Applying Narrative Theory to Coursework

Katie Langdon-Shreeve

A Clip from My Coursework

Synopsis of Coursework

Our coursework aim was to create an original two-minute film opening. My film is a drama that follows the life and struggles of a teenage boy, as he realizes his dream and tries to break free of his father’s controlling grasp. The opening two minutes shows the end of the story: his suicide.

Narrative

The narrative of my film is a non-linear structure, showing the end of the story at the beginning of the film, with the rest of the film showing the events that lead up to the conclusion of the plot- his death.

It has a circular structure, although the end of the story is shown at the beginning

Technique of Propp• Hero/Protagonist: Jonathan- the main character, and the only character seen in my

film opening.• Villain/Antagonist: Jonathan’s father- not seen or heard in the film opening, but

referenced to. It is soon clear he is the one against our hero in this story.• Princess/Helper: Lauren – Jonathan’s main support in following his dream, who

eventually becomes a love interest• Father/dispatcher: owner of the piano bar- who discovers Jonathan’s talent and

persuades him to pursue it.• False Hero- Jonathan’s mother, who claims to be on Jonathan’s side, but lets the

father rule his life anyway.

Todorov• Equilibrium- Jonathan is living his life normally, under pressure from

his father.• Disruption- he begins to work in a piano bar, where the owner

recognizes his talent- he meets a new group of friends who give him support and a freedom away from his family .

• Conflict- his friends and new mentor (the owner) persuade him to stand up to his father and to live his own life- not follow in his father’s footsteps.

• Resolution- his father refuses and decides to send him off to an army camp, so Jonathan finds no way out but suicide (the resolution is shown at the beginning of the film; the rest of the film shows the events leading up to his suicide).

• New Equilibrium- the friends and family have to live without Jonathan.

Barthes

• Action Code: Jonathan’s suicide.• Enigma Code: why he committed suicide.• Symbolic Code: Jonathan putting his

earphones in to listen to his music-the most important thing in his life-before his death.

Levi-Strauss

Here are some examples of binary opposites featured in my film:

Rebellion vs Conformity

Good vs Evil

Ignorance vs Wisdom

Young vs Old

Entrapment vs Freedom

Life and Death