Narrative Theory

|Propp's seven character types-

Propp's theory states that there will always be seven main character types. The hero, the villain, the donor, the helper, the princess, the false hero and the dispatcher. Although this may be the case in many feature films such as Star Wars, in short films such as Uncanny Valley it is difficult to follow these rules as there isn't generally as many characters. 

|Todorov's Equilibrium Theory-

Todorov's theory suggests that the movie always starts with a state of equilibrium before there is a disruption of the equilibrium, then it is repaired before being reinstated.

|Torodov's Equilibrium Theory in Uncanny Valley-

Equilibrium-

This short film begins with shots of a man walking and sleeping to the sound of his own voice. Although there is ominous music in the background, all seems to be well and there appears to be a state of equilibrium. This state of equilibrium continues throughout this short film as we see people playing VR games and then waking up.

Disruption-

The equilibrium is disturbed when the main character is in a VR game and notices a glitch in the graphics. As he begins to shoot at it, the glitch turns into a portal and the character proceeds to enter it. The characters and graphics change and the character seems confused.

Recognition-

As the graphics change and the 'game' becomes more realistic the character begins to notice the change. The graphics change furthermore and the enemies are no longer depicted as robots but as people. This is when the character becomes fully aware of the break in the equilibrium.

Repair and Reinstatement-

 Unfortunately there is no repair or reinstatement of the equilibrium in this short film and we are left on somewhat of a cliffhanger. 

|Levi-Strauss Binary Opposition Theory-

Levi-Strauss suggests the all narratives are driven by a constant creation of conflict

|Levi-Strauss Binary Opposition Theory in Uncanny Valley-

This theory isn't immediately obvious in Uncanny Valley as there are not the typical 'Good-guy', 'Bad-guy' characters or light and dark themes. The whole film is quite dark from the off but progressively gets darker as the story goes on. There isn't much light to contrast with the dark, so this film does not follow the theory.

Anachronic:

Modified flashbacks and flash forwards.
No clear dominance between any narrative threads.

Anachronic in Uncanny Valley:
In Uncanny Valley this is one of the first scenes we see. It shows an elderly woman looking confused and emotional, but we don't know why. The film the goes on as normal, until we see this scene again but this time it corresponds with the rest of the story.












Forking-path:

Alternative versions of the story.
Outcomes that may result in changes.

Alternative theory in Uncanny Valley:
Unfortunately i couldn't find an examples of alternative theory in Uncanny Valley.

Episodic:
A collection of stories joined by a common theme.