Narrative

Vladimir Propp, Todorov, Levi Strauss and Roland Barthes. These are just some famous names in the historic film industry, not any modern day icons we would say are famous names in the film industry.

We studied all four of thier theories and studies, but we focused more on Barthes statements and views about movies. He suggested that there will be one or more of the 5 codes that describe the meaning of a text. Barthes said that the texts may be 'open' (unravelled in a lot of different ways) or 'closed' (there is only one obvious thread to pull on). The 5 codes are:

• Hermeneutic/Enigma Code - this code refers to mystery within a text, clues are dropped, but no clear answers are given. Enigmas within the narrative makw the audience want to know more. Unanswered engimas tend to frustrate the audience.
• Proairetic/Action Code - this code contains sequential of action in the text. Proairetic elements add suspense to the text.
• Semantic Code- this code refers to parts within the text that suggests or refers to additional meanings. Elements of the semantic code are called 'Semes'. The seme has a connotative function in the text. It has an extra layer of meaning in addition to its literal meaning.
• Symbolic Code - this code is about symblism within the text. It exercises opposites to show contrast and create greater meaing, creating tension, drama and character development.
• Referential Code - this code refers to anything in the text which refers to an external body of knowledge such as scientific, historical and cultural knowledge.

The other studies included:

• Propp's idea on basic characters which always feature in media. The typical characters he found was - 

The Hero - always seeks something.
The Villain - who opposes or actively blocks the hero's quest.
The Dispatcher - who sends the hero on his/her quest.
The Helper - who aids the hero.
The Princess or Damsel - acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the villain's plots.

• Todorovs study of how stories always start at equilibrum. As they continue they develop problems which must be overcome to return to the equilibrum.
• There are five stages the narrative can progress through:

1. A state of equilibrium ( all as it should be).
2. A disruption of that order by an event.
3. A recognition that the disorder has occured.
4. An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption.
5. A return or restoration of a NEW equilibrium.

 

• Levi-Strauss' 'Binary Opposition' - the study of oppositions featuring heavily in movies, for example 'Good VS Evil' or Black VS White.