Narrative Theories

Todorov applied his theory saying that all films have Equilibrium,Disequilibrium,New Equilibrium this means that the beginning,middle,end changes every time.

In my case study Moana,i can apply this theory because,at the start of the there is equilibrium as there is a peaceful island which islanders lived for generations.The Disequilibrium is when the trailer shows the lighting and a unknown fire creature (0:11) which signifies something is happening and shows destruction.But it tells us a hero will journey beyond the reef and find the comical demi-god Maui but they will face hard situations to save their island.The New Equilibrium is shown in the trailer but it is usually a happy ending as they save their island.

Propp said all character in films and novels can fit into set character types this means they are all have a hero,villain etc.

This theory applies to Moana as the protagonist (hero) is Moana as she saves her island and she is independent as she goes alone beyond the reef to find Maui and nothing stopped her.The antagonist(villian) Te Fiti as she taking all the fish from the sea and she not letting crops grow and the island has a shortage of food because of Te Fiti. The donor is the sea as it helps them to find Te Fiti and restore the hert to save their island. The helper is Maui her sidekick Heihei the chicken.

Barthes said all films had enigma code-questions for the audience this means that it would engage their audiences: for Moana we ask questions like- will she defeat her enemy? Will she become friends with Maui? Will they restore the heart?

Barthes also argues that all films have action codes - hints of action that make us want to watch.
His theory applies to Moana as in the trailer they show the key action scene of Moana is at (0:26) this scene shows her trying not to get pulled way from her boat by the heavy wave also another action scene is (1:44) this scene shows Maui fighting off the villain to help Moana get to safety.