Media Theory

1. Classic Hollywood Narrative

The classic Hollywood structure is a dominant form of storytelling in cinema that was introduced between 1920's-1930's. It follows a set of unspoken rules, typically expected from the audience and is still commonly used in today's cinema.

The '3 Act Structure'

1. Problem is introduced early in the film (This takes up around 25% of the film)
2. Characters work on this problem (This would take up around 50% of the film)
3. By the end, the problem should be solved (This would take up 25% of the film)


2. Vladimer Propp

Vladimer Propp suggested that every narrative has 8 different character types. These are;

• The hero- A character that seeks something (normally a girl and a weapon)
• The Villain- Opposes or blocks the hero's request
• The Donor- Provides an object with magical properties
• The Dispatcher- Sends hero on his/her quest via a message
• The false hero- Disrupts hero success by making false claims
• The helper- Aids the hero
• The Princess- Acts as the reward for the hero, and object of the villains plot.
• The Father- Who acts to reward the hero for his effort

3. Izetan Todorov

Todorov suggested that stories begin with an equilibrium where any potential forces are balanced. There are 5 stages:

1. A state of equilibrium set from the outset.
2. Disruption of the equilibrium
3. Recognition that a disruption has occurred
4. An attempt to repair the disruption
5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium 

This can can normally be applied to any mainstream film narrative.

4. Roland Barthes

Barthes suggested that there will be one or more of the 5 codes that describe a meaning of a text.

1. Enigma/ Hermeneutic Code- This is a mystery within the text, clues are given but no clear answers are given. This makes the audience want to know more, and when unanswered they tend to frustrate the audience.
2. Proairetic/ Action Code- This adds elements of action and add suspense.
3. Semantic code- suggests or refers to additional meanings.
4. Symbolic Code- This is about symbolism within the text. Exercises opposites to show contrast and create greater meaning, creating tension/drama and character development.
5. Referential code- This refers to anything within the text which refers to an exgternal body of knowledge such as scientific, historical and cultural knowledge.

5. Claude Levi Strauss

Argued that all narratives could be reduced down to binary opposites. 

• good vs evil
• boy vs girl
• black vs white
• young vs old
• strong vs weak

and many more...