Transformers 2

Transformers 2 Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maPFhlFfJG8

The action movie that I have chosen to analyse using narrative theories we have engaged with is the hit film produced by Michael Bay which is the Transformers 2.

Transformers 2 is an immediate hit with its target audience as it is action packed throughout the whole storyline. This is due to the various enigma codes used within the film to create mystery during the narrative whilst keeping the audience interested. The director creates these enigma codes by showing something at the beginning of the film which the audience may think is just a minor detail within the film but really, it is the key which unlocks all the mysteries throughout the rest of the film.

For example, In Transformers 2 the enigma code which created dramatic irony within the film was a small metal piece broken off an alien cube it also could connote to the audience of troubled times for the main character, Sam Witwicky. This was also both an enigma code and an action code as the audience knows that it is a particularly important event in the film however, it is also a enigma code because it keeps the audience interested throughout the duration of the film and creates mystery during the narrative.

The plot of Transformers 2 revolves around Sam Witwicky who is portrayed to the audience as a nerdy/innocent teenager. This immediately makes Sam a likeable character as the audience sympathises for him as he is the human caught in the war between the Autobots and the Decepticons. 

The main character, Sam is caught right in the middle of the conflict as he has visions of Cybertronian symbols, which leads him to being hunted by the Decepticons under the orders of their long-trapped leader known as The Fallen.

As the movie progresses, we see the importance of the metal piece called (The Matrix) which we have indentified as an enigma code. It becomes more and more important as the movie progresses as the Decepticons seek to get revenge on Earth by finding and activating a machine called the Matrix of leadership, using the enigma code (The Matrix) which would then provide the Decepticons with an energy source, destroying all life on the planet in the process.

Furthermore, Transformers 2 is a linear narrative as the film progresses forward towards a resolution which consists of a Begging, Middle and End.

The structure of Transformers 2 also includes a Equilibrium, Disequilibrium and a new equilibrium, devised by Tvzetan Todorov. However, when the film begins it starts of with a New Equilibrium as it gets straight into the action when we see conflict between the Autobots and the Dcepticons which ends with the Good (Autobots) defeating the evil (Deceptions), this gives the audience a sense of achievement as they feel positive about the film straight from the beginning.

But then we see a Equilibrium as there is partially an existing state of harmony as we see Sam’s love life with his romance with Makaila who is the Second main character within the film which also sends out a warm vibe to the viewers as romance is a happy feeling.

Halfway through the film we experience a disequilibrium as the flow of the film is disrupted by unfortunate events as Optimus Prime (Leader of the Autobots) is defeated by the Decepticons. At this point of the movie, the audience will have felt heartbroken and tearful as they have seen their idol and the leader of the Autobots being defeated. However, at the finale a new equilibrium occurs as Optimus Prime rises again with the help of Sam Witwicky and then defeats the Decepticons leader (The Fallen) once and for all which gave the audience a feel good factor as we also see Sam and Makaila cuddling in a sunset backdrop.

In Conclusion, I believe Transformers 2 engages with its target audience fantastically and delivers an action packed bonanza which has made it a immediate success with all audiences.