Integrating Media Theory

 For my opening, I started to research all the different outcomes and meanings of the media theories integrated into film. The one that stood out towards me was Todorov's Narrative Theory, which examnies the format of stories and how they develop from three parts: equilibrium, disequilibrium, and new equilibrium. I used the BBC Bitesize guide on narrative theory (BBC Bitesize) to help me interpret the key factors and how they can and are applied to media texts.

Todorov's theory relies heavily on starting with a state of equilibrium, which is then disrupted by an dispute or event. The story advances as the protagonist attends to the disruption, then, the new equilibrium is set, which may be indifferent from the original. This scheme aids creators to carefully plan out their narratives and grants the audience to ensue a stable story progression. 

I plan on integrating Todorov's theory into my opening by demonstrating the protagonist (the runner), already experiencing disruption through the physical and mental struggles of running. Although it is only the opening, the lack of balance between the runner's emotional state proposes tension and conflict, which produces the narrative theory for the rest of the film. By setting this earlier on, I can shapes the audiences perceptions and give them a feeling of the story's format, highlighting how Todorov's theory can advise storytelling visually and develop a character.

Utilizing this theory will guide me to assure that my film opening has a clear narrative ambition, all in a short two minute scheme. From the first few seconds, this will grant the audiences to consume and interact with the runner's journey emotionally. 

(Steve S et al., 2021)

Sources:

BBC. (2022a, December 14). Traditional narrative theory - what is narrative? - GCSE media studies revision - BBC bitesize. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zqdhrdm/revision/3

Published by Steve S                            View all posts by Steve S, S, P. by S., S, S., & View all posts by Steve S. (2021, December 2). Todorov – Narrative / narratology theory. Media Studies @ Guilsborough Academy. https://guilsboroughschoolmedia.wordpress.com/2020/11/11/todorov-narrative-narratology-theory/