2. TODOROV
Theory of Narrative
Tzvetan Todorov simplified the idea of narrative theory whilst also allowing a more complex
interpretation of film texts with his theory of Equilibrium and Disequilibrium.
• EQUILIBRIUM: A state of balance and
EQUILIBRIUM happiness, this will be followed by:
• MOMENT OF DISEQUILIBRIUM:
NEW MOMENT OF Something or someone will disrupt the
EQUILIBRIUM DISEQUILIBRIUM balance and happiness this will, cause
more:
• DISEQUILIBRIUM: on which the “hero” in
DISEQUILIBRIUM the story shows recognition and attempts
to restore balance. After all of this is:
• NEW EQUILIBRIUM: is brought into place.
Todorov believes though Equilibrium is
restored. The characters would of
transformed or learnt from the previous
disruption.
3. PROPP
Eight character types
• Vladimir Propp was a folklorist who introduced the idea of there being only thirty-one
separate storylines which kept repeating. There are only a limited number of character types
in texts and we can transpose these to film.
• Vladimir Propp theorized that there is only 8 broad character types; he found this out by
studying media texts, he studied over 100 and came to this conclusion:
• The Donor
• The Villain
• The Helper
• The Wannabe Hero
• The Princess
• Princess Father
• The Dispatcher
• The Hero/Victim
4. STRAUSS
Binary opposites
Claude Levi Strauss – theorised that there is a constant creation of conflict in a
narrative whether it be visual or conceptual. Narrative can only end if there is
a conflict resolution at the end.
VISUAL CONFLICT
LIGHT VS. DARK
MADNESS VS STILLNESS
CONCEPTUAL CONFLICT
LOVE VS. HATE
CONTROL VS. PANIC
5. BARTHES
Enigma code & pleasure of text
The Pleasure of the Text is a short book published in
1973 by Roland Barthes. It was written in french and
later translated into english. Barthes sets out some of his
ideas about literary theory.
In the book, Barthes divides the effects of texts into two:
plaisir (translated as "pleasure") and jouissance.
Jouissance is translated as "bliss", but the French word
also carries the meaning of "orgasm".
Roland Gerard Barthes came up with the idea that
audiences can often guess what is going to happen in
most mainstream films and seeing this play our is the
pleasure they get from the text. There is another layer of
pleasure to be had when unexpected happens.
6. FREUD
Psychoanalysis
• ID – Irrational and emotional part of mind. Pleasure principle. If ID too strong,
person is uncaring and seeks self gratification.
• EGO- Rational part of mind. Reality principle. If EGO too strong, person is
extremely rational and efficient but can be cold and distant.
• SUPEREGO – Moral part of mind. Value principal. If SUPEREGO too strong,
Person strives for perfection and may grow into an insufferably saintly personality.
7. CLOVER
Final girl.
Carol Clover introduced the ‘Final Girl’ theory which raised awareness of gender
division in film. Carol Clover in ‘Men, Women and Chain saws’ argues that the audience
and structurally forced into identifying with the resourceful surviving female. The
audience is a masochistic voyeur.
Becomes “the final Usually a virgin or
girl” when a male is sexually
killed off or they’re unavailable
struggling with
masculinity/sexuality
Obtains a masculine
May have a unisex role towards the end
name and wears by “Public
masculine appropriation as she
The picks up weapon
clothing Final Girl
