Whereas Levi Strauss theory is of hero & villains which is better known as a binary opposite. Even more so some famous examples which carry this story within the thriller genre is James Bond films including skyfall etc. He claimed narratives can be organised through binary opposition- two things opposed such as often dominant vs subordinate therefore in thrillers this is heroes vs villains.
Traditional Hollywood structure narrative:
Usually consists of a three act structure which is set out as the first 25% is the set up of the film then the next 50% of the film is known as the confrontation furthermore the final 25% is known as the climax. Therefore in the set up of the film it enables us to understand the story whilst introducing the equilibrium which is known as an enigma code where a problem is introduced this is the disruption stage. then the confrontation scene is where the binary opposition takes place where two things are opposed usually dominant vs subordinate therefore in thrillers this will be hero vs villain. The final 25% is the climax therefore where the mystery is usually resolved this is known as a closed text, nut also linear is chronological order, few, if any, sub plots, tendency towards closure at the end of the film.
Todorov;
Also Todorov had a narrative theory which he believed you could apply this to any film. He furthermore believed that all films followed the same narrative patterns.
There are 5 stages the narrative can progress through;
- A state of equilibrium (all is as it should be)
- A disruption of that order by an event.
- A recognition that the disorder has occurred.
- An attempt ti repair the damage of the disruption.
- A return or restoration of a NEW equilibrium.
A great example which follows these 3 people ideas very well within the thriller genre is Taken as Liam Neeson is a security guard going about his normal life when his daughter is on holiday, this is a state of equilibrium. then she gets kidnapped which is the state of disruption by an event such as his daughter getting kidnapped this is recognized through him being on phone at the time and realizing this. An attempt to repair this by getting her back through killing all the villains, new equilibrium gets her back then goes to his life after killing several people. Also this follows binary opposition as he is less resourceful than villain but also follows enigma code as he does not know who kidnapped his daughter until the end where he solves the mystery by which in doing so returning his daughter back home.
Vladimir Propp;
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Character types which he analysed through traditional folk stories such as "little red riding hood" therefore childrens book which have gone through being read to children through many generations. he believed for there to be 8 key roles which are consistent to those of which are included within thrillers; hero/villain, helper/donor (provider), father/dispatcher/princess/false hero, Furthermore one character can perform more than one role.
Laura Mulvey:
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Laura Mulvey:
Laura Mulvey- "visual pleasure & narrative cinema (1975). Her theory was the male gaze= women viewed as objects of male erotic desire- in film and audience.
Saw men as active but women as passive. Women don't have agency therefore they do not drive the plot along/forward. The audience is forced to identify with male gaze. Cinemas reflect patriarchal society therefore it's male dominated. Patriarchy & phallocentrism linked - Phallus (penis) a symbol of power e.g. in cinema=guns=phallus=power.
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