Theorists In Media

Theorists In Media

Todorov Theory

Todorov theory was that all story's follow the same plot line or path.

There is 5 steps in the path.

1. Equilibrium - This will show the story as happy and calm and everything is as it should be.
2. Disequilibrium - This is where there will be a disruption in the calm atmosphere. 
3. Recognition of the disrupted - This is where the characters realises the problem.
4. Restored Order -  This is where the characters attempt to restore the damage that the problem has caused.
5. Equilibrium Once Again - This is the final step, this is where the equilibrium is brought back again.

Levi-Strauss Theory

Levi-Strauss is theory was that all narratives could be reduced down to binary opposites.

For Example

• Weak and Strong 
• Old and New
• Light and Dark
• Peace and War

Propp Theory

This theory was created by Vladmir Propp. His theory was about the typical characters in the story. 

The typical characters were:

• The Hero - A character that seeks something (main protagonist)
• The Villain - Who opposes the hero and try's to block him seeking something 
• The Donor - Who provides the hero with something
• The Dispatcher - Who sends the hero on the quest 
• The Helper - Who helps the hero
• The False Hero - Who disrupts the hero's success 
• The Princess - Acts as the reward for the hero and a plot of the villains 
• Her father - Who acts to reward the hero.

All these theories will fit into our opening sequence.  But Levi-Strauss's theory of binary opposites will affect our opening sequence most because the binary opposites play a big part in a thriller opening. For example dark being the antagonist and the light being the protagonist. Another theory which will fit into  the opening sequence is Propp's theory. This will fit because the opening sequence will included the 'hero' or main protagonist. The theory what wouldn't fit an opening sequence as well as the other theories is Todorov theory. It wouldn't fit into our opening sequence because this theory is meant to fit a whole film not just the opening sequence.