Zahra Inayat

Narrative theory/structure
Todorov
Todorov invented the narrative theory/structure. He believes
that for a film to be successful or well put together it has to
include 5 stages. These include: Equilibrium, Disruption,
Recognition, Attempt to Repair and New Equilibrium.
1. The Equilibrium
This is the part of the film where everything is neutral.
Everything is balanced and there is no problems that the
audience can visually see or are aware of. Generally the moods
at this set time are happy, peaceful and enjoyable.
2. The Disruption
The level of happiness starts to change. The audience, at this
point, start to see the change. An event happens which causes
this change to happen and it seems to the audience that the
remaining of the film will be focused on trying to solve this
problem.
3. The Recognition
This is the point of the film where the characters of the film
begin to notice the change and a character (usually the
protagonist) will attempt to fix the problem after several
attempts.
4. Attempt to Repair
Attempt to repair includes the characters coming together to
resolve the situation and try to achieve the equilibrium stage
again.

Zahra Inayat

5. New Equilibrium
The problem has finally been fixed. The happy and peaceful
mood which was present at the start of the film (Equilibrium)
has returned.
How does Todorovs theory fit in our production?
Equilibrium:
Our production starts with a happy and enjoyable scene. This is
when photographs (of memories) are being shown of Hannah
Brown. This sets a happy mood and introduces the audience to
the protagonist. This is used to help the audience get to know
more about Hannahs character, relate to her and helps them
understand how drastic the change is once she is in the
wood/forest.
Disruption:
The moment Hannah is running through the wood/forest shows
the audience that something has happened. There has been a
drastic change which is shown through facial expressions,
costumes and the different camera shots used throughout the
remaining of the sequence. The audience are aware that the
rest of the sequence will be focused on the event that is
currently happening (to Hannah).
Roland Barthes
Roland Barthes was a French literary philosopher. He believed a
similar idea to Todorov, which included the fact that a narrative
had to be split into 5 different codes. These were used to
evaluate the different dimensions of realism.
1. The Hermeneutic code (HER):
This is a story which has no explanation, leaving the audience
clueless as well as guessing as to what is going to happen
throughout the film. This is done by not revealing any facts or

Zahra Inayat

information. This code is frequently being used as it makes the

audiences eager to know what happens, as they are likely to
find out what happens towards the end, when the hidden
feature or memory is revealed.
2. The Proairetic code (ACT):
Used to create tension and gives an impression to the audience
that something bad is going to happen.
3. The Semantic code (SEM):
This code shows an element in the sequence that suggest a
particular and often additional connotation.
4. The Symbolic code (SYM):
This is similar to the Semantic code in the fact that they both
focus on studying connotations. Symbolic code allows the
director to develop more ideas e.g. conflict and opposition.
5. The Cultural code:
This code looks at the audiences cultural knowledge, morality
and ideology.
How does Roland Barthes theory fit in our production?
Both the Hermeneutic code (HER) and the Proairetic code (ACT)
relate to our opening sequence.
Hermeneutic code:
Our opening sequence begins with a shot of Hannahs
photographs. The audience dont know the reason behind why
they are being shown these photographs. This links back to the
Hermeneutic code because it is leaving the audience guessing
and eager to see what will happen next.
Proairetic code:
The part of our opening sequence, which turns black, creates
tension and shows that something (bad) is about to happen and
they become prepared for it.

Zahra Inayat