Relevant Theory

This post will discuss various theories that can be applied to my narrative.

Todorov's Theory of Equilibrium:

Although the story does not begin in a stereotypical state of equilibrium, given that it essentially starts an ends in the center of a global disaster, there is a clear difference between the five stages that Todorov theorized. The film also eludes to the old world, before the disaster, giving the audience that sense of equilibrium that is usually found in most narratives.

Other examples of similar occurrences could be the James Bond films. Most of the films begin with an action sequence that follows Bond on a previous mission. To any normal person, this is far from equilibrium, however within Bond's world, this is normal. This could also be said for our female character, as she has never known the peace and quite of the old world.

Stage 1- Equilibrium
Within this stage, the narrative will follow Neith on her day to day life, scavenging and surviving. Although this is only briefly touched on in the narrative, it serves it's purpose.

Stage 2- Disequilibrium
This refers to Neith's discovery of the Prophets bunker. Although this does not necessarily disrupt the world's balance, it does disrupt Neith's view of the world, and thus the audiences sense of narrative.

Stage 3- Realisation
This arc of the narrative follows Neith's experience of internal conflict, trying to find a balance between her savage instincts, and the new morals she has discovered. While also acknowledging their goal to reach the isolated civilization.

Stage 4- Repair
This section follow Neith and Prophet on a journey to the isolated civilization. In their attempt to repair the damage that has been done by the apocalypse. As this progresses, Neith begin's to further understand what it means to be human, enhancing this theme of repair.

This section also includes a plot twist, a common occurrence in the thriller genre. This opens a new arc, that follows from stage 2 through 4 once again as sub-stages. This will feature Neith being captured, Prophets attempt to save her, and their eventual escape.

Stage 5- Equilibrium
This part of the film features the ultimate goal of the characters being fulfilled, they reach isolated civilization. The finale will also include the classic convention of the thriller genre, that is often used to create tension. Neith's fate, in other worlds, whether or not she dies, will not be revealed until very near the end. Not dissimilar to the end sequence of Avatar.

Propp's Character Roles:

The characters within the film do not follow Propp's theory to the letter, but each displays elements of one or more of Propp's roles at some point in the story.

Neith

Ultimately Neith is the hero of the film, she is illustrated as the one who seeks the end goal, despite it actually being Prophet's inherent goal, through her natural curiosity, and new found hope in that one day the world will be better.

However, at times she also displays qualities, of the princess, and even the false hero. You see. Through much of the film, the audience will be confused by Neith's orientation, as she often displays unnecessary violence, as she battles with morality. When she is captured, she is illustrated as the princess, given that Prophet has become close to her, and wishes to save her. 

Prophet 

Prophet fulfills many of Propp's roles simultaneously. He acts as the helper, through his intellectual support of Neith, while also acting as the dispatcher, being the one that gives her the reason to go on the journey, and ultimately convinces her to take part in the adventure. Although this is arguably also the role of the bunker itself.  Through this knowledge that he imparts, he could also be seen as the donor, giving Neith the all important knowledge, that acts as her compass throughout the story. He also displays Fatherly intent towards Neith, however this is more subliminal, and he hardly fulfill the role the the Father stereotypically does.

Villain 

The villain in the film is essentially the world around them, for this is both what provides our heroes with obstacles, and it is what they have set out to overcome, and ultimately change. It could be said that the villain is also the bandits, but these are simply a result of the world.

Barthes' Codes

Action

Inherently, much of the film is filled with fight scenes, chase scenes and other action, more than fulfilling Barthes' code of action.

Enigma

The film often hints to how the world ended up as it is through Prophet's character. This presents a puzzle for the audience to solve themselves. The narrative also features a plot twist, in which something unexpected happens, throwing the audience off and acting as another enigma within the narrative. The end of the film also features a standard conventional tension builder in the form of a "will she live or die" scene, acting as another enigma, particularly because of the dark theme of the film, it would be entirely possible that she could die.

Symbolism and Semantics

The whole film questions what is means to be human, and whether are humanity is a fabrication of our culture and social code, of whether it is instinctive to us. In a way the film symbolises how close we are to chaos, attempting to illustrate that we are our own enemy.

Culture

The film look at historic western culture, while also introducing two fictional cultures, one built on violence, and absent of any intelligence, the other built on artificial pacifist ideologies, that may or may not be maintained as the story progresses. The latter relates to current pacifism, and other Utopian ideals.

Levi-Strauss' Binary Opposites

This theory is one very close to the narrative of the film. There is clear representation of good and evil. Evil being savage and violent. Good being peaceful and intelligent. Whats unusual about the film is these binary opposites also take place within the main character, as she transforms from the former to the latter.