This document provides an analysis of the film Leon using concepts from film theory, including genre, narrative, semiotics, and representation. It analyzes how the film fits genres such as thriller/action and establishes characters, settings, and plot elements quickly. It discusses the film's narrative structure and use of symbols. Additional films like Pulp Fiction and Lord of the Rings are briefly analyzed using similar concepts. The document also explores how postmodernism and changes in production technology have impacted parody and pastiche in films.

1. Introduction
We as an audience respond to different media products in many ways. Some of the
approaches may be in the manner in which we analyse are; genre, narrative, semiotics and
representation. In this article I will be looking at the above four areas when analysing film
texts.
Leon
Leon is an English language, French thriller. It was
directed by Luc Besson and was produced in 1994. Luc
Besson has directed many other films such as Lucy (2014)
and Angel A (2005). It stars Jean Reno as Leon, Gary
Oldman as Stanfield and Natalie Portman as Matilda.
The movie has a clear beginning, middle and end meaning
it has a linear narrative. There is an immediate location
given, which is New York City, showing Central Park and
the skyline. There is also a shot within the city, moving
towards ‘Little Italy’. This gives us a hint
towards the gang/mafia side of the film.
The characters are also seen very early into
the film, which Is important as this is the
first thing the audience will see; meaning
it’s their first impression of the film. The
establishing shot at the beginning sticks to
the codes and conventions of the
action/thriller genre. Leon is wearing
mostly black when we first see him, with
sunglasses to help hide his identity. This
makes him look mysterious and is quite
obvious he is a hitman of some kind.
The scene is set early one, when we see Matilda’s family murdered due to Matilda’s family
and corrupt police officers. Matilda returns home to see the chaos and knocks on to Leon’s
door to ask for help. This is where the story begins.
Lacey’s repertoire of elements fits into Leon well. The theory is split into 5 parts, Setting,
Iconography, Narrative, Characters and Style. I’ve already spoken about the setting and
characters. The narrative uses binary opposition of 2 opposing elements juxtaposed
together. This helps show the story of the film. We quickly find out the invaders of
apartment at the start of the film are all corrupt police officers. The young girl goes to Leon
for help, after all her family have been murdered. The rest of the film is in chronological
order and follows smoothly.
The iconography shows Central Park and the World Trade Centre, both in the opening
establishing shot. We also see the New York yellow cab in the street in the second shot.

2. Black and red colours are introduced quickly after bright colours. This represents death and
violence. There are no subtitles despite the foreign language being spoken. This adds a
mysterious tint to the film, as the audience will be curious as to what is being said. A gun
and men wearing suits are also shown early within the film, clearly indicating the genre of
film.
The style of the film is also similar to other thriller/action films. Mysterious music is used
throughout as well as non-diegetic sound added in afterwards. The non-diegetic sound
becomes more ominous as we go further into the city. The quick editing, including extreme
close ups and direct cuts also show it is an action packed film. There are diegetic sounds of
people screaming, being shot/hung. Lots of hand held camera is used to make it look
realistic and as though the audience are there with
the characters. Leon is shown as the hero /
protagonist (despite being a trained killer), Matilda
who is the victim and Norman who is the villain. This
also backs up Vladamir Propp’s theory of all
characters have a role within a film.
Leon fits perfectly into the narrative theory structure
(Todorov). This is where the film is split into the
different acts. Act 1 is the exposition / inciting incident. This is clear in Leon as immediately
we see Matilda’s family murdered in their house, as Matilda seeks help from Leon. This
starts the film off, with a big inciting incident. Act 2 is then the rising action / climax. This is
when Matilda persuades Leon to help her, and teach her his ways. We see them grow closer
and Matilda develop a sexual feeling towards Leon. We know Matilda wants to get revenge
on the corrupt police officers that killed her family. Then finally Act 3 is the falling action /
denouement. This the end of the filmand means what happens to end the film. This is the
part of the film where Matilda takes it in to her own hands to kill the police offers, but gets
herself into trouble and has to rely on Leon to come and save her. This leads to Leon’s
death, which gives a huge falling action to the film. We see Matilda get her revenge, but at a
cost of Leon’s life but she lives.
Stephen Neale says “Genres are instances of repetition and difference” “Difference is
absolutely essential to the economy of genre”. This means that pure repetition would not
attract an audience to a film. Elements that can be seen as repetition within Leon is the
‘Little Italy’ theme. A lot of gang violence films is set around the Italian mafia. A difference
from other action/thriller films is that the main good character Leon, dies at the end. It isn’t
all a happy ending. Also the representation of the female love interest. She is a young 12-
year-old girl, which in many ways is wrong and illegal. If this was the story of a James Bond
film, it wouldn’t come across as good to the audience, it would cause a big talking point for
the wrong reasons. However, because Leon is a unique film, with perhaps a more pastiche
audience, it is accepted by the audience.
Pulp Fiction

