Integrating Media Theory

After looking back at my media theory notes from class, I have two theories and one code in mind to integrate into my film opening.

Theory #1: Todorov's Narrative Theory

I want to incorporate Todorov's Narrative Theory into my production. This theory suggests that every story has distinctive sections for different parts of the film. The main parts can be divided into the equilibrium, disequilibrium, and the new equilibrium. This is how I will section out these parts throughout my film opening.

-Equilibrium: (Beginning of film opening) Introduces a calm environment (dojang) and a disciplined taekwondo player in control and confident in her training. Shows order and balance.

-Disequilibrium: (Middle of film opening) The taekwondo player has a slight hesitation before attempting a difficult skill. She fails to perform and injures her foot. Introduces doubt, disruption, and imbalance.

-New equilibrium: (End of film opening/After the film opening) A new setting in the teenage girl's bedroom. Her ankle is hurt and she is looking back at her past victories. The audience wants to know how the protagonist will resolve or deal with her injury. It hooks the viewers and leaves the rest of the film to fill in the new equilibrium.

Theory #2: Binary Opposition Theory

I also want to include the Binary Opposition Theory in my film. It suggests that the narratives are represented through elements of oppositions (Ex: Good vs. Evil).

My film opening will emphasize the oppositions of victory vs. defeat, confidence vs. doubt, and control vs. instability. 

Codes

The Hermeneutic (Enigma) Code is something I want to integrate to my project as well. This code is used when the film leaves out certain information to leave the audience with questions that will be answered from the rest of the production. For instance, some questions my viewers will want to know after watching are: 

-Why did she hesitate? -Will she recover from her injury? -Is she going to continue taekwondo?