Relevant Film Theories

Theory 1) Todorov’s theory of equilibrium:

Todorov’s theory of equilibrium fits into out A2 Media film, ‘The Employer’ perfectly. Our film commences with a young male protagonist moving down the country in the hope of seeking employment. (Note the final twist in out film goes again conventions of horror as his character could be interpreted as an antagonist). We feel sympathy for his character, as he is not only homeless but also in self-rehabilitation of crime/drugs and alcohol. This is the Equilibrium stage of Todorov’s theory.

The disequilibrium stage starts to happen as we observe Kyle have flashbacks of a disturbing nature, gradually becoming progressively more violent as the story moves forward. This is the second part to Todorov’s theory, the obstacle in the plot becomes known to the audience.

Todorov’s theory of the new equilibrium can be either good or bad, depending on each individual films story line. As our film is a psychological crime thriller, the ending closes with a gun being pointed at a Kyle’s head, and then cutting to black. This can be seen as a form of justice, or a murder depending on point of view, and so because of this there is no set equilibrium. However this final section to the theory may not comply with our film as the film closes with an assumed shooting, therefore theoretically falls under the category of dis equilibrium.

Theory 2) Claude Levi-Strauss: Binary Opposites.

Claude’s theory of Binary Opposites dictates that opposites attract each other within any type of film that involves elements of conflict. We find that this theory fits with our film, but in the stereotypical form that may be expected in a horror. The classic ‘good v’s evil’ can be seen to exist in our film, but again as our film has a narrative twist in its finale, it may be perceived as a binary opposite in the theoretical sense however not in its traditional convention.

Looking back at scenes in out film I can also see other Binary Opposite contrasts. For example the light and shadowing in the penultimate scene is metaphorical for the good and bad. Kyle is homeless and so we dressed his character in dirty overalls and muddy shoes with torn shirts and un-tasteful cardigans. We felt this look was the look of a man seeking shelter and a healthy lifestyle. In direct contrast, The Client wears a smart black suit with a shirt and tie. The look is completed with multiple papers and computer technology on his desktop. This gives him the representation of a working businessman.

Theory 3) Vladimir Propp's: 8 Spheres of action.

Propp’s theory of spheres dictates that each film has 8 fixed characters, each intertwine with each other in order to form the plot of a film. I feel that this theory does not fit with our film as well as the other theories I have mentioned. This is purely because the film we have created is only 5 minutes long, and so does not have the time capacity to fit in the characters to make a complex and intricate plot.

However, our film does include elements of the theory that are seen in objects instead of characters. For example the necklace Kyle leaves behind when mugging the client years before the film is set can be seen as both the helper and the donor. As the plot would not exist without the object. The note is also a significant prop in the spheres theory. It allows both characters to meet each other inside the clients office, in which he takes his revenge.