Todorov proposed a theory of narrative structure that he believed applied to all films. The theory describes five stages of narrative: (1) equilibrium, (2) disruption, (3) recognition of disruption, (4) action to repair damage, and (5) new equilibrium that is different from the initial state. The document provides examples to illustrate each stage.
2. Todorov believed that his
theory he came up with could
be applied to any film. He
believed that all films
followed the same narrative
pattern and that they all went
through stages. Todorovs
theory is very influential and
is highly respected.
3. Todorovs theory in stages:
1. A state of equilibrium (All is as it should be,
normal and stable.)
2. A disruption which causes a state of
disequilibrium
3. A recognition that the disorder has occurred.
4. An attempt to repair the damage and recreate the
equilibrium ,through action.
5. Restoration of a NEW equilibrium, consequences
of reaction change the narrative/characters so that
the final stage of the equilibrium is not the same as
the initial stage.
4. • The Equilibrium is the man in an office just looking bored and working.
5. • 2. Disruption of the equilibrium: The copy machine isn’t working so he kicks
the machine and it prints a picture of a black hole.
6. • Recognition that the disruption has taken place: Man realises that he has printed a black hole with some kind of
magical power and he tests it out a few times!
7. • An attempt to repair the damage,action directed against the disruption:The man tries to use
the power to his advantage stealing money from the safe,with greed-when he cant reach more
he climbs inside the safe to steal more money.
8. • New equilibrium state-not the same as initial state ,the man is stuck in the safe due to the paper
falling off, ending the situation and creating a new one.