Narrative Task- The Sixth Sense

1. Narrative
Theory
The Sixth Sense

2. Toderov's Narrative Theory
 Toderov’s Theory states that a narrative of
a film always consists of the following
stages:
 equilibrium,
 disruption
 disequilibrium
 seeking a resolution
 new equilibrium

3. Which of Toderov’s stages are
evident within the film?
 Within the Sixth Sense it can be seen that many of Toderov’s Narrative stages have been
applied.
 For example within the Sixth Sense the Equilibrium stage is revealed within the opening
sequence. This can be seen where the protagonist Malcolm and his wife are relaxing in their
house happy and celebrational of an award Malcolm has received due to his dedication to
his work. Within this extract no issues or disruptions for the characters are revealed,
communicating to the audience that this is the equilibrium stage for the characters, as they
have not yet experienced something they feel should be changed or dealt with.

4.  However, this equilibrium is quickly destroyed and an immediate
disequilibrium is introduced. This is conveyed as the unsuspecting
protagonists realise there is an intruder in their house and when they
realise where they are the intruder can be seen targeting a gun in
their direction. This immediate jump to the disequilibrium stage,
bypasses the disruption stage, as the characters are immediately
faced with a very high level threat, rather than allowing the
impending darkness to build. This could be said to go against the
structure and organisation of Toderov’s narrative stages, creating
the effect of inciting shock within the audience as they are met
with an unexpected event so early into the film. This is effective as
this helps to entice the audience as they become inclined and
expectant of further surprises. This helps to connote the thriller genre
of the film as a key convention of thriller is to raise anticipation and
excitement within the audience.

5. Propp’s Character Theory
 Within Propp’s Theory he states that all films consist of
a range of different characters that fit into a specific
character type, these being:
 Hero
 Villain
 Princess
 Princess’s father
 Helper
 Dispatcher
 Donor
 False hero

6. Where can his character types be
identified? What role do they
play?
 Within the Sixth Sense Propp’s Theory types can be seen to apply to some of the
characters within the film.
 For example, Malcolm one of the protagonists could be described as a hero
type. This can be seen from Malcolm's drive to help young protagonist Cole to
overcome his fears and to save and discover the source for his questionable
mental health. This drive to help others is a conventional trait of a hero and
meets with this type well.

7.  However, it could be argued that the true
hero is the young protagonist Cole who, at
the end of the film, becomes Malcolm’s
saviour, allowing him to move on as the twist
reveals that he too was a ghost all along. This
helps to surprise the audience by making an
unlikely hero out of a character that is not
conventional of this type, this being a young
and vulnerable child, more likely to be
portrayed as a victim or helper within the
narrative.

8. Levi-Strauss Conflict and
Opposition Theory
 Within Strauss’s Theory he believes that the
constant creation of conflict/opposition
propels a narrative and that a narrative
can only end on a resolution of conflict.

9. Are there any Binary oppositions in
the film? What are they?
 Within The Sixth Sense the focus upon the supernatural and the idea of spirits that
linger within the world of the living after death creates a form of binary opposition.
This can be seen from the contrasting idea of the living and the dead, who although
live among each there are unaware of the others existence. However, within the
film this opposition and separation is effectively interrupted. This is done so by the
young protagonist Cole who, unlike others, can see these spirits, living in fear of their
presence. This is effective in emphasising the unique nature of Cole’s abilities, effect
in intriguing and enticing the audience to the narrative content. Also, the idea that
the living, such as Cole are the protagonists and the ghosts of the dead the
frightening antagonists which Cole constantly must hide and defend himself from
creates this idea of good and evil through this opposition.

10.  However, through the use of the twist a the end revealing
the older protagonist Malcolm to also be a ghost, changes
this cold perception of the spiritual world. This almost
creates a balance between the two as the audience
come to understand that the antagonistic connotation of
the spirits were false and misunderstood. This is effective for
portraying the narrative as this allows for the
communication of a lesson to be learned, to not judge the
different, as well as to develop the understanding of the
audience after the film has been watched. This balancing
of the opposites also helps to signal the formation of a new
equilibrium as both the living and the dead begin to
understand one another and listen to what they have to
say.

11. Barthes Enigma Code Theory
 Within Barthes Theory he believes in the
technique of Enigma codes. This is the
portrayal of a mystery which has the
effect of drawing in an audience, causing
them to become intrigued and pose
questions about the narrative and how it
will progress.

12. Have Enigma Codes been
applied?
 Through the film enigma codes are encoded throughout, constantly causing the
audience to question what is happening and enticing them further as they desperately
seek the answers to their constantly raising questions.
 These can be seen in particular in the opening sequence, where the equilibrium of the
protagonists is suddenly destroyed with the realisation of an intruder within their home.
This is an effective enigma codes as this both raises tension within the audience, enticing
them to watch further. As well as causing them to fear for the lives of the characters as
they are uncertain of the dangers of this new antagonist and whether they will survive
then night.

13.  Other enigma codes can be found when Malcolm
first meets Cole and like the protagonist the
audience are uncertain what it is Cole is so afraid of
within the narrative. However, as the film progresses
the audience are rewarded with the knowledge that
what Cole sees is something beyond the realm of the
living, he sees the dead. This is effective in both
connoting the dark themes of the thriller genre of the
film as well as satisfying the audience as one of their
questions has been answered. However, this in turn
leads to further questions, such as the origins of
Cole’s spiritual ability, therefore keeping the
audience intrigued by retaining an atmosphere of
mystery throughout the film.

14. Conclusion
 After conducting this research I believe that each theory has broadened my overall knowledge of each of the
important conventions within a film and how they can be achieved. I believe that Toderov’s narrative theory
has helped me understand the structure of a film narrative. This will help me when it comes to creating my
own thriller opening sequence for a film as I will be able to use Toderov’s stages within my own work, clearly
structuring and setting up the equilibrium stage of the film and perhaps foreshadowing the potential
disruption. Also I believe that Propp's character types will allow for an accurate representation of characters
within my piece, which can be easily identified by my target audience. Incorporating Barthes’s enigma codes
will allow me to entice the audience within my piece, convincing them to commit to the rest of the film and
the use of Strauss’s binary opposites will allow for a clear representation of good and evil within my piece,
again providing the audience with a narrative and prospect that can be easily understood and identified.