2. • Todrov suggested that stories always begin
with an equilibrium or a status quo where any
potential opposing forces are in balance.
• This a disrupted event, setting in a chain a
series of events, problems are then solved so
that order can be restored to the world of
fiction.
3. Todrov suggested there are 5 stages
• Todrov describes there are five stages that construct
conventional narratives, these stages are
• A state of equilibrium at the outset
• A disruption of the equilibrium by some action
• A recognition that there has been a disruption
• An attempt to repair the disruption
• A reinstatement of the equilibrium
• This type of narrative structure is very familiar to us
and can be applied to mainstream film narratives.
4. Equilibrium
• The point is the point in the film, mainly at the start
where there is a calm ambience that is eventually
destroyed towards the middle of the film.
In the beginning of the film, Sam Cooper( Amy Dunn)
looks at the pills and in the background we hear the
voice over, which adds to the mellow tone. As the
production gradually picks up pace, and we see
flashbacks of her being bullied, the film then goes back
to reality when we are introduced to the two bullies
and she is pinned against the wall.
5. The disruption
• This is where the equilibrium is destroyed,
becoming the disequilibrium through a problem
the protagonist comes across, such as an
argument or something that would abolish the
happiness created at the beginning.
• In our production the disequilibrium occurs
when same is faced with the bullies and is the
mood changes instantly. This is used to show the
upcoming action and it helps to build up tension
within the film.
6. The recognition
• For there to be a solution to the
disequilibrium that has occurred the
protagonist has to recognise the problemthat
is causing the disruption in the narrative.
• The recognition is when Sam locks herself in
the toliet as she finally acknowledges that she
is being bullied.
7. Attempt to repair the disruption
• This is when the character tries to repair the
situation and find a solution to the disruption.
• In our production Sam takes drugs when she is
in the toliet and we have also included the
voice over as this tells us what she is going
through and how she feels. This is her attempt
to repair the damage caused to her by the
bullies, her way of solving her problems.
8. Equilibrium
• This is the part of the narrative where all is
restored.
• There is peace and harmony again and the
previous disruption has now been solved.
• In our film Sam deals with her struggle in an
emotional way which reflects her state of
mind
