This document discusses two narrative theories:
1. Todorov's theory outlines 5 stages of narrative: equilibrium, disequilibrium, recognition of disequilibrium, attempt to repair disequilibrium, and new equilibrium. This is applied to the plot of the film Kick-Ass.
2. Levi-Strauss' theory suggests the world can be described through binary opposites such as day/night, light/dark, good/bad, and male/female. Different film genres are listed as examples of binary opposites.
2. Part A: Todorov’s Theory
Suggests there are 5 stages of narrative:
1. Equilibrium
2. Disequilibrium
3. Recognition of disequilibrium
4. Attempt to repair disequilibrium
5. New equilibrium
4. Task 2:
(To identify Todorov’s theory in relation to a film)
• Normal teenage guy decides
to take the law into his
own hands after being
attacked one too many
times.
• Teams up with ‘Big Daddy’
and ‘Hit Girl’ to take on the
big gang leaders of the city.
5. Equilibrium
We are shown a normal high school
as a wide shot.
A normal group of friends.
Main character: average teenager
A stereotypical class at a
school.
6. Disequilibrium
Gangs and knife/gun crime consumes the city.
Innocent victims are
robbed
Stereotypical street
thugs
Victims are left unable
to do anything about
assaults.
Defenceless victims
7. Recognition of disequilibrium
Regular teenager buys a costume
in order to tackle the street crime
and ‘little’ problems in the city
Hero costume:
mask included
Gangs are seen as the
main problems.
Victim being beaten
up by gang
The main character ‘Kick-
Ass’ attempts to take on
gangs involved in drug
crime.
Weapons and
costume: typical hero
props
8. Attempt to repair disequilibrium
Younger character ‘Hit Girl’ is skilled in
fighting and highly trained in using big
weapons.
Guns and
jetpack The use of superhero
disguises and high-tech
weapons aid them in the
battle between good and
bad.
Wig and mask to
hide identity.
Kick-Ass and Hit Girl team up to
take on the much bigger gangs
who ‘run’ the city.
9. New equilibrium
New friendship formed after
working together to put a stop
to the crimes.
Another shot of the
school, this time
everything has changed.
Hit Girl –aka- Mindy, starts a
new life as a normal girl and
goes to school for the first
time.
Everyone ends up
happy at the end.
10. Part B: Levi-Strauss
Believed the world is described in binary
opposites:
• Day/night
• Light/dark
• Good/bad
• Male/female
