Theories: Research

Theories in Media 

There are multiple different theories that can be considered when analysing film. These theories offer explanations as to why: different props have been used; characters have been included and various structures followed. Combined, these are what make up the content of the film and can have detrimental impacts on the way that the film is perceived.

There are four main theories.

Propp's character roles

The first is Propp's character roles. This theory suggests that all characters within film fit into a category. These are used so that the portrayal of individuals can be categorised to decide their role in progressing the film. For example, a character such as Spider man would be categorised as a hero, whose purpose is to contribute a positive motive. Whereas a character like Cruella Deville is a Villain. The purpose of a villain to be to fight against the actions of the hero/heroin. Every character in every film, according to Propp, can be filtered into one of the following roles:

• Hero
• Villain
• Donor (somebody who gives something)
• Dispatcher
• False hero (the one who is thought to be a hero but it later found to not be)
• Helper 
• Princess
• Father figure

It's important to note that a character can fit into multiple roles, and are not confined to just one description.

Levi-Strauss's Binary Oppositions

A second media theory is that of Levi- Strauss's. His theory of Binary Oppositions, suggests that there must be contrast within film. A binary opposition is a pair of related items or concepts, that are opposite in their meanings. For example: rich/poor, black/white, up/down, slow/fast, young/old and gay/straight - along with many more. Including these in film increases the complexity and therefore the interest generated of a piece of media by developing a more interesting narrative.

Thodorov's Narrative Theory

Thodorov's Narrative Theory encourages the idea that all narratives follow the same three part structure. They begin with equilibrium. This is the part of the story where everything is balanced and controlled. Then, this progresses as something comes along to disturb the equilibrium. This could be a disaster or fight which must be amended by one or more of the characters. Finally, the film will reach a resolution. This is when the equilibrium is restored.