Narrative Theory

The film that I have chosen to look at to compare the narrative theory to my documentary is Shrek.

The first thing that i would look at when considering the narrative theory of Shrek would be that it follows a clear structure regarding the characters.

• Shrek is the hero
• Fiona is the princess
• Donkey is the doner or helper
• Lord Farquaa is the villain

It also follows Todorovs theory of conventional narratives being structured in 5 stages:

• State of equilibrium at the start - Shrek in the swamp
• A disruption to the equilibrium - His swamp is taken from him
• A recognition that there has been a disruption - Goes to see Farquaa
• An attempt to repair the disruption - Journey to save Fiona
• A reinstatement of the equilibrium - Back in the swamp with Fiona

It is quite difficult to talk about narrative theory for a documentary as there arent any character etc. but it could be said that it follows Todorovs narrative structure in some ways:

• State of equilibrium at the start - There is an overview of what has happened at the club
• A dsiruption to the equilibrium - Actions of Mike Ashley
• Recognition of the disruption - Interviews