2. Learning Objectives
● To recall and identify the four types of narrative structures.
● To research and analyse how The Strangers and
Halloween use narrative in their films.
● To construct a model answer and evaluate the extent to
which we can apply theory to our set film texts.
Explain the extent to which traditional narrative theory can be applied to your
two Horror case study films.
Challenge: Why might Hollywood films challenge traditional theory?
4. The Standard
■ Read through the exemplar Distinction response
■ Highlight the following structural elements:
■ Theory knowledge
■
■ Theory application (your claim)
■
■ Analysis of scene to show how narrative is communicated (your evidence)
■
■ Evaluation of theory against film
8. Research Groups
TODOROV: Chris, Nuria, Omar,Tavoi
LEVI-STRAUSS: Amirah,Alex, Liam,Sameul
PROPP: Tiahna, Favour, Hannah, Habibah
BARTHES:,
3.You will now move and meet with your
research groups and together you will gather as
much information as possible on your chosen
theorist.
4.You will then feedback to your core group of what
you have found.Your team is counting on you.
9. Create a
mind map
1.Create a mind-map in your
groups of all the information
you have found of each
theorist.
2. How far can you apply
narrative theory toThe
Strangers and Halloween?
3.Think about,What
each theory says
about the film?
4.Include examples
from both films to
reinforce your points.
Some points to think about…
10. ■ THINK: What might be
your opening sentence
aboutTodorov?
■ PAIR: Discuss with your
partner and prepare
your sentence.
■ SHARE: As a group,
let’s create a perfect
opening sentence.
Todorov’s theory is that every literary text has the same narrative
pattern. He studied many folktales and found that narrative follows a
beginning, middle and end structure.Which correlates in five different
sections which starts with equilibrium when everything is peaceful and
balanced, followed by a disruption which breaks the balance and when
problem occurs.The third stage is the recognition of the disruption
which is where the problem is recognised.The fourth stage is reparation
this is where they try and repair the disruption.The narrative ends with a
new equilibrium when the problem is restored.
Todorov theory can be applied to the film Halloween as the film begins
with a brief equilibrium we can see in the opening scene the diegetic
sound of laughter as well as the use of contrapuntal non-diegetic sound
which creates or changes the atmosphere and it could foreshadow what
will happen next.
This follows on to the next stage which is the disruption specifically
when the character picks up the knife.We know when the disruptions
starts because of the use of non-diegetic sound.The soundtrack uses
eerie music helps set the tone of the scene.
Why do you think it is used in films used today?
Explain the extent to
which traditional
narrative theory can be
applied to your two
Horror case study
films.
11. You will now have a go at answering the
question
Explain the extent to which traditional narrative theory can be
applied to your two Horror case study films.
Challenge: Why might Hollywood films challenge traditional
theory?
Editor's Notes
10:50-11:00 Starter Task
Starter: the chase quiz,
Explanation of learning objectives.
11:00-11:05
11:05-11:10
11:10-11:25
HIGHLIGHT and look through exemplar answer
11:25- 11:30
Refresh their memories on both
narratives.
11:30-11:35
11:35-12:00 30min task
Ms Begum,
Explain task with instructions jigsaw classroom
30mins to complete task
12:00-12:10
Ms begum
Go through answer with class
Ask them, what is mentioned first …give time to write answer down and pause
Then explanation of theorist.
Than example,
Than analysis/relation
Todorov is a Literary theorist who studied many fairy tales and suggested that narrative follows a traditional linear structure. The idea that narratives have a clear beginning ,middle and end. He believed there were five stages to his theory. The first stage which is called equilibrium, this is where the narrative starts with a normal and balanced state. The narrative soon moves on to the second stage known as the disruption, this is the stage where a problem occurs. Then we move on to the third stage known as recognition. This is where there is a realisation of the problem following on to fixing the problem which is known as the fourth stage of Todorov’s theory called reparation. The final stage includes the new equlibirum this is when calm is restored and leads to a happy ending. The film Halloween does not begin with an equilbrium but starts with the disruption stage. During the opening scene we see a point of view shot of a mysterious dark figure entering a house, this is accompanied with non-diegetic contrapuntal sound. This connotes an errie feel to a narrative which adds to the suspense and
