2. Narrative refers to the different types of
story structure that genres employ as well as
the actual story-telling devices and narrative
moments which they are associated with.
There are different structures of narratives
such as linear, which means there will be a
clear beginning, middle and end. Aristole
identified the basic linear line structure. He
observed that the middle section may involve
some crisis resolved at the end of the story.
There are circular narrative structures which
means the beginning is the same as the end of
the film. Seen in the play Blood Brothers and
‘The Hangover’.
3. Russian theorist Tzvetan Todorov suggests
that all narratives follow a four part
structure.
Equilibrium; how the place and
characters begin at the start of the story.
Disequilibrium; a disruption to the
equilibrium.
Recognition (of the disruption)
Resolution; plan to resolve the
disequilibrium.
Restoration of equilibrium; the story
returns back to the beginning.
4. TODOROV’S THEORY CAN BE APPLIED TO HORROR FILMS
SUCH AS SWEENY TODD.
1. Benjamin Barker returns to London after 15 years arrest in
Australia under the new identity of Sweeny Todd, hoping to regain a
new normal life. (Equilibrium)
2. However when in Fleet Street he learns by (Mrs Lovett) that his wife
poisoned herself after Jude Turpin (who falsely charged Benjamin) raped
her. He also learns that the judge is the legal guardian of his daughter.
(Disequilibrium)
3. Todd decides to reopen his barber shop but can not help but feel angry
towards Judge Turpin and lets his anger get the better of him when he
murders a man who blackmails him and misses and opportunity to murder judge Turpin.
(Recognition).
4. Todd then turns his revenge to the entire world and vents his murderous rage on his
customers whilst waiting until he can kill judge Turpin. Mrs Lovett then comes up with
the plan of using dead bodies in her pies in order to make more money and improve her
business, this they both benefit from the situation. (Repair/solution).
5. At the end of the story Todd kills what seems to be a beggar women and Turpin. However the
beggar woman turned out to be his wife, that miss Lovett lied about her dying so Todd throws Miss
Lovett into the furnace. Whilst cradling his dead wife Todd lets a boy named Toby kill him so Todd can
be at peace with his wife. (Restoration)
5. The basic narrative structure of a film
trailer can be simply shortened to this:
Opening
Build Up
Problem‡
Events
Ending
