasts with the previous images of mortality.

Camera

The use of the Three Shot and Dolly movement highlights that not only is the technicians break over but that their idle talk was irrelevant as there are important issues to concern themselves with. The Dolly also symbolises their moving into more serious affairs and away from relaxation.

Editing

The continuity editing of the clockwork is symbolic of methodical planning and links with the sacrificial images shown later in the sequence revealing the possibility of planned killings or sacrifices.

EditingThe dispersing blood then dissolves to reveal a handmade painting with a historic quality suggesting not only pain and death but the plot of the film centres on time and its effect.

The sudden unjustified cut from writhing intermingled bodies to a coffee machine in a staff break room creates a juxtaposing atmosphere between the real and the surreal, which is perhaps indicative that the film shifts between the two viewpoints.

Mise-en-SceneThe low lighting at the beginning of the sequence sets the tone of the film indicating a dark atmosphere that connotes the death and suffering of many.

The artificial white tinted lighting that surrounds the technicians during their conversation could perhaps be suggestive they are creators of artificial environments for others.

Mise- en- SceneThe use of naturalistic lighting during the girls conversation accentuates the natural setting and mimics their light and easy conversation. This is indicative of their friendship and could imply the mutual acceptance of their different personalities.

The characterisation of the character ‘Jules’ suggests she is sexually promiscuous this is shown in the relatively bright colours and revealing clothing she is wearing, which in comparison to the character ‘Dana’ is evident of her open carefree personality.

SoundThe Diegetic sound of the conversation as ‘Curt’ aggressively asks ‘ Who gave you these...What are you doing with these?’ implies his awe and wonder at ‘Jules’ possession of such advanced books.

The use of Non-Diegetic music and the lyrics ‘maybe its not so bad’ play as Dana looks at her drawing of the teacher she had an affair with as an indication that she’s moving on from him having taken advantage of her.