Key theorists to consider

Syd Field

According to Field, the typical Hollywood film can be separated into 3 dramatic sections/acts.
-The set-up (Within the first 10 minutes the audience decide their opinion of the film and are unlikely to change their minds. Therefore its important to establish main character, why the audience should like/dislike them and hint at what the film is going to be about)
-The confrontation (Longest act of the film, see main character often and in extreme situations or problems, confronting enemies and normally helpless)
-The resolution (Hero finally takes control of struggle, often by confrontation and on home territory, and achieve a final, desired victory)

'Plot points' are what he describes as important pieces of the plot which transform the lives of the characters, change relationships and the overall tone of the film.


Barthes' Code

Text needs unravelling, so audience can encounter  plurality and potential meaning.
Can start by looking at narrative from one viewpoint, drawing on previous experiences, creating one meaning for the text.
The narrative can be continuously unravelled from various angles and thus creating different meanings.
Texts may be 'open' (available for various interpretations) or 'closed' (only one obvious meaning).
These aspects to unravel are called 'narrative codes' and can be categorised into:
-The enigma code (i.e. answers and questions)
-Symbols and Signs
-Points of cultural references
-Simple description/reproduction


Todorov

He suggested that conventional narratives are structured in 5 stages;
-State of equilibrium
-Disruption of equilibrium at outset
-Recognition of disruption
-Attempt to repair disruption
-Reinstatement of equilibrium


Vladamir Propp

Suggested that characters took on the role of narrative 'spheres of action'
1) The Hero - usually male, restores natural equilibrium, often embarks on a quest, saves princess, centre of villain's attention, protagonist.
2) The Villain - creates narrative disruption.
3) The Donor - gives hero something, helps resolution of narrative.

4) The Princess - the reward/motivation for the hero

5) the Dispatcher - Sets the hero on their way

Laura Mulvey 

States that women are often objectified and seen as sex objects, portrayed through the male gaze. She also suggests that's women are seen in one of two ways; as a virgin or a whore. This is the virgin:whore dichotomy. 

Angela McRobbie

McRobbie says that men and women are often represented through stereotypes in the media. This means that traditional gender roles are used, such as women shown as victims, mothers, carers, weaker, etc. and men as aggressive, strong, leaders, etc. 

Allan Cameron 

Says that there are different kinds of unusual narratives including the following:

 - Anachronic Narrative includes flashbacks and flash forwards

 - Forking Path Narrative shows two different outcomes that are different only because of a small change or decision

 - Episodic Narrative separate narratives that have a link in some way

 - Split Screen Narrative different stories, linked by the fact that they are shown on screen simultaneously