Hi blog! For this post, I have to not only decide which media theory to integrate into my project but also research it while widening my understanding of the theory. For me, this assignment was rather challenging...there are so many things I can let evolve in my film opening. In order to choose the correct one, I decided to go over ALL of the required theories in my media class. Surprisingly, not all of them fit my genre or even looked appetizing for my film. Generally, I would want to pick something that makes my film slightly more intricate. To do this, I decided to use the Binary Opposition Theory and Todorov's Narrative Theory of Equilibrium. Just to make it even more of a rare piece, I want to involve symbolic codes. I feel like if I were to include symbolic objects, I could add an extra layer to my film opening!
To begin my research, we had to go find the basics...
What even is the Binary Opposition Theory? Long story short, this theory was created based on the belief that we understand meaning through contrasts. Claude Strauss was the leader of this idea; he sought to understand how the mind worked and focused on anthropology. To be more specific, Strauss was a firm believer that the mind organized reality into pairs. Some examples that I found when reading about this theory were good v. evil, and light v. dark. Through the use of this specific theory, it is easier for stories to evolve an intricate theme. In fact, the binary opposition I want to use in my film opening would have to be belonging v. alienation. I hope to show this contrast through scenes that show contrast. For example, I would love to show the current post-apocalyptic world and then a quick flashback. ( I just got an idea for a match cut and I'm going to include it in my storyboard!!!)
To continue my research, what is Todorov's Narrative Theory of Equilibrium? To me, Todorov's theory was very easy to understand and is seen almost everywhere when focusing on a story. Todorov says there are 5 stages that all word hand in hand to produce a story...the first one being equilibrium (when the character is at their normal state), the second is the disruption (the problem), then follows the third stage which is the acknowledgement of the problem (character recognizing that their in a pickle), the fourth one is the characters sole attempt to get back to normalcy, and last but not least equilibrium is found. Although I wish I could finish my story, it would not be the smartest decision for me to reach all 5 stages. At most, my opening will involve recognition. It definitely won't go further for the attempt to repair.
Last but not least, the symbolic code! Okay, this might be the one I am most excited to integrate into my media short. I want the main character to wear a specific bright shoe, I'm thinking yellow rainboots (but at the end of the day, we will use what is available and in my budget!). I want to showcase the character's innocence and her lack of emotional acceptance that she is in a place where the circumstances are not the best. After her best friend's death, I want to have the rain boots be covered in fake blood to symbolize that she is no longer innocent, and rather, this is her time to toughen up. I would have to show the boots when they are new (flashbacks), when they are roughed up and a little dirty (post-apocalyptic present), and when she has a mentality and maturity change (bloody). If done well i think this idea can add depth.
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