Theories
'Todorov's theory' says that the narrative has a basic structure. For example, the start of the film the atmosphere is in a equilibrium, though it is broken during the middle of the film and revolves around the protagonist. Then at the end the matter is resolved and the equilibrium is restored.When comparing urban drama to this theory, it did not have a strong comparison. This was because with urban drama there is not total ambience at the beginning, however as it comes to the middle there is a more conflicting issue that starts to occur. This happens until it reaches a point of tension. there is never usually a clear ending. The endings are quite questionable to whether it is good or bad.
Henry Jenkins spoke on the theory of 'collective identification', saying:
- Solidarity art with others strengthens elements of own identity.
- Cultural texts offer opportunity for solidarity with others who have similar tastes (drugs, clothes, film etc.) - especially to those who feel like outsiders
Though this is true for the start of film/teaser trailer as our protagonist was part of a culture, a society where they protected each other and had the same likes etc. It can also be said that we subvert this due to the fact our main protagonist has all this yet still feels as if she is trapped and wants to get out.
Another general theory about genre is that changes in genre are influenced by culture and what is happening in the world.
We as a group felt this was true as a lot of British films are being influenced by American films and series. This includes the rise of hybrid films and the mix of two or more genres rather than the original one straight forward genre. For example Zombieland, which is the mixture of the zombie genre and comedy.
zombieland
