Todorov's narrative theory proposes five stages: 1) initial equilibrium, 2) disruption, 3) recognition of disruption, 4) attempt to repair disruption, 5) reinstatement of equilibrium. The document discusses using the disruption stage in film trailers to hook audiences. It then analyzes the trailer for "The Devil Inside" which focuses on the disruption and leaves the equilibrium unresolved, creating anticipation. Finally, it proposes how these stages could be applied to the trailer being created, starting with establishing calmness before a phone call disrupts the equilibrium.

1. Narrative Structure

2. Tzvetan Todorov’s Theory
Todorov’s conventional narrative structures are followed by five stages which
represent his theory.
• - A state of equilibrium at the outset:
As the whole atmosphere is set to be calm with no aspects of horror
• - A disruption of the equilibrium by some action:
Tension and fear starts to slowly rise and gradually becomes worse
• - A recognition that there has been a disruption:
The horrific scenes becomes intense and needs to be corrected
• - A attempt to repair the disruption:
The issue which is created tries to be resolved in order to gain the equilibrium
• - A reinstatement of the equilibrium:
The equilibrium is restored to normal or the whole process is to be regained
After a brief group discussion we gathered interesting feedback to find we all agreed
to focus more on the ‘A disruption of the equilibrium by some action’ towards the
narrative for our trailer due to how this is mainly used in mainstream film trailers
and sets the right pace leaving the audience on a cliff-hanger making them anxious
to see more

3. How Todorov’s Theory Is Used
•
The Devil Inside-
• - A state of equilibrium at the outset:
The Equilibrium isn't at the outset within this trailer but straight away moves on to the
disruption of the equilibrium
• - A disruption of the equilibrium by some action:
A character is to be seen being possessed and they are moved to a mental hospital
• - A recognition that there has been a disruption:
The protagonist learns more about exorcism to try help her mother, this creates tension
on the other hand also makes the audience feel sympathetic towards the protagonist as
they feel her emotions
• - A attempt to repair the disruption:
The protagonist’s mother gets exorcised by a priest, this brings hope that the exorcism
can be cured
• - A reinstatement of the equilibrium:
The equilibrium doesn’t get resolved with creates anticipation for the release of the film
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyT7xMPurgw:

4. How Todorov’s Theory Would Be Used
In Our Trailer ?

5. The Equilibrium
The equilibrium shown at the beginning of the trailer would set a
calm atmosphere for the audience. The trailer starts of by having a
flashback of a mysterious myth which is introduced by three school
girls who are friends having a casual conversation between each
other as they walk out of the school gates

6. The Disruption
The disruption of the equilibrium happens when one of the girls
phone rings from ‘blocked’ number. As the scene ends the
audience would see the last of the three characters which leaves
them curious about this particular myth which they discover
aspects of in the trailer, at this point the tension starts to rise and
build up throughout the trailer

7. The Recognition
• As a new scene two characters are introduced seen walking into
a forest, when one mentions how she is frightened by these
mysterious private calls she leaves leaving her friend behind as
she is curious to investigate the surroundings on her own. This
becomes more spooky due to the dark surroundings around the
character as the audience would sense that the upcoming
scenes would build towards horrific scenes.

8. The correction
• The character which walks out of the forest leaving her friend
behind hears a loud scream as she assumes this to be her friend.
She runs back in the hope of saving her and escaping from the
forest. On the other hand this also creates tension as the
audience would be left curious to know why the character
screamed

9. Reinstatement of Equilibrium
• From here the equilibrium isn’t reinstated, but more shocking
scenes would build up the atmosphere created in the audience’s
mind and then leave the trailer on a cliff-hanger, creating
anticipation for the movie’s release.

10. Ending of The Trailer
• Towards the ending we find that the character comes to rescue
her friend but finds her dead body lying on the grass, in shock
she panics and cries as the audience are introduced to the
antagonist who frightens the character. From here the trailer
finishes as the audience are left to think about whether the
character dies or survives