Narrative Theory and 'The Crazies'

Bordwell and Thompson
The image below illustrates Bordwell and Thompson's theory in relation to 'The Crazies'. As you can see, we have mapped it out so we can clearly show what information we see on screen, and what information we assume after getting clues (these parts are blue). The plot is the part of the film we actually see onscreen, and during this time we do assume lots of information. But in he time of the story, which goes on before the plot even begins, we assume some information, such as the goverment crashing the plane and infecting the water supplie, thus infecting Rory, which is where the film begins.



Todorov
Introduction- Todorov's theory states that at the start of the film there is equilibrium, however, 'The Crazies' introduces us straight to chaos which engages the audience, going against Todorov.

Disruption to the balance- Even though it isn't shown on screen, we understand that the plane crash causes the disequilibrium as it causes the first person, Rory Hamill to get infected and go crazy, causing the chaos to spread.

Re-equilibrium- Again, going against Todorov there is no re- equilibrium. We think the couple manage to escape to the next town, but because of a containment protocol which is shown at the end of the film, we understand that the same thing will happen in this new town, and that the virus will keepspreading. This also relates to Bordwell and Thompson's theory.

Levi- Strauss
Here area few example of binary opposition in relation to 'The Crazies'.

• Sanity/ Insanity-The sane characters try to survive and fend off the infected insane characters.
• Day/ Night- Night implies dangeras there is limited sight and shadows, and day can be equally as dangerous,but with better vision and confidence in the characters.
• Military/ Civilian- The military are seen as evil in the film, they are controllingand over powering civilians in large groups. At the time the time the film was made, The military inreality are busy at War, as so by making them the villains, it shows the attitude against war at the time, as there have been alot of conspiracy theories and cover ups.
• Fear/ Courage- Courage is held by the survivors and those who press on even when everyone else is dead, and those who sacrifice themselves to help the group i.e. Russell. Fear is heldby those who panic and allow themselves to be herded by the military.

Propp
Villain- The US goverment... as they are the reason the virus is in the community as they crashed the military plane containing the virus into the towns water supply.

The Hero- David... as he rescues his wife and several other people and escapes fromthe quarantie. He also survives the film.

Donor/ Helper- Deputy Russell... He qualifies as both donor and helper as he sacrifices himself so that Judy and david can sneak past the military withoutbeing shot.

The Princess/ Father- Judy... She is princess as she is Married to David as he is trying to save her and create a new life. I also feel she qualifies as princess as she is taken by the military, thus becoming a damsel in distress. She also takes on the role of the father, as she works hard to protect Rebecca from being killed, she also rewards the hero by carrying his baby.

The dispatcher- Rory... he is the first person in the town to become infected by the virus.

False Hero- The mayor...he refuses to turn the water off in the town, by doing so he allows the virus to spread to the rest of the town. Admittedly he was thinking ofthe wellbeing of the town, as being a farming community they need water for the crops to thrive.