Narrative theories

Levi Strauss

Strauss had the theory that every film has binary opposites which means that there is always something that is the complete opposite to the other, for example good, bad, hero and villain.

Tzvetan Todorov

He came up with the theory that there is a normal state for some time at the start which is called the equilibrium. Then after the storyline is disrupted by an event which is called a disequilibrium, then later on during the storyline equilibrium is found nearer to the end.

Roland Barthes

He came up with the theory that there is code that is used to draw in the audience with mystery leading them to ask questions convincing them to want to see the movie.

Vladimir Propp

He had the theory that there are always certain characters that are in nearly every film which makes It work. For example the hero, sidekick, villain, and the damsel.

Applying theories to teaser trailersThe majority of teaser trailers are set in the same way they consist of half of Tzvetan Todorov theory of equilibrium and disequilibrium but do not reveal the end of the story so make sure that the end result of equilibrium isn't shown. In order to get make the best trailer I will make sure that I do not include the end result of equilibrium, Todorovs theory makes teaser trailers more exciting because it shows the audience the problems that will go on during the film. I will also add Barthes theory of there being mystery for the audience to want to ask questions and then see the movie because they are curious. This will be added in my trailer by making sure that I leave a good amount of cliff-hangers that entertain the audience and leave them wanting to find out more.I will also make sure that I apply the theory of Strauss binary opposite including a villain in the scene and a hero that opposes that villain.