Narrative Task

Birdman (2014) - Does she talk? 

Barthes Narrative Theory:  

Enigma Code: Will Riggan give Mike the theatre job? 

Action Code: From this scene we are unaware if the characters are arguing to each other or are actually acting the script of the show. Mike shows his anger towards Riggan and we see his superiority although he has this too. We see towards the end of the conversation a lot of hand gestures by Mike when he's expressing himself. The actions between the two characters are very subtle and are both arguing over the meaning of love in their conversation however Riggan remains powerful because he decides if Mike gets the job. Furthermore as Mike leaves the stage with Sam, her father talks for her and also we can see that Mike is being controlled by Sam as she dictates where he needs to go. 

Todorov Narrative Theory:

This is a scene in the middle of the movie and it is still the equilibrium as it is before the tragedy and failure occurs therefore there is not much to say about this. This scene is part of the build up as a new character is introduced. 

Propp Character Theory:

The Doner: Sam
The Hero: Riggan
The False Hero: Mike

Eastenders - The Ghost of Ian Beale. (BBC Children in Need Special) (2014)

Barthes Narrative Theory:

Enigma Code: Will Ian ever find Lucy's killer or will he see Lucy once again?

Action Code: The action of Denise hitting Ian on the head with the washing machine and Ian falling over on the floor.The action at the end is the bright flood light hitting his face which takes Ian back to reality and him finishing his crossword puzzle.

Todorov Narrative Theory:

The film starts with the equilibrium of Ian being in the laundrette and talking to Denise. When Denise hits Ian in the head with the washing machine is the point at which the disequilibrium begins because it was unexpected and is seen as negative by the audience. This continues further when Ian sees the all the old-school characters that left the show many years ago and this comes as a shock to him. The new equilibrium is when Ian sees Lucy but realises it was a dream.

Propp Character Theory:
The Villain: Denise
The Helper: Cindy, Cathy, Pat
The Princess: Lucy
The Hero: Ian
The False Hero: Billy

The Revenant Trailer (2015)

Barthes Narrative Theory:

Enigma Code: Why did John betray Hugh and decide to kill him? Why did Hugh not get saved? Why is the relationship between Hugh and John bad? Why did John kill Hugh's son?

Action Code: 2 armies having a war and people shooting guns at each other. Man shooting his gun at bear and riding a horse off a cliff. Hugh getting buried alive. Animals running out. Man drowning in a river.

Todorov Narrative Theory:

The Trailer begins with all the characters being situated in a disequilibrium as a war is happening and throughout this we do not see an equilibrium. This continues further as we see Hugh being attacked by a bear but a scene of him and his son fades to reveal the past and therefore the equilibrium (something we may not even see and is just a memory) Additionally to this we see Hugh's son being killed  by John which is still part of the disequilibrium. The new equilibrium begins when Hugh comes back from the grave and chases down the enemy, starting a war. We do not see the conclusion of the story which is usually happiness.

Propp Character Theory:
The Villain: John
The Helper: Unknown helper
The Princess: Hugh's son
The Dispatcher: Hugh's emotions and strength to pick himself up.
The Hero: Hugh
The False Hero: John's people