Half-Way evaluation - Narrative

There are 4 main narrative theories. These were created by:

• Vladimir Propp 
• Tzvetan Todorov 
• Roland Barthes 
• Claude Levi-Strauss

Propp's theory on narrative is about character roles, he states that there are 8 main character roles; the hero, the villain, the donor, the dispatcher, the false hero, the helper, the princess and her father. Within my film it is clear to see that the characters that Propp's theory says should include are the hero (the siblings) the villain (the paranormal being) and the helper (the siblings).

Todorov's theory on narrative states that films follow the same narrative pattern of

1. Equilibrium - a state at which the world of the characters are normal and happy 
2. Disturbance - something happens to disrupt the state of equilibrium, normally the main issue that the hero (main protagonist) must fight against. 
3. New equilibrium/resolution - the hero's life returns to normal after resolving the disturbance and their life returns back to normal. 

The rough draft of my trailer fits this narrative theory but leaves the ending unclear. At the beginning of the trailer you see the siblings together having fun with no worries (Equilibrium) then the trailer starts to show the disturbance as paranormal forces start to occur. However, the end isn't shown so the audience are unclear as to whether the characters solve the disturbance and return to a new equilibrium or whether they don't survive.

Barthes' theory states that there are 5 different codes which make an audience member understand the narrative. These codes are;

1. Action
2. Enigma 
3. Symbolic
4. Semic 
5. Cultural 

In my trailer, the main code which is used is 'Enigma'. This is because throughout the trailer questions and puzzles are created, this teases audience members and gets them guessing the films narrative. This will also make them want to watch the whole film as they will want to solve these riddles and have questions answered.

Levi-Strauss' theory states that narratives feature binary oppositions. Strauss stated that binary oppositions are sets of opposite values which reveal the structure of media texts. An example would be GOOD - EVIL.

We all understand that good is the opposite of evil and if that is represented within a film trailer or film, the audience will understand that the films narrative is going to feature some element of good vs bad and moral messages. 

Within my film, the only binary opposite links into the setting. As the film is set in a house it would suggest safety as people assume the 'house environment' as comfortable/safe. However, the binary opposite featured in my trailer is HOUSE - DANGER. This will rise an enigma code as it is unclear and against stereotype as to why this is and will get the audience guessing the narrative and hopefully end up watching the film.