Research: The Hunger Games; narative analysis

Hunger Games narrative analysis

The film 'The Hunger Games' conforms and deviates from Propp's theory of narrative and Tzvetan Todorov's theory of narrative, this is show in the trailer. The main character Katniss is the hero (or heroine) this fits with Propp's only varying slightly as normally the hero is male. She is set apart from the others as she resists the power, this causes a disruption to the equilibrium this represents stage 3 of Todorov's theory. The princess is Primrose, Katniss' younger sister who she saves from having to compete in the games. This however does not occur at the climax of the film and does not involve romantic interest which was included in Propps narrative, showing that the film deviates from the theorem. The Trailer shows the villain to not be a single person but the 'government' however it is not the villain who creates the disruption (as suggested by Propp) it is the heroine, this gives the film a unique selling point. The trailer also shows essence of helpers and donors to aid the heroine (as suggested by Propp).

This film appears to fit Todorov's theory as the equilibrium is disrupted by the 'goodies' and it is the 'baddies' who aim to repair and reinstate the norm. However the trailer suggests that the equilibrium is not restored at the end of the film, this unlike in most films is a good thing. The flip of this theory gives the film its unique selling point as it deviates from the normal narratives but still includes some essence.

This film shows both similarities and differences from the two theories which is made clear in the trailer, this will capture the audience’s attention and intrigue them to find more about the alternative plot.

The film is surrounded in mystery which will tend to suggest a sequel, this follows the Enigma Code. The trailer suggests the use of snares (deliberately avoiding the truth), equivocations (incomplete answers) and jammings (there is not answer to the problem) in the film which require the audience to be active, this gets them involved more to enhance the viewing experience and make the audience more likely to go see the film after seeing the trailer.