Narrative Structures
Todorov's theory consists of 5 stages, these stages are:
A Linear narrative is film the follows a chronological pattern, majority of films use a linear narrative construct, whereas other films that do not follow this pattern is categorised into Non-Linear, this can be easily spotted by techniques such as flashbacks. I will be firstly analysing Linear Narratives first in the paragraph below.
An example of a Linear film would be: Avatar (2009).
This screenshot shows the main character entering the virtual machine to be transported to his avatar.
Todorov's theory consists of 5 stages, these stages are:
1. Equilibrium everything as it should be.
2. Disruption which something happens, that disrupts the peace/norm
3. Recognition realisation that disruption has occurred
4. Repair an attempt to repair the disruption
5. NEW equilibrium a restored order
A Linear narrative is film the follows a chronological pattern, majority of films use a linear narrative construct, whereas other films that do not follow this pattern is categorised into Non-Linear, this can be easily spotted by techniques such as flashbacks. I will be firstly analysing Linear Narratives first in the paragraph below.
An example of a Linear film would be: Avatar (2009).
This screenshot shows the main character entering the virtual machine to be transported to his avatar.
This screenshot shows the protagonist on a mission after entering the new body. This was right after him entering the virtual machine, by doing this it gives the audience a straight thrill and it entertains them through the continuous plot instead of giving flashbacks as it is not as intriguing, because the storyline is interesting especially in sci-fi films the audience would want to know what is going to happen next so by using a Linear Narrative there is no delay.
Audience benefits from this because they may of scene the pre-sequel and if the new film changes up the narrative the audience may not like it or the film may lose its certain style/touch. But films like hunger games people watch it because of the plot where Katniss the protagonist wants to change up things so people do not become tied up with rules and the government and the audience follows behind Katniss and wants her to achieve this therefore having a Linear narrative is perfect.
A Non Linear film is a film that does not follow a chronological order, a non-linear film uses techniques like flashbacks:
By using flashbacks this gives a better understanding to why something is happening as it unfolds the story in a unique way, similar to like consequential-ism theory, The use of flashback gives the audience ‘back story’ and a additional understanding.
You can get a richer story by using non-linear which may appeal to the audience more as it could have a unique style.
Non linear films are popular amongst action films where a scenario where a character is almost about to die and his flashback shows how far he has come and it encourages him to not give up therefore the reinforces his strength and resolve therefore engages the audience and possibly give them a personal identification as relation to how the characters represents the past or current self therefore making it realistic.
Another example:
Scott pilgrim Vs the world really benefits from a non linear, Scott the protagonist gets a lot of second chances to change the plot of the film because of the decisions he has made because of this the audience gains a pleasure of completion or beating the bad guy and prevents a ending of a different outcome which isn't as great where the bad guy dominates instead of Scott.
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