Narrative

There is a difference between story and narrative. Story is simply the plot whereas narrative is the way the plot is put together and presented to the audience.

There are two main theories to explain narrative: PROPP and TODOROV.

PROPP states that there are only a certain number of characters in narrative:

TODOROV explains all narrative in 5 stages:

Equilibrium - all is in order 'normal' and happy.

Disruption - A disruption to the equilibrium by the means of an event/action.

Recognition - There is recognition that a disruption has taken place.

Repair - An attempt to repair the damage caused by the disruption.

New Equilibrium - The problem is solved and we return to a new type of equilibrium.

Both of these theories can be applied to the film In Time:

TODOROV

Equilibrium - Will is going about his normal life

Disruption - Someone with a large amount of time comes and gives Will a century

Recognition - Will goes to the rich areas and sees the difference between those who have and those who have not

Repair - Will and Sylvia try to fix the imbalance 

New Equilibrium - Everyone has enough time

PROPP

Protagonist - Will Salas

Antagonist - Raymond Leon

Heroine - Sylvia Weis

Father - Philippe Weis

Donor - Henry Hamilton

The narrative is told from the point of view of the main character (Will Salas) in which we follow him on his quest to right the wrongs of society. The narrative is in chronological order however there is a sense of mystery and enigma created by the fact that some information is hidden from us until the end of the film. The genre is drama but it is also a slight hybrid with the romantic genre as Will and Sylvia end up together, however this is not the focus of the film and it is not overly sentimental.