The film I have chosen to analyse the
narrative theories is 'This Means War' and the genre is a hybrid as it is a combination
of action, comedy and romance. 'This Means War' features Reese Witherspoon ( plays Lauren), Chris Pine (plays FDR aka Foster) and Tom Hardy (plays Tuck) who are all very successful in the film industry. The narrative of the
film is mainly about, two best friends who discover they are dating the same women therefore, they both sabotage each other dates in order for the 'best man' to win.
Firstly, the narrative pattern for this film is linear which conveys it follows a chronological sequence; beginning, middle and end. This portrays, a typical narrative pattern for any film, according to theorist 'Todorov' as it follows three stages and this is highlighted in 'This Means War'. The first stage is, 'Equilibrium' which shows everything is balanced and there is harmony (introduction to the characters). Second stage is 'Disequilibrium' (middle) conveying the beginning is disrupted by an unfortunate event or an evil character which leads to a chain of event involving character. In this film, the disequilibrium is when both best friends find out they are dating the same girl, causing jealously between them. Final stage is 'New Equilibrium' which means the evil is defeated or the conflict is resolved and harmony exist once more. Also, this reinforces the idea of resolution narrative and in terms of this film, the new equilibrium is when we find out on the plane 'FDR and Lauren' are engaged and the best friends problems are solved.
Secondly, following Barthes theory, the film does include some extent of enigma codes however there are more action codes. There is not many enigma codes used in this film, however it is effective on the audience. This is because, it is used to limit how much the audience are allowed to know, which creates more mystery and suspense. Where is, there are more of action codes featured in this film such as weapons, cars being blow up, knifes, violence, fights ect. This is effective, because it is associated with this genre which is good as it is mainly an action and it signifies that a violent scene will take places. Also, it helps to develop the narrative and the events in the story, keeping the audience thrilled and intrigued.
Thirdly, Propp narrative theory focuses on seven character types and he argues that some of them are associated in every films. He came up with this theory, when he was studying folks tales and legends from many different countries and noticed all the characters tended to be similar. In 'This Means War' it is hard to compare the characters to Propp theory as there is no villain and the two best friends do not hate one another. However, the most significant character type which is obvious to recognise in the film is the 'Princess'. The 'Princess' is Reese Witherspoon (playing Lauren) because two of the men are fighting over her. This highlights, she is important and is represented as being beautiful and royal in the eyes of both of them men; just like a 'Princess' .
Furthermore, Stuart Hall came up with the theory of three basic readings which are aimed at the audience. The three types are: Dominant Reading, Negotiated Reading and Opposition Reading. the type of reading for this film is, dominate reading, however I am not entirely sure. The reason why I think it is dominate reading is because, whilst your watching this film, you would assume the male characters would be all masculine as it is an action where as the female character would be good-looking and a sex appeal to the men. This is shown in the film, therefore it is a dominate reading as it is what majority of the audience would think.
Secondly, following Barthes theory, the film does include some extent of enigma codes however there are more action codes. There is not many enigma codes used in this film, however it is effective on the audience. This is because, it is used to limit how much the audience are allowed to know, which creates more mystery and suspense. Where is, there are more of action codes featured in this film such as weapons, cars being blow up, knifes, violence, fights ect. This is effective, because it is associated with this genre which is good as it is mainly an action and it signifies that a violent scene will take places. Also, it helps to develop the narrative and the events in the story, keeping the audience thrilled and intrigued.
Thirdly, Propp narrative theory focuses on seven character types and he argues that some of them are associated in every films. He came up with this theory, when he was studying folks tales and legends from many different countries and noticed all the characters tended to be similar. In 'This Means War' it is hard to compare the characters to Propp theory as there is no villain and the two best friends do not hate one another. However, the most significant character type which is obvious to recognise in the film is the 'Princess'. The 'Princess' is Reese Witherspoon (playing Lauren) because two of the men are fighting over her. This highlights, she is important and is represented as being beautiful and royal in the eyes of both of them men; just like a 'Princess' .
Furthermore, Stuart Hall came up with the theory of three basic readings which are aimed at the audience. The three types are: Dominant Reading, Negotiated Reading and Opposition Reading. the type of reading for this film is, dominate reading, however I am not entirely sure. The reason why I think it is dominate reading is because, whilst your watching this film, you would assume the male characters would be all masculine as it is an action where as the female character would be good-looking and a sex appeal to the men. This is shown in the film, therefore it is a dominate reading as it is what majority of the audience would think.
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