Narrative blog task

Film- Inside Man (2006)

In this scene there are several enigma codes (Barthes) e.g the identities of the characters in the white jumpsuits, and also how the robbers intend to get away with the crime. These elements make the movie compelling and suspenseful. Interestingly, the rabbi's character also becomes an enigma, as he was the only one that was standing when the hostages were told to get down. This could possibly suggest to the audience that the rabbi may have an important role in the following scenes e.g being the hero. There are also several action codes (Barthes) in this scene e.g the specific arrangement of the flashlights (onto the cameras) reveals to the audience that a robbery is about to take place. After this does occur the robbers pull their guns out- this again is another action code as it shows us that the robbers are going to use violence to threaten the people in the bank. 

Todorov's theory of equilibrium is also partially used in this scene. In the beginning, the character walks into the bank, which looks quite busy- this is the existing equilibrium. This is then interrupted by the disequilibrium as the robbers pull their guns out. However a new equilibrium does not replace this as the clip shows that the robbery continues even with the presence of the police officer. 

Propp's character theory can also be applied to this scene as there are many characters that are involved. The audience would assume that the ''villains'' are the robbers, however the narrative makes them appear to be the ''heroes'' as the movie follows the story of how a group of robbers get away with ''the perfect robbery''. Therefore the ''helpers'' would be the people in the bank as they are used to help the robbery carry out the robbery. 

TV Show- The Flash S2 

In this clip, the existing equilibrium (Todorov) seems to be the discussion in the beginning where the characters are discussing the possibility of one of the characters being a villain. This is then disrupted by the disequilibrium which occurs when one of the characters finds out that the suspect is in fact the villain. The new equilibrium however is unclear as we do not know what ''The Flash'' is going to do. 

Propp's character theory is also shown in this clip as the ''villain'' is the suspected character, ''Zoom''. However this character could also be ''The False Hero'' as he appeared to be close with the protagonists in the narrative, however in this scene, he is revealed to be the antagonist.

There are also many enigma codes (Barthes) that make the scene more intriguing. For example the discussions between the characters make the audience wonder whether or not ''Jay'' is the shows villain ''Zoom''. Towards the end, the ''resolution'' of the story is an enigma as the audience do not know what the protagonist intends to do. There are also several action codes that suggest that the protagonists are going to be involved in some sort of conflict with the villain. For example when the protagonist smashes the glass box containing an item that relates to the villain, the audience immediately assume that the main enigma in the narrative is going to be proven (''Jay'' is in fact the villain). Also when this is revealed when he takes off his mask ( action code) the audience are aware of the clear binary opposition in the narrative. 

Music Video- ''She Knows'' by J Cole 

In the beginning there are several enigma and action codes (Barthes) which make the characters seem mysterious. For example, the audience are unsure of why the main character is stealing money. Also when the character's mother looks at him through the rear view mirror, the audience are already suspicious of her, which makes her role in the narrative an enigma also. Other action codes such as the teenagers smoking and drinking suggests that they are going to be caught at some point in the narrative. Finally towards the end there is another enigma code as the audience do not know whether the father knows about his wife's infidelity, however judging by the facial expressions, the audience assume that there will be some sort of conflict. 

Todorov's theory of equilibrium is used cleverly in this clip as the narrative structure appears to be a multi strand narrative. The first narrative revolves around the teenagers, in which the existing equilibrium is when they hang out together. The disequilibrium is when the they get caught by the cop, which is then resolved when they escape (which becomes the new equilibrium). The second narrative follows the infidelity of the character's mother. The equilibrium could be that she appeared to be acting normal in the beginning by performing motherly duties e.g dropping her son off at school. Then the disequilibrium occurs when her son catches her cheating. The new equilibrium then takes place at the dinner table, however we are unsure of whether or not the father knows, which leaves the resolution of the narrative an enigma. 

In the first narrative the ''hero'' is the main character ''Kyle'', who is assisted by '' the ''helper'' who is his friend. The ''villain'' therefore is the cop who catches them loitering and drinking. In the second narrative the ''false hero'' is the mother, and the ''villain'' is the man she is sleeping with. Interestingly, the ''hero'' turns out to be ''Kyle'' as he does not reveal the secret of his mothers infidelity to his father.