3. Pulp Fiction is an American crime/comedy film, which was directed by Quinten Tarantino
and released in 1994. Tarantino had written Reservoir Dogs prior to directing Pulp Fiction,
but since then has gone on to directed films such as the Kill Bill films and Inglorious
Basterds. Pulp Fiction stars’ actors such as John Travolta, Uma Thurman and Samuel L
Jackson.
This films storyline is nowhere near as clear as Leon, as it is not in
chronological order. It is almost like lots of different storylines within
one film, which all link to each other, one way or another. This means
the storyline is non-linear, as it isn’t in order of events which happen.
We know that the filmis a gangster / thriller as that has been made
clear with the use of guns and men in suits early on in the film. We
also see hints of a comedic genre within the film at parts. This film
does use Todorov’s narrative theory, but not necessarily in the correct
order. The film starts on an equilibrium when we see a couple plotting
a robbery of the diner. This is seen as an equilibrium as the audience
only know the couples faces and don’t know their background.
Therefore, we as an audience don’t know whether they are good or
bad characters, so naturally we fall on to their side. There is then a development of
characters, as we see two hit men driving in a car. We know they are hitmen through the
costume they wear and the props used, for example carrying a gun. The two men are seen
as hero’s as they are working for the right reasons.
Later in the film there is a disequilibrium when Vincent
Is told to look after Mia Wallace (his boss’ daughter).
She has a drug overdose whilst with Vincent, which puts
him in a crisis. Mia is represented as the princess in this
scene, and Vincent needs to save her with an
adrenaline shot so he doesn’t get into trouble with Mr
Wallace. Vincent seeks help from the drug dealer in this
scene, meaning he is the donor as he provides Vincent
with the shot to help Mia. The storyline then changes again, to a different character’s view
of things. We meet a boxer who was paid big money to lose a fight, but doesn’t go ahead
with it and runs off with his girlfriend. This Is the next development of the film, when we
find out his girlfriend left his watch at the place he is running away from, so he has to go
back to collect it. He is running away from the characters we have already been introduced
to (the 2 hitmen). We find this out when the boxer returns to his apartment to find one of
them in his apartment with a gun. The character roles are then changed, as it seems the 2
hitmen who were originally viewed as hero’s; are now portrayed as villains. The boxer kills
the first hitman, and runs into the other hitman in the street; which ends up with both of
them in a shop fighting. The 2 men who work at the shop are now the villains, and the boxer
(Butch) and the second hitman are the victims. The 2 workers try to rape Butch and the 2nd
hitman, but Butch manages to escape. He returns to help the 2nd hitman, which means he is
now a hero again. Again, the storyline changes as we return to near the start of the film,
where both hitmen are in the flat with the people who owe Mr Wallace money. This shows
the storyline is non-linear, as we keep going back and forwards in time. They accidently
shoot one of the people in the flat, which leads to another character being introduced; as
the ‘helper’ to clean up their mess. The climax of the filmis finally met, where all the

