Research: Narrative

Narrative is the way in which the film or shirt film is presented to the audience, it is the structure of the storyline. There are 4 main theories which directors follow using narrative. The theorists being Todorov, Barthes, Levi-Strauss and Propp.

The theory that I have researched is Todorov’s theory of narrative structure, I believe his theory can be seen more clearly through out films without having to seek out too much you can clearly see the structure of the film.

Todorov’s Theory:
Todorov suggests that there are five different stages in any film, these stages create the narrative. The five stages are;

1. A state of equilibrium at the outset.
2. A disruption of the equilibrium by some action.
3. A recognition that there has been a disruption.
4. An attempt to repair the disruption.
5. A reinstatement of the new equilibrium.

This can be applied to most films, including ‘mainstream’ films. For example ‘Shrek’;

1. Shrek is alone in his swamp – happy.
2. Guards come to swamp to move Shrek and all other fairytale creatures.
3. Shrek visits the Lord.
4. Shrek sets on quest to save princess to save his land.
5. Shrek saves the princess, gets his land back and keeps the princess.