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
toilet 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
toilet 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