4. storylines meet together, as we are back to the scene at the very start of the film. We see
the 2 hitmen in the diner, who are there when the 2 robbers hold up the diner. This shows
the film isn’t in chronological order, as one of the hitmen had already been killed. The
resolution is met when the hit man gives the robbers some money, this is where the film
ends.
PostmodernismFeatures within Film
Postmodern features are used in many films; but not all films. The features are
intertextuality, parody, pastiche, reflexivity, bricolage and self-referentiality. There are
features of postmodernism used within the ‘Jack Rabbit Slims’ sequence from ‘Pulp Fiction’.
Intertextuality, which means referring to other media texts, is used as
the 2 characters’ drive to the diner. We see John Travolta driving the
car, with a camera angle close up to his face, with the female sat next
to him. This is the exact same shot as the one that Travolta features in,
in the film Grease. This shows reference to previous work of Travolta,
but isn’t used to make fun of.
Parody, which is copying another medias text in a humorous way is
also used when the pair are in the diner. Mia Wallace volunteers them
to enter a dancing competition on the stage in front of everyone. The
character Travolta is playing acts all shy and embarrassed,
and says he doesn’t want to do it. We see when they start
dancing, that Travolta does the same dancing as in Grease
& Saturday Night Fever; however, this time he doesn’t look
good doing it. He looks ashamed and embarrassed, almost
like a dad at a wedding. This is clear reference to his past
roles in films, and is seen as a parody.
Pastiche, which is where a text closely imitates the work of
a previous artist, but usually distinguished from parody. It
celebrates rather than mocks the work. The scene with
Travolta in the car can also come under pastiche as well as
intertextuality, as it Is easy for the audience to recognise where it is from, but isn’t
necessarily a parody.
Another feature used Is reflexivity. This is where the
filmmaker refers to the filmmaking process, within the
mise en scene or narrative. This breaks the illusion that the
film is not actually real; for example, in Pulp Fiction, there is
a rectangle drawn on screen, created by the movement of
the actress.
Bricolage, which is another postmodernism feature, is
reference to a mix of genres/historical eras within one shot
or scene. This can be seen in the same scene of Pulp
Fiction, when the two characters enter the diner. There is a mix of historical eras within the
same shot; for example, there is reference to Marilyn Munroe ‘The Seven Year Itch’, which
was created in 1955. However, the majority of the diner is set in the 90’s, as you can clearly

5. see through the costume and makeup the character’s wear, as well as the black couple
sharing the restaurant with white couples, proving the racial separation had ended.
Finally, the last postmodern feature is self-referentiality. This is where a producer of a
media text or actor makes a direct reference to previous work. This can also be seen within
the scene of John Travolta dancing, with direct reference to Saturday Night Fever.
Production Technology
The improvement in production technology and a wider range of distribution methods have
helped create and make parody/pastiche work. Back in the 1950s/60s and 70s, the only
production technology was through film. Technology wasn’t big so this was the only way to
sell a film. This means all films had to be watched at a cinema. Within the 80s/90s, video
was introduced. This supported film, but allowed you to buy a video player for your home,
meaning not all films had to be watched in the cinema. Video players then also became
dated; as digital technology was introduced. This allowed film to be watched through
cinema, as video player was used less and less. DVD and Blu-Ray was introduced, as well as
streaming and digital downloads. This allowed films to be seen through a number of
different methods, and has helped the use of parody/pastiche grow.
Deadpool
Another film that uses a good amount of postmodernism features is Deadpool. I analyzed
the parody or pastiche used within the sequence. I also found any other media related
approaches that had been used throughout the scene. For example, the duration of the
opening title sequence was still, there was no movement from the on screen image; only
the camera moves. There is also no diegetic music, only the non-diegetic music which is the
soundtrack added during post production. This sound track doesn’t match the on screen
image.
Firstly, we immediately see a magazine with the headline ‘SEXIEST MAN ALIVE’ and a picture
of the main actor Ryan Reynolds. This is the first indication that this film is a parody as this
magazine obviously doesn’t exist and is meant to be a joke. The magazine is being made to
try and look real by using real life stories on the side, involving the Royal family. Self
referentiality is also seen here, as it shows him in previous work, outside of his character.
This is breaking the fourth wall.

6. We then also see the use of self referentiality involving the main character’s Ryan Reynolds
and a picture of his previous work. We see a card showing him featuring as The Green
Lantern, which was notorious for being a flop and all round bad film. This adds comedy to
the scene, as we as an audience know this is a joke towards Ryan. This could also be seen as
intertextuality.
The title credits used also add a humorous aspect to the title sequence. Instead of actually
telling the audience who features in the film, they use funny phrases such as ‘A CGI
CHARACTER’ and ‘A MOODY TEEN’. This is also just for the audience’s entertainment and to
keep them interacted. This brings a good ratio of action and comedy used within the
opening sequence.

