Skins.

 

Levi- Strauss Binary Opposition Theory

Hero v Villain

Skins adopt the ‘hero v villain’ structure that was highlighted by Levi Strauss. The episode we analyzed was based around a conflict between two characters. Levi Strauss said that the conflict was between two 'binary opposites 'however skins doesn’t adhere to this, as the conflicting characters share similar qualities. This is probably the cause of their disagreements and eventually the fight, as their both ‘alpha male’ characters’.

Propp’s Character Types Theory:

 

 

 

Hero- COOK

Cook although the hero strongly subverts typical hero stereotype with opposite characteristics. He’s an overconfident, lively character with a personality you’ll either love or hate. The director uses his personality to spark the conflict that later unravels in the episode. The episode begins with Cook showing the prominent features of his personality being rowdy and singing loudly The Ace of Spades, the episode finishes with him singing this again after all the drama is brought to a close as the director chooses that he sings "its all a game to me" which shows his carefree personality that has resulted in the disruption of this episode. Cook is also your typical male stereotype; he is the ‘alpha male’ of the group and lacks any sign of femininity. He’s interested in fighting, drinking and women and fits right into the stereotypical mould for a young male.

Watch video - Making of episode 2 - Skins - E4.com

Villain- GANGSTER

Adheres to the typical stereotype of a villain possessing characteristics such as threatening, violent and dangerous, However, this villain is a scrawny looking man who is constantly surrounded by larger men to protect him. Although at first he would seem very masculine as the episode develops we see him doing a speech on stage where he shows a feminine side and then goes onto get upset and sensitive about Cook singing to his daughter, this shows his feminine side which fits his vulnerable build but not his oversized ego.

Donor- UNCLE

Provides the hero with drugs which is ultimately yet not traditional “magical” object that will help them complete their quest of having a good night

False hero- FREDDIE

Although not doing this nastily he is ultimately wanting to get the princess the hero is out to get, and often goes along with things he is doing that are bound to end badly, he also strongly disagrees with what the hero is doing although this brings the hero happiness. Freddie creates disputes on various occasions in this episode as he confronts Cook about sleeping with Effy when JJ liked her, he also shouts at Cook later in the episode when they flee the party. It is obvious from the beginning of the episode that Freddie is uncomfortable with Cook and his actions, it is also obvious he has strong feelings for Effy as there are numerous scenes that are slowed down of him staring at Effy.

Helper- JJ

A quiet and timid character that is constantly there for hero and false hero although he may be ill treated, we do not see much of JJ until he is in the brothel and he shows how he is quite the opposite to Cook who acts like he has been here before and is comfortable here, it is obvious JJ does not want to be in this situation but he does everything to please the more dominant characters JJ and Freddie.

Princess- EFFY

Also subverts the typical princess stereotype as she is a “grungey” girl who shares many characteristics of the hero, that are bad, and manipulates both hero and false hero.

 

 

 

Todorov’s Theory of narrative equilibrium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equilibrium- The beginning is a balanced state where although not much is happening regarding the party, there is no trouble or disruption and the scene is that of a calm one although you can sense disruption is approaching

 Disruption- The party fails and a new party is to be found, once in it is obvious the disruption is about to approach as there are hints that the gangster and hero are about to clash with threatening talk as soon as the hero enters, and then the pinnacle of the disruption when the hero sings to the gangsters daughter and ultimately starts a fight, the disruption continues when Freddie confronts Cook as he disagrees with what he is doing and how he has to bail him out all the time and put himself in danger. The pinnacle of the disruption is when Cook nearly hits innocent JJ from the aggressive state he has reached due to drugs.

Recognition of disruption- Cook realises he has done wrong and how much he appreciates the friendship of Freddie, he goes to his house and convinces him to hear him out.

Attempt to repair- Cook attempts to repair the realtionship by recognising his errors and apologising which he does successfully and the friendship is back to a new equilibrium

New equilibrium- Freddie and Cook are now friends as the night is over and everyone is away from danger, however, the gangster is still onto Cook as we see from the “Next time” clip as that situation is still left over from other episodes.

Narrative Structure

The episode uses a ‘linear' narrative structure This means the storyline unravels in a chronological order. There are no flashbacks or jumping around in time. The structure is fairly basic and regular; instead I think the director has focused on the storyline instead of focusing too much on the structure.

The narrative structure is fairly mainstream and in fact typical of that that would be used in a Hollywood film. For example the story works as a chain; everything has its purpose and links neatly together. The whole story is fleshed out around a bunch of enigmas and resulting solutions, e.g. ‘the fight’ and the ‘fall out with Freddy’ then the making up. A high level of narrative closure is used too. At the end of the episode we see cook have a talk with Freddy and their differences settled, leaving everything on a good note. However the whole gangster issue is left unresolved, but this is because it’s continued further down the series. And finally the episode is driven by slightly stereotypical but largely believable characters, with clear goals.