Analysis of existing productnarrative theory Todorov

Applying Todorovs narrative theory to existing media product Red hot chilli peppers – By the way

Equilibrium

At the start of the video we are shown that everything is in status quo, this is the equilibrium stage in Todorovs narrative theory, at this stage all any potentially opposing forces are in balance. The lighting used is natural, it is a clear day also, this reinforces the feel of equilibrium and relative tranquillity for the busy metropolis that is New York. The use of a mid shot allows the audience to see the characters body language and apparel, he's wearing a white jacket that signifies light and good so the audience already knows he's the protagonist, his body language is very relaxed and calm to again reiterate the equilibrium stage.

Disruption

This is the second stage of Todorovs narrative theory, disruption. The disruption (an event) upsets the status quo and equilibrium this sets in chain a series of events, problems are solved so that equilibrium can be restored. The use of a close up shot to the characters face shows us his emotions which are distraught as at this point he has been kidnapped by a crazed taxi driver. The use of close up shots also increases the pace of the video and injects adrenalin into the scene. The music also matches the disruption as it reaches a crescendo at this point, all of these elements fuse together to amplify the disruption of the equilibrium.

Recognition

The next stage in Todorovs narrative theory is recognition of the disruption, in this close up shot of a phone we can see how the lead singer now recognises he's been kidnapped and is already attempting to repair the situation that is the next stage in Todorovs theory. This shot is very darkly lit with flashes of red from his trousers in the background, this is to signify the danger of the kidnapping using alarming colours in a black background to subtly install that fear into the audience and place them in the kidnapped shoes.

repair

• In this long shot we can see how the narrative has reached the repair stage as the band members rescue the kidnapped member. The taxi carrying the abducted band member is seen as much smaller implying a shift of power to the rescuers. It is also in the shadow of the 4x4, this contrast of light and darkness is to signify good and evil. We can also see as has been present in most shots that the abducted band member is wearing a white blazer again using colour to represent good and show the audience he is the protagonist as oppose to the abductor that is dressed in black. This shot is also backlit with natural lighting but only in the background this implies that the danger is still very much real but soon they will reach safety and the background light will flood the scene as displayed in the following shot.

Restored equilibrium

• In the final stage of Todorovs narrative theory we can see the restored equilibrium as the band member has been rescued and is now safe. In this shot the clear sky has finally filled the background of the shot implying safety and tranquillity, this theme of black and white to represent good and evil has been teased at throughout the video with glimpses of white being shown and finally the audience is given a white wave of light to further emphasise his freedom and the triumph of good over evil