Assignment 8:Narrative theory
- 2. Part A In relation to a film
- 3. Todorov specified that there are five different stages of narrative. Equilibrium (normality) Disequilibrium (Conflict of equilibrium caused by event) Recognition of disequilibrium Attempt to repair disequilibrium New equilibrium (New norm) By this Todorov meant the common structure of beginning middle and end.
- 4. These are the ways in which Equilibrium (Normality)is applied to Armageddon at the beginning Normal, everyday banter between manager and worker (normal) Here are men, at work, (normal) Sexual relationship between man and woman (normal) This conforms to Todorov’s narrative theory as the beginning always starts of with a sense of normality
- 5. These are the ways in which Disequilibrium (problem) is applied to Armageddon in the middle of the film Astronomers discover that an asteroid will hit earth and destroy the entire universe(problem) They learn that the asteroid is due to hit earth in 18 days(problem) This conforms to Todorov’s narrative theory, as he states that there is always some sort of dilemma in the narrative of a film.
- 6. These are the ways in which recognition of disequilibrium is applied to Armageddon during the middle of the film The best drillers, are called to help drill and destroy the asteroid (recognition of problem) The drillers are taught how to be an astronaut, so they can go to space and drill the asteroid, before it hits earth (recognition of problem) This conforms to Todorov’s narrative theory as he states that the problem is always recognised
- 7. These are the ways in which the disequilibrium is repaired, coming to the end of the film. The men are attempting to drill a massive hole in the asteroid to destroy it (Repairing problem) A bomb is put inside the asteroid and the whole thing is blown up (Repairing problem) This conforms to Todorov’s narrative theory, as he states that in the narrative of a film the problem is always solved.
- 8. These are the ways in which New equilibrium is applied at the end of Armageddon Father and son are united and brought closer together. This is the start of a new father son relationship New equilibrium Couple are getting married, symbolising a new beginning New equilibrium This conforms to Todorov’s narrative theory, as he states that the narrative of a film tends to end with a new normality
- 9. Part B
- 10. Strauss supposed that our world is made up of binary of differences, contradictions, conflict or opposites. For example Night/day Good/Bad Daopposites He claimed that themes within stories consists rk light Male/female Without realising, we recognise the essential conflict in relation to narrative which is familiar in stories and films These opinions are fundamental to our ability to make meanings of our lives
- 11. Action Film Opposite 1 Oppostie2 Why they are opposites Taken 1) 2) Male /female Parent /child Wise / naive Powerful/defenceless Mature /young
- 12. Horror Film Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Why they are opposites 1) 2) Male/female Chainsaw Fat/slim massacre Ugly/pretty Brown hair/blonde hair Dominant/inferior
- 13. Thriller Film Opposite 1 Opposite2 Why they are opposites Drag me to hell 1) 2) Old/young Hideous/attractive Evil/good poor/wealthy Villain/victim
- 14. Drama Film Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Why they are opposites Slum dog 1) 2) Bad/good millionaire sinful/innocent ugly/handsome
- 15. Part c
- 16. Film: The beach This map immediately seems quite mysterious as the audience are eager to discover where exactly the map leads to, and if the map is actually correct. Film: Narnia This wardrobe, directly gives a feel of ambiguity. The audience want to learn what is so special about this wardrobe and what makes it different from other wardrobes.
- 17. Horror/thriller Drama Action: A) Cancer patient laying in bed A) Shark swimming up to person B) Mother comforts her B) Person trying to escape from shark Assumption Assumption A)Man will get bitten A) Cancer patient will die B) Man will get eaten and killed. B) Mother will be deeply hurt
- 18. Colour = Black Wedding crashers (drama Wedding crashers (drama) The dark night romance) (action) Black suits connotes Black bra is sexy and death and morn Black consume seductive symbolises power and authority
- 19. Villain is usually a dominant male who is hideous and horribly disfigured, Victim is usually a helpless female, usually of white race, with blonde hair.
- 20. Iconographic features have clear connotations and meanings to the audience i.e. Horrific imagery, blood and gore = Horror
- 21. Here, rose is standing at the edge of the ship, her red dress is symbolic of danger/hazard along with the red notice sign beside her. Here, the heart shaped necklace that rose is wearing symbolises wealth and expense The whistle that rose is blowing symbolises being safety and survival (being able to escape from the water)
- 22. The way in which jack is holding rose symbolises romance and affection, the scuttle orange/brown colours in the background also adds to this and make the setting appear calm. Feeling positive and free, jack is happy to be of the streets. (clear blue sky = freedom), as jack he is happy to be of the streets. Iceberg symbolises an obstacle/ complication to prevent jack being with rose (essentially causes his death)
- 23. Outside of text and knowledge, we commonly know to bring understanding of the meaning in the text. Often references to things in popular culture and historical events. In a modern day adaption of Cinderella, there are many modern interpretations that we recognize, that were not in the original story... Cinderella is using a Stepmother is using a sun bed Step sisters are in a fancy computer pool
- 24. Part D
- 25. 1) hero 2) villain 3)Dispatcher 4)Donor 5) Helper 6)heroine 7)False Hero
- 26. On some sort of a quest. Usually male, but in this case both. Role is to restore disequilibrium (usually by defeating villain)
- 27. Starts hero/heroes on their way (usually to restore the disequilibrium) He/she sends hero of so they can prove their worth Encourages hero and on their side
- 28. Opposes the hero cause of disruption Often treat to safety of the heroine Usually male, rarely female
- 29. Helps Heroes by giving them ‘magic’ tools or gifts The tool/gift may even be advise, a skill or an object i.e. (A weapon) This makes hero/heroes more likely to win battle
- 30. Assists and helps hero/heroes in restoring normality/equilibrium Like a ‘sidekick’ (for the whole part of journey) (can meet on way)
- 31. Tempts one of the heroes At first seems to be caring and kind Keeps him as bait to capture the rest of the siblings(heroes)
- 32. N/A
- 33. Part E
- 34. Juxtapose alternative versions of a story that may result from small changes in a single event or group of events. 1) This story then shows the events of what happens when she misses the train and is late for work The woman misses her train, which results in her being late for work The story keeps going back and forth which 2) makes it a forking path The story then shows the events of what happens when she makes the train, and is on time for work The woman, just makes her train and is on time for work
- 35. Organised as an abstract series or narrative anthology (collection of multiple stories) Two complete strangers, who are having relationship issues swap homes. The story is then shown from the point of view of both women, which makes it episodic.
- 37. Divide the scene into two or more frames, juxtaposing events within the same visual field This scene from mean girls is an example of a split screen