Research of Media Theorists

Propp

Propps character theory suggests the idea of certain character roles within film that are vital to the structure of the piece. Traditionally there is a male "hero" protagonist whose role is to restore the equilibrium. There is also typically an antagonist who causes the disequalibrium. The role of the dispatcher is the one who sends or prompts the protagonist to restore the equalibrium. There is also typically a sidekick role vital to the narrative. We of course tend to have the role of a heroine in need. We may sometimes see a false hero, who initially appears to be on the side of the protagonist but is actually part of the disequalibrium.

Todorov

Todorov's theory of narrative suggests that many films follow the same pattern and structure. He explains that typically films will start with a equalibrium, a state of peace and normality. A disequalibrium is then caused, disrupting this equalibrium. The narrative typically follows the protagonist in the attempt to restore the equalibrium, and sometimes the outcome is better than the original equalirbrium.


Strauss

Strauss's media theory suggests the idea of binary opposites, frequently used in the narrative plots of the action genre. The theory suggests the narrative of any given piece of film depending on binary opposites in characters and themes, such as: good vs evil, villain vs hero, dark vs light etc. They are used in film to reinforce the narrative and structure of the film.



Goodwin

Goodwin's media theory suggests that music videos are solely created to advertise products withing the industry, including location, artist and song. This can be explained through current electronics being shown continuously throughout the music video e.g Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" and Beats Pill. An artist who has also dipped into acting may create a song and music video to promote a film, commonly using excerpts from the film in the music video e.g Will Smith "Men In Black."

Analysis of The Secret Window

The film "The Secret Window" is a thriller directed by David Koepp. In the opening we see the protagonist, played by Johnny Depp, confronting his cheating wife and her lover, and we see that he is clearly distraught.

In the first shot we can see a close up shot of the protagonists face in a car. The colours are blue and grey, and these dark colours connote gloominess and winter. Koepp has used this shot to clearly portray the emotions of this charactcer. We also see the ring on his finger, suggesting he is married and planting narrative enigmas. The third shot is a long shot of the protagonist in the reception area of the motel. This shot shows the juxtaposition of cold and warm colours, adding texture to the film. The fourth shot of the car, showing the bright lights of the car's tail lights and the snow suggests it is night time and winter. The fifth shot is the establishing shot of the setting. The sixth camera shot is a two shot of two people in a bed, who we assume to be Depp's wife and her lover from his reaction to them. Throughout the sequence there is a monochromatic colour scheme of blue and grey's, connoting the depressed and distraught emotions of the protagonist being reflected in this way.



When the sequence opens with the production logo we hear the non-digetic sound of what initially sounds like heart beats but a sound bridge reveals it is in fact the wiper blades of the car. We hear the non-digetic voice over saying "Don't go back there." which we initially believe to be someone else in the back of the car, but as we see the car is empty we can safely assume it is the protagonist's inner thoughts.

The Mise-En-Scene of dark, gloomy weather and snow suggests it is winter and the dark colour connotes feelings of depression and sadness. We see in the establishing shot the "Motel" sign which explains the setting. The difference in colour and aesthetic from outside and in the reception area of the motel suggests the feelings of isolation and lonliness in Depp's character. We also see the ring on Depp's finger, suggesting a narrative enigma in that he is married. Depp's unstylish, dark clothing suggests that he is distraught and struggling to cope.


In the first shot we see a very long take and slow pace in the editing, giving the viewer time to analyse the setting and aesthetic of Depp's character. We see a continuity error when Depp enters his wife's motel room, as we can hear him close the car door, however when he returns outside the door is wide open. After his wife and her lover is revealed, a fade edit is used to switch to water, juxtaposed to the original setting. Simultaneous to this, the digetic sound becomes distorted.

In conclusion, the monochromatic colour scheme and wintery mise-en-scene, variety of close up shots suggest a sombre and disturbing narrative, typical of pyschological thrillers.