Todorov's Theory- Equilibrium

The Narrative Theory

Todorov in 1969 produced a theory which he believed to be able to be applied to any film. He believed that all films followed the same narrative pattern. They all went through stages called the equilibrium, disequilibrium, acknowledgement, solving and again equilibrium.



There are five stages the narrative can progress through:


1. A state of equilibrium (All is as it should be.)


2. A disruption of that order by an event.


3. A recognition that the disorder has occurred.


4. An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption.


5. A return or restoration of a NEW equilibrium


My Main Brief


1) Where our protagonist is walking and taking the lift whilst listening to music.


2) The disruption is the antagonist at the end of our opening where her eyes are black. Leaving the protagonist on floor in elevator, either possessed or dead, this is left unknown.


3) 4) & 5) Is not shown in my main brief due to only being the opening of a film, the first 2-3 minutes.

Applied Example - The Purge Trailer

1. A state of equilibrium (All is as it should be.) - The family enjoying dinner happily at the start. Friends and neighbours all enjoying each others company.


2. A disruption of that order by an event. - Where it says 'all crime is legal' and shots of people being violent towards each other. The black man running around shouting for help and then the family lets him in.


3. A recognition that the disorder has occurred. - The family are approached by group of people with weapons and masks trying to break into the home to get the black man.


4. An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption. - Fighting back, hiding and surviving til the end of the purge.


5. A return or restoration of a NEW equilibrium - Once the purge is over, the new equilibrium starts again for another year.