Narrative Theory: Syd Field and Claude Levi-Strauss

The Three Act Structure 

Syd Field, a writer labelled the sctructure as “three acts” in Hollywood films

The Setup is the first act which occurs within around 30 minutes of the film before the “plot point,” which normally gives the character a goal to achieve. This can be compared to Todrov’s theory when it comes to the process of disruption in which the enigmas are created. An example of this is Eminem’s “Stan” featuring Dido, the first plot is when Dido discovers Stan’s basement, filled with Eminem poster and pictures. At this point, enigmas are created and the protagonist goal or aim is to get a response from Eminem himself.

The Confrontation is the second act where the character’s struggle must take up half of the running time, in Eminem’s music video, the character writes another letter to his idol. On the other hand, Field suggests that there is “mid-point.” This is a subtle turning point of the confrontation such as a reversal fortune for the character. Stan becomes aggravated as the fan mail goes missing.

The Climax happens in the last quarter, which is also referred to as the third act. This displays the climax of the protagonist, which is either them achieving their goal or not. This illustrates the aftermath of the struggle, if it ends this way then it would be labelled as a closed text according to Barthes. At the end, Stan in rage, yells at Dido and drives the car into a river.

Claude Levi-Strauss and Binary Oppositions

Levi Strauss stressed that the narrative’s structure relies on binary oppositions. There is a conflict between the dominant, and subordinate.

Dominant

Middle-aged

Men

White

Middle/upper clas

Able-bodied

Regional identity 

Heterosexual

Subordinate

Young/old

Disabled

Working class

Women

Regional identity, other than London

Homosexual

Ethnic groups

Stan is a white, able bodied and heterosexual which is displayed rather powerfully in contrast to Dido, although she is white she is a woman, therefore subordinate. Dido is pregnant, and we presume that he is the father, therefore he is automatically the “man of the house.” He also seems to emotionally manipulate her, getting into arguments and making her cry. She hasn’t got a piece of mind as he puts his obsession over his priorities, Dido and the baby. He is almost always in control, despite committing suicide in the end. Stan loses control as the music video carries on, leading him to his tragedy. It is arguable whether, Eminem himself is the completely in control. He also falls under the characteristics of someone who belongs in the dominant group, especially because he is a famous, wealthy white a male. Stan’s obsession exemplifies how someone in a dominant group can have power of someone who is inferior to them. As soon as Stan became a fan, his obsessive nature controls his actions.