Applying Todorov & Propp's theories

Both Todorov and Propp studied film in detail and developed their own theories about the structure of film products. These theories can also be applied to music video, and we can change and adopt them in order to ensure our music video follows the successful, established structure. This is particularly important for our music video as we plan to have it focused mainly on narrative (although we will have a performance element).

To demonstrate how these theories work I have chosen the video 'Like We Used To' by A Rocket To The Moon (ARTTM).

 

TODOROV

Todorov's theory consisted of five parts, and talked about the structure of film products in regards to the narrative. The picture below shows these five steps. 

                

In ARTTM's video, these five steps are clearly shown. 

1. The equilibrium here is when the main male character and the main female character are together in a relationship  This is shown through a series of flashbacks, which is an interesting concept as it disrupts the chronology of the video. However, it is made clear that this part of the narrative occurred first, which saves
                                                                      confusion. 

2. Next comes the disruption of the equilibrium: this is when the main female character starts dating the other man.

3. Following that comes the recognition of the disruption. In this video, they use over the shoulder shots in order to show that the main character recognizes this change in the narrative; here, he watches the main girl and her second boyfriend together.

4. The attempt to repair the disruption comes fourth, shown by the main character trying to reconciliate with the girl. In this video she pulls away, which shows this attempt to be unsuccessful.  

5. Finally comes the new equilibrium. This occurs when the situation has been accepted, either through a successful or unsuccessful reparation of the damage. In this case, the main character has moved on and begins to create new memories with another girl. 


PROPP
Vladimir Propp developed several character archetypes that he says recurs throughout most film products. They are:

1. The Hero – a character that seeks something
2. The Villain – who opposes or actively blocks the hero’s quest
3. The Donor – who provides an object with magical properties
4. The Dispatcher – who sends the hero on his/her quest via a message
5. The False Hero – who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims
6. The Helper – who aids the hero
7. The Princess – acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the villain’s plots
8. Her Father – who acts to reward the hero for his effort

In this video, several of these are demonstrated, and some characters can even take on the roles of two different character types. 

1. The Hero – the main male character 
2. The Villain – the secondary male character
3. The Donor – not represented in this video
4. The Dispatcher – not represented in this video
5. The False Hero – the secondary male character
6. The Helper – not represented in this video
7. The Princess – the main female character AND the secondary female character
8. Her Father – not represented in this video