7. As well as the humour used within the opening title sequence, there is also an action
element; as the film is mostly an action genre. The image is still which makes it look more
dramatic as the guy is being blown across the shot.
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (LOTR), is the first film of a trilogy. The filmwas
directed by Peter Jackson and released in 2001. Other films Peter Jackson has directed are
District 9 (2009) and King Kong (2005). LOTR features stars such as Elijah Wood, Ian
Mckellen and Orlando Bloom.
LOTR has a very clear storyline, as it all follows in
chronological order. Everything happens in time order, so
it’s easier for the audience to follow. This means the
storyline is in linear order. The filmis set very early on, and
indicates what genre the filmis immediately. This is good
for the audience, as straight away they know it is an
action/adventure film. As the film is the first film of a
trilogy, it is quite difficult for it to follow Todorov’s
narrative theory. We obviously know that there won’t be a final happy ending, as otherwise
the 2 films that follow would be pointless. However, the
film does follow the basic structure of Todorov’s narrative
theory within itself. The film opens with a flashback, but
this is just to set the scene and tell the background of the
story. The first equilibrium in real time is after that, when
we see the hobbits living in the shire. Everything looks
happy and bright, it seems as though nothing could hurt
them and they will live happy lives. There is then a disruption, as we learn that an ancient
ring, which had been lost for centuries has been found by Bilbo Baggins. Gandalf recognises
the ring is that of Dark Lord Sauron, which we learn to be the main enemy in the LOTR
trilogy. This is the disruption and recognition of the disruption, as we know Gandalf has
found out about the ring Bilbo has found. The filmthen continues to the attempts to repair

8. the disruption. We see a meeting, hosted by Gandalf to help decide who will go and try to
destroy the ring once and for all. This is where Frodo Baggins becomes an important
character, as he volunteers to take the ring to Mount Doom to destroy this. The fellowship
is created, to help guide Frodo and lead him to destroying the ring. The fellowship is made
up of 8 characters, who are all also main characters. These characters try to destroy the evil
of the film, but obviously this doesn’t all happen in the first film. The film doesn’t really
return to equilibrium, as the ring doesn’t get destroyed. This shows the film follows
Todorov’s theory to a certain extent, but not fully.
Lacey’s repertoire of elements fits into LOTR well. This means
the film is split into 5 different parts; setting, iconography,
narrative, characters and style. The setting fits the genre well,
big extravagant buildings and sights, with lots of detail into
everything. This helps us identify it is an adventure genre of
film, with also action too. The iconography used to help show
the genre is mostly props and costume. There are lots of
swords and other weapons shown early on, which shows the
action element. A lot of setting is also shown, which tells the audience it has an adventure
within the film, as all of the setting shown is important to the story. The narrative is also
similar to other action / adventure films. Somebody has to do something, which leads to
them going on an adventure, with people trying to stop him from reaching his goal. The
characters are quickly identified as good and evil. We are told through narration who the
bad characters are, so anyone who is against themis obviously good. The style also helps
identify characters, through the costumes worn. The brighter the costume, the better the
character is. Lots of dark colours, such as red and black are used around the evil of the film.
This helps identify they’re bad characters, and the colour represents violence and death. In
good places of the film, such as the Shire, colours such as green and yellow are used. This
makes it look more natural and pretty, which matches the characters who live there.
Vladamir Propp was a literary critic and a scholar who created the idea that a certain type of
character was to be used in every narrative structure. He says the characters that are used
in every narrative are:
 The Villain
 The Dispatcher
 The Helper
 The Princess
 Her father
 The Donor
 The Hero
 False Hero
This fits well into the LOTR storyline as all of these characters are used. For example, the
villain is made clear from the start. Sauron is the main villain within the film, and builds an
army of orcs who are also villains. There is a dispatcher, which is Gandalf the wizard. He
teaches Frodo of the villain, and sends him off on his quest. There is also a helper, Sam. He
helps Frodo throughout his journey to Mordor and without him he wouldn’t have made it.
The princess, who is Arwen. She is the love interest for another character called Aragon. The

9. princesses father is also used, Elrond. He
helps Aragon with tasks and guides him on
what to do. There are many heroes within
LOTR, for example Frodo, Aragon, Legolas,
Gimli and Gandalf. These are all seen as
heroes, but it is Frodo who carries the main
objective, to destroy the ring. A false hero
would probably be Gollum. He pretends to
help Frodo, by showing him the way to Mordor to destroy the ring, but then tries to steal
the ring and kill Frodo. He also sets up Frodo’s friend Sam, which leads to a fall out between
the pair.