Todorov's Narrative Theory 5q49n

Todorov’s Narrative Theory The Exposition of a film

Todorov’s Theory • Tzvetan Todorov simplified the idea of narrative theory whilst allowing a more complex interpretation of films with his theory of Equilibrium and Disequilibrium. The theory: • The fictional environment begins with a state of equilibrium (everything is peaceful as it should be) • It then experiences some disruption (disequilibrium) • A new equilibrium is produced at the end of the narrative

The five stages 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

A state of equilibrium A disruption of the equilibrium Some recognition of this disruption An attempt made to repair the damage caused A new equilibrium is established

These five stages make up Todorov’s Narrative Theory.

‘Insidious’ • Todorov’s theory can be applied to the horror film ‘Insidious’, using the 5 basic steps. PLOT: 1. Boy falls off ladder in attic- goes into coma 2. Paranormal activity in house- bloody handprint and attack by mysterious man. 3. Demon draws boy’s soul into ‘The Further’ horrific world 4. Father uses his paranormal activity to enter world and save his son 5. Father returns and strangles old woman- becoming the demon

‘Insidious’- Equilibrium and Disequilibrium 1. 2.

3.

4.

5.

THE EQUILIBRIUM- this can be seen in ‘Insidious’ through the peaceful scene of the family moving into their new house and settling in. DISRUPTION- Dalton, the little boy, goes into a coma after falling of a ladder in the attic when he claimed to hear noises. RECOGNITION- the beginnings of the paranormal activity in the house, such as the books falling of the shelf, when they were previously untouched, and the bloody handprint REPAIRING DAMAGE- The father, Josh, enters ‘The Further’ world in an attempt to save his son from the demon that has possessed his soul. He is successful NEW EQUILIBRIUM- the father strangles the old woman and becomes the demon himself.