1. Media Todorov’s Theory Harry Brooke
Tzvetan Todorov’s Theory of Narrative
1. A state of equilibriumatthe outset
2. A disruptionof the equilibriumbysome action
3. A recognitionthatthere hasbeena disruption
4. An attemptto repairthe disruption
5. A reinstatementof the equilibrium
Thistype of narrative structure is more familiartoaudiences andcanbe appliedtomany
‘mainstream’filmnarratives.
Zombieland
Thistheorycan be recognisedthroughoutzombieland atmanydifferentpoints.For example,there
isa toiletscene atthe verystart of zombie landandthistheoryof narrative isshown.
Equilibrium- Columbusiswalkingaroundapetrol stationquite calmly,thiscreatesasense of
normalitytothe audience.
Disruption- Suddenlythisdisruptedwhenthe shopdoorswingsopenandazombie appears,this
happensveryquicklywhichalsodisruptsthe audience.
Recognition- Columbusrecognisesthathe isindeeptrouble andfireshisshotgun.
Reaction - Columbusreactsandrunsaway and entersacar.
Equilibrium- Columbusthendrivesaway,andeverythingappearstobe normal again.
Disruption- All of a sudden, itsdisruptedbyazombie appearinginthe backof the vehicle and
Columbusisbackto square one again.
