Narrative Theory: Spectre

The trailer for Spectre uses many narrative techniques typical of a British action/thriller. Applying Propp's character theory, the trailer shows the audience that there is a clear protagonist/hero played by Daniel Craig throughout. We see some sort of donor at 0:52 seconds that gives a hint or clue that can aid the hero in his mission. The trailer also shows a female character at 0:57 seconds who is clearly identifiable as the heroine as she is recognised as the prize or reward of the hero. We also see some sort of helper at 1:24 who is perhaps tracking down this secret organisation that will help Bond with his mission. The audience sees a glimpse of what may perhaps be the antagonist/villain of the movie seen at 2:12. All these characters shown in the trailer quickly help to establish action/thriller narrative and allow the audience to understand the main relationships within the two-minute running time of the trailer.

The film's narrative shown in the trailer is clearly introduced but doesn't exactly fit Todorov's theory of equilibrium. The part of the trailer that shows where everything is balanced is perhaps the only few seconds where everything seems 'normal' as the environment seems very calm as there is also no dramatic music that could suggest any action or mishap. It then soon very quickly turns to disequilibrium as something comes along to disrupt that equilibrium. However we do not see a new equilibrium being formed - which is critical - as the trailer leaves the audience wondering whether the protagonist finds a solution and if there is a good ending so the audience will have to watch the whole film.

The trailer is full of Barthes' enigma and action codes. Barthes' enigma code may be used to portray a mystery that can draw in an audience in and make them intrigued. The major enigma code seen in the trailer is whether Bond completes his mission and discovers the antagonist. The action codes are the most important in this type of genre as it relates to tension created: any action created that engages the audience. In the trailer, the audience is presented with a shooting scene after 10 seconds to portray how this movie is action-packed and full of adventure and excitement.