Narrative theory can be applied to moving image texts but in many ways, narrative theory transcends a specific media form. Film and television holds a very great significance that links with our day-to-day lives and even our ambitions and dreams.

Narrative structures can vary. Many films follow a linear structure, that starts with a beginning, follows to a middle and finishes with an end. However, some films follow a different narrative structure such as non-linear, which means the film jumps around to different time zones.

Memento = non linear due to the fact it is unclear as to what part is the beginning and what part is the end.

Elision and ellipsis = not played in real time. Films often included flashbacks and flash-forwards to break the linear sequence.

Narrative strands are even able to be flagged up as something that will be fully explained later on in a film, this is known as foreshadowing.

Dramatic irony is also a narrative feature in many films. This occurs when the audience are made aware of something that the characters do not know.

Roland Barthes theory: Proairetic sand hermenuetic codes

Proairetic: action, movement, causation

Hermenuetic: reflection, dialogue, character,

Enigma code: the way in which intrigue and ideas are raised – which encourage an audience to want more information.