Component 2, Section D: Film movements – Experimental Film
MEMENTO
PROPP’S
CHARACRTER AND
NARRATIVE
THEORIES
CHARACTER THEORY
Propp’s character theory identifies 8 key character archetypes. The
narrative structure in Memento is reversed, forcing the spectator to
constantly re-evaluate the character’s roles within the narrative. For
example, Leonard is at first assumed to be the Hero, but can also be
seen as the victim at some points in the film, as he is easily
manipulated, and the villain at other points. Similarly, Natalie The only story we are told
initially presents herself as a helper, but eventually it is revealed that in chronological order is
she used Leonard for her own selfish gains. that of Sammy Jankis -
this is the part of the
narrative we are most
NARRATIVE THEORY sure about. However, this
is also the part of the
Propp suggested that the plot is not just about the character narrative we were most
roles, but the function they perform in terms of progressing a story. wrong about.
In his attempt to discover the fundamental elements of storytelling,
he highlighted the importance of causality in creating a clear sense
of progression within a narrative.
In Memento, Nolan manipulates causality, instead creating a sense
of discomfort and disorientation for the spectator. For example, in
the scene where Natalie returns home with cuts and bruises on her
face, we are at first led to believe she was attacked by Dodd.
However, this assumed causality is disrupted when we see her
prompting Leonard to hit her in the next scene. This is the point at
which we realise that she in fact is not a helper, but a false hero.
MEMENTO
PROPP’S
CHARACRTER AND
NARRATIVE
THEORIES
CHARACTER THEORY
Propp’s character theory identifies 8 key character archetypes. The
narrative structure in Memento is reversed, forcing the spectator to
constantly re-evaluate the character’s roles within the narrative. For
example, Leonard is at first assumed to be the Hero, but can also be
seen as the victim at some points in the film, as he is easily
manipulated, and the villain at other points. Similarly, Natalie The only story we are told
initially presents herself as a helper, but eventually it is revealed that in chronological order is
she used Leonard for her own selfish gains. that of Sammy Jankis -
this is the part of the
narrative we are most
NARRATIVE THEORY sure about. However, this
is also the part of the
Propp suggested that the plot is not just about the character narrative we were most
roles, but the function they perform in terms of progressing a story. wrong about.
In his attempt to discover the fundamental elements of storytelling,
he highlighted the importance of causality in creating a clear sense
of progression within a narrative.
In Memento, Nolan manipulates causality, instead creating a sense
of discomfort and disorientation for the spectator. For example, in
the scene where Natalie returns home with cuts and bruises on her
face, we are at first led to believe she was attacked by Dodd.
However, this assumed causality is disrupted when we see her
prompting Leonard to hit her in the next scene. This is the point at
which we realise that she in fact is not a helper, but a false hero.
