Film Theories

There are 4 main theories to the way films are made. These are the Todorov, Propp, Barthes and Levi-Strauss theories.
Todorov stated that all narratives follow a basic structure. This structure is that films start with an equilibrium, then there is a disequilibrium which is the followed by a new equilibrium/resolution.
The equilibrium is described as a period of calm where setting and main characters can be introduced. The disequilibrium is a period where a problem occurs that the main characters must solve and the new equilibrium/resolution is where the problem has been solved and the characters can go back to living in  peace. This theory is also known as the "Hollywood" style film or the "Classic" style film. This is the simplest style of narrative.

Propp's theory is that there are 8 main character types. These are; the hero, the villain, the donor, the dispatcher, the false hero, the helper, the princess and her father. It is possible for one character to be in more than one of these categories as the theory does not state that each character type has to be a separate person.
The theory also states that once the character type of a particular character has been discovered it is easy to figure out what kind of role they will play in the rest of the narrative. For example, it is clear that the hero will save the princess.

Barthes stated that a narrative will establish enigmas and mysteries as it develops. The enigmas provide clues to what will happen at the end of the narrative. It is also the aim of the narrative to solve the mysteries that have been established throughout. This is called the enigma code.

Levi-Strauss' theory was called the theory of binary opposition. This theory sates that tension within a narrative is based on wither conflict or opposition. This can be through two opposite sides fighting. That is the simplest form of binary opposition but it can often be more on an ideological level. It is likely that the two opposing sides will represent different ideologies, such as in Star Wars with the Rebellion conflicting against the Empire. The Rebellion represents good and the Empire represents evil.