Narrative Theory3: Levi-Strauss

Claude Lévi-Strauss

Binary opposition sets up conflict through polar opposites, in class/status, 

Examples:

Footloose, we have free, energetic, upbeat dancing, then followed by a religious, conservative surmon denouncing these activities.

The Infidel, we have liberal, relaxed Muslims and conservative, militant bordering on Jihadi

Legend, we have the two Kray Twins. One is suave, restrained, charming, mentally healthy, the other has mental and social issues, is rejected by a number of people, their conflict is only mildly mentioned by the (impossible narrator), later it will develop and lead to violence.

Skyfall:

We have the hunter and his target.

Four Lions:

We have the sensible terrorist and the obscene,clumsy  terrorist. We also have a racial opposition as the clumsy one is white and is often picked on it for it.

BINARY OPPOSITION IN ONE CHARACTER?

Tyrannosaur:

The protagonists shifts between despicable acts of violence, swearing, racism, and then regret, silence, grief, where the audience's reactions are torn between hate, disgust and pity, compassion, antipathy and sympathy. This is referred to in narrative terms as a "round character", in contrast to a flat character. That can also count as a binary opposition

ROM-COMS:

Pretty In Pink

We have a binary opposition in a grim, cold, urban, colourless neighborhood, which is however contrasted with upbeat music, eventually leading to the Pretty In Pink room of the protagonist.