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Theorists
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- 2. Why? Before creatingour film trailers we decided to do some research into some film theory's. We fell as though this would help us get a general idea of what codes and conventions we should follow and also what the layout of our plot should like. After researching them we used them in our planning so that we could follow the codes and conventions of films.
- 3. Todorov’s Narrative Theory In 1969 Todorov produced a theory which he believed could be applied to any film created as he believed they followed the same narrative pattern. They all went through 5 stages: Equilibrium – This mean that all opposing forces or influences are balanced. Disruption of equilibrium – At this stage something has occurred that has meant the opposing forces are no longer balanced. Recognition of the disruption – Around halfway through the film the characters would have realised the equilibrium had been disrupted. Attempt at repairing the damage – There is then usually some sort of plan to try and restore the equilibrium. New equilibrium – Finally the equilibrium has been restored. Action films Action films such as Die Hard and melodramas such as The Notebook are a perfect Example of Todorovs theory as they follow each stage of the narrative. On both levels of The Notebook Todorovs theory is obviously present for example: Equilibrium – Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling) meet at a fairground and end up going on a double date to the cinema, from there they quickly start to fall in love. Disruption of Equilibrium – Allie’s parents don’t approve of Noah as he is from a different social class to them. Another disruption to the equilibrium is when Allie gets engaged to Lon Hammond. Recognition of the disruption – This comes when Allie sees in the newspaper that Noah has built her ‘perfect’ house and is planning on selling it. Attempt at repairing the damage – Both Noah and Allie try to repair their relationship even though they have obstacle (such as an engagement) in their paths. New Equilibrium – They finally end up together and are happy growing old together.
- 4. Todorov’s Narrative Theory Film Trailers usually follow the same pattern but on a shorter scale in order to give the audience a preview of what they can expect from the film. This would give them an idea of whether or not they feel the movie is for them. So what does this mean for Shola and I? It means that when we come up with the storyline for our film trailer we need to make sure that it follows Todorovs theory of Narrative. Equilibrium – Through the use of library footage we can see a couple playing happily together. Disruption of equilibrium – We find out that her boyfriend had been stabbed and unfortunately didn’t survive. Recognition of disruption – When she realises it was her boyfriend that the news report is talking about she then spirals into a depression where she starts to abuse substances and alcohol. Attempt of repairing the damage – Halfway through the trailer we see a friend of hers telling her that it’s been 3 months, this insinuates that she needs to stop using the drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. New Equilibrium – A with all film trailers ours ends on a cliff-hanger, so we don’t actually see the new equilibrium. We purposefully chose to do this as firstly it follows the codes and conventions of other film trailers and secondly it leaves the audience asking questions. This should hopefully make them want to go and watch the film to find out what happens.
- 5. Blumler and KatzUses and Gratifications Theory The uses and gratification theory is an approach that is used to help understand why and how people actively seek out specific media to satisfy specific needs. The uses and gratifications theory has been developed from a number of other communication theories, for example Maslow’s Needs and Motivation Theory (1970). His theory stated that people actively look for ways to satisfy their needs based on a hierarchy where fundamental needs are at the bottom and self-actualisation is at the top. There are 4 main reasons as to why audiences seek out media: Information – People want to know all about relevant events in their immediate surroundings, society and the world. This satisfies their curiosity and general interest as they gain a sense of security through their knowledge. Personal Identity – This is where the consumer chooses to watch or read something that helps reinforce self values and behaviour. Social Interaction – People consume media in order to have a connection with their family, friends and society as it becomes the basis for conversation and social interactions. Entertainment – People consume media as a form of escapism, they find it relaxing and use it as a way of filling up time.
- 6. Blumler and KatzUses and Gratifications Theory When it comes to why people would watch our film I feel as though it would be for all 4 reasons. Information – People like being up to date with everything, whether that’s what’s going on in the world of even what the new best film is. Personal Identity – For our film genre (British) this is very relevant as a lot of our target market would be British 15-20 year olds. They will feel in some way like they can relate to our film whether that’s through, substance and alcohol abuse, loss of a loved one of just partying in general. Social Interaction – For our film this wold link in with information. Once people have seen the film they can then go on and talk to others about it. Entertainment – The main reason that people watch films is because it gives them a form of escapism. Especially in melodramas as they can express their emotion without actually having to go through turmoil themselves.
- 7. Vladimir Propp’ CharacterTheory Propp suggested that every narrative has eight different character types, these character types are: The Villain – They fight the hero in some way The dispatcher – They make the villain’s evil known and are the ones that send the hero off. The Helper – They help the hero in their quest. The Princess/Prize – This is what the hero ‘deserves’ throughout the story but is unable to have because of the evil, normally the villain. The heroes journey normally ends when they claim their princess/prize. The Father – Usually the one giving the hero the task and usually identifies the false hero. The Donor – Prepares the hero or gives the hero something to help them. The Hero – They react to the donor and goes after the princess/prize. The false Hero – They take credit for the heroes actions and tries to claim the princess/prize. When creating our film trailer we tried to stick to the character types given however we found it hard. Since the plotline is quite short (since it’s a trailer) it is hard to distinguish who is what, also our actual plot doesn’t really follow Propp’s theory.
- 8. Richard Dyer StarTheory Richard Dyers star theory is the idea that icons and celebrities are manufactured by institutions for financial gain. He believes that stars are constructed to represent 'real people' experiencing real emotions. Stars are manufactured by the film industry to serve a purpose; to make money out of audiences, who respond to various elements of a star’s personality by buying films and becoming fans. When it comes to our film trailer we have chosen to make a British/Melodrama. In British films they don’t tend to use stars as actors, they use British actor/actresses that aren’t well-known. An exception would be the film Fish Tank (2009) where they used Michael Fassbender. However in melodramas it is extremely common to use big stars. However since we were making a very low budget film trailer it would have been very difficult for us to get stars. So we decided to go with the British aspect when it came to casting.