Propp and Todorov

Propp and Todorov play huge parts in the structure of conventional films, and this is reinforced in most thrillers too. 

Propp: Propp focused on characters and concluded there were 8 stereotypically:
The Villain: who struggles against the hero
The Dispatcher: the character who makes the problem known and sends the hero off
The usually magic helper: who helps in the quest
The princess/prize: the hero deserves her throughout the story but is unable to marry her because of the villain. The hero's journey is often ended when he marries the princess and has beaten the villain.
The Father: who gives the task to the hero, identifies the false hero and is usually against the hero until he proves himself
The donor: who prepares the hero or gives hero a magical object
The hero: who reacts to the donor and marries the princess
False hero: who takes credit for the hero's actions or tries to marry the princess


However this is very stereotypical and can be seen as old fashioned, as most films now try and break free of the conventions in some way or form. 

Todorov: Focuses on narrative structure and developed his own theory.
Each story begins with an equilibrium. Everything is in balance.
This is then disrupted by some event, causing a whole chain of events.
This disruption is then recognised.
There is some attempt to repair this damage.
The equilibrium is then restored.


This is very typical of a happy film, and is noticeable in most mainstream films today.