Narrative Theorists in Our Film

In the narrative of our piece, we have included Todorov’s theory of difference in equilibrium, and Levi Strauss’ theory of binary opposition. 

Todorov’s Theory

At the beginning of our opening sequence, the photo montage we have included displays equilibrium. The characters all appear to be smiling, happy and enjoying themselves, and nothing appears to be wrong here. Then, a shot of Jazz’s body lying on the floor comes in after the titles, which is the first display of disequilibrium in our narrative. As of course, this displays that something bad has happened, and that the happiness shown in the beginning has been dissipated. Although the equilibrium is not shown to be re-established in our opening sequence, it will be by the end of the film, with Josh’s character being brought to justice for what he has done.

Levi Strauss’ Theory

Throughout our piece we have used a few examples of binary opposition. We include life vs. death, good vs. evil and innocence vs. guilt.

Life vs. death is shown by the contrast of shots of Hannah and Josh being alive, and Jazz’s dead body lying on the garage floor. Additionally, the photo montage that we use at the start of the piece also represents life, and a time when Jazz was alive.

Good vs. evil is portrayed by the inclusion of my character and Josh’s character. Josh’s character being the evil character, with plotting and carrying out the murder of Jazz, and mine being the good character, as she had done nothing wrong to provoke her killing.

We have portrayed innocence vs. guilt via the use of the juxtaposition of zooming into Jazz’s eye, and out of Josh’s eye. The use of juxtaposition shows binary opposition as Jazz’s facial expression reflects her innocence, and Josh’s facial expression reflects his aggression and guilt.