Narrative Theory: Moana


The trailer for Moana uses many narrative techniques typical of Disney films. Applying Propp's  character theory, we have Moana who's a one of the hero's seen in the trailer and Maui who's the sidekick that helps the hero. In many ways Moana fits the hero role more than Maui since she's seen more in the trailer leading. For instance, Moana's seen being in charge of the boat they're in and also seen helping Maui.


The film's narrative is introduced in the trailer and follows Todorov's theory of equilibrium. The state of the balance is the character of Moana trying to find a demigod that goes of the name of Maui and after she does that, they must save the pacific islands from the danger that's coming. This is where disequilibrium comes in. The intro of the trailer was tranquil, everyone was happy and it had a nice setting. After a few seconds into the trailer, the setting, weather and music changed. 


The Moana trailer is full of Barthes' enigma and action codes. This gives the trailer more suspense and makes the audience ask questions about it. The major enigma codes on this trailer would be whether Moana and Maui manage to fight off the beasts or not.