Vladimir Propp's Theory
In Propp's theory he believes a narrative is not important within a film, he feels the characters have a narrative function that provide structure for a text.
•The Hero – a
character that seeks something
•The Villain – who opposes or actively blocks the hero’s quest
•The Donor – who provides an object with magical properties
•The Dispatcher – who sends the hero on his/her quest via a message
•The False Hero – who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims
•The Helper – who aids the hero
•The Princess – acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the villain’s plots
•Her Father – who acts to reward the hero for his effort
•The Villain – who opposes or actively blocks the hero’s quest
•The Donor – who provides an object with magical properties
•The Dispatcher – who sends the hero on his/her quest via a message
•The False Hero – who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims
•The Helper – who aids the hero
•The Princess – acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the villain’s plots
•Her Father – who acts to reward the hero for his effort
This narrative doesn't apply to all narratives, usually related to fairy tales based around an adventure. A prime example for this is Shrek.
Tzvetan Todorov's Theory
In Todorov's theory he believes that a characters aren't important, as he believes a film should be focused around an equilibrium and disequilibrium within an narrative, in order to give a more complex interpretation of film texts.
This theory follows a specific guideline of starting of with an equilibrium; happy, normal scene that is then followed by the disequilibrium; something bad happens and caused disruption. In recognition of this occurance the narrative is driven to attempt to repair the disorderly interruption. As a result a new equilibrium is created by the end of the narrative, but does not match the original.
Aristotle's Theory
Aristotle believes all that is needed within a film is themes. Headings that are frequently used by producers and screenwriters that are similar to Aristoles himself are:
Which theory relates to my narrative?
My thriller opening relates most to Tzvetan Todorov's theory; the theory that states a film should be focused around an equilibrium and disequilibrium. I feel this suits my thriller as the story relates; a child innocently walking her dog (equilibrium) to suddenly being attacked and murdered (disequilibrium).
Tzvetan Todorov's Theory
In Todorov's theory he believes that a characters aren't important, as he believes a film should be focused around an equilibrium and disequilibrium within an narrative, in order to give a more complex interpretation of film texts.
This theory follows a specific guideline of starting of with an equilibrium; happy, normal scene that is then followed by the disequilibrium; something bad happens and caused disruption. In recognition of this occurance the narrative is driven to attempt to repair the disorderly interruption. As a result a new equilibrium is created by the end of the narrative, but does not match the original.
Aristotle's Theory
Aristotle believes all that is needed within a film is themes. Headings that are frequently used by producers and screenwriters that are similar to Aristoles himself are:
- Inciting incident
- Dramatic question
- Character goal
- Antagonist/protagonist
- Stakes
- Resolution
- Sympathy/empathy
Aristotle was most famous for his unities of time, place and action with his most complete analysis of tragedy, that is now the basis of most serious drama.
Which theory relates to my narrative?
My thriller opening relates most to Tzvetan Todorov's theory; the theory that states a film should be focused around an equilibrium and disequilibrium. I feel this suits my thriller as the story relates; a child innocently walking her dog (equilibrium) to suddenly being attacked and murdered (disequilibrium).
You have made a start in identifying the three different narrative theories. However, you need to relate to more detailed reasons to explain why your thriller follows Todorov's theory. This can be achieved by relating his points to your narrative
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