Narrative Theory of Taken
The trailer for Taken uses many narrative techniques typical of Action Thriller movies. Applying Propp's character theory, we have a clear protagonist or hero in Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills. In many ways,he is shown to be the stronger character and it is his quest (to save his daughter) that drives the narrative.. These well known character types quickly help establish the action thriller narrative and allow audiences to understand the main relationships within the two-minute running time of the trailer.
The film's narrative is clearly introduced in the trailer and follows Todorov's theory of equilibrium. The state of balance is the character of Pat trying to get his life back together following his spell in a psychiatric institution. The introduction of Tiffany creates the disequilibrium - along with the request to compete in the dance competition. The new equilibrium is not shown in the trailer - this is critical because even though a standard Hollywood romantic comedy narrative would suggest the couple get together in the end, the audience have to watch the whole film to enjoy this resolution.
The trailer is full of Barthes' enigma and action codes. These are designed to draw the audience in and encourage them to watch the whole film to resolve their questions. The major enigma codes the audience will ask would revolve around whether he will find his daughter and whether he will save her in time. However, there are other enigma codes such as what has he done to albanian people for them to capture and kidnap his daughter .
