Todorov's Narrative Theory & Our Plot.

Equilibrium - Todorov Narrative Theory

Narrative Theory:

Narrative theory studies the devices and conventions governing the organization of a story (Fictional or Factual) into a sequence. Todorov suggested that stories begin with the equilibrium or status quo where any potential of opposing forces are balanced; this is disrupted by some events, setting in chain a series of events. Problems are solved so that the order can be restored to the world of the fiction.

Todorov suggested that the conventional narratives are structured into 5 stages, beginning with:

1. State of Equilibrium 

2. Disruption of that Equilibrium 

3. Recognition that disorder has occurred

4. Attempt (or attempts) to resolve the situation 

5. Return to equilibrium or establishment of a new equilibruim  

Home Alone:

1. State of Equilibruim:

Macualay Culkin (Kevin) and his family were relaxing at home in a very christmassy atmosphere, thinking in advance about the holiday that was approaching near by. 

2. Disruption of that Equilibrium:

As Macualay Culkin was misbehaving the night before him and his family were going on holiday, he was sent into a different room to sleep in to avoid conflict with his brother (Buzz). In the chaotic morning, the family woke up late as there was a problem with the electrics disrupting the alarm clocks, by having a large affluent family; They somehow forgot to wake up Kevin (Macualay Culkin) as they dispersed towards the airport, leaving Kevin home alone (hence the name). 

3. Recognition that disorder has occurred:

Recognition that disorder has occurred can be noted when the burglars (Marv and Harry) try take advantage of the fact that they think nobody's home. Whereas in reality, Kevin was left at home unintentionally. 

4. Attempt (or Attempts) to resolve the situation:

Macualay Culkin (Kevin) tries to resolve the situation of his house being burgled; by setting booby traps all around his house in order to stop them.

5. Return to equilibrium or establishment of a new equilibrium:

Equilibrium is returned when the old man (neighbor) helps Macualay Culkin to take down the burglars. It also is returned when the police arrest the burglars and take them to prison; leaving everything in the film back to normal.


Breaking the rule of Todorov's Theory:

Some directors break the rule to get a unique feel to the movie. Yet this is very hard to pull of successfully. Breaking the rule can leave the audience feeling unsatisfied with the ending. For Example: The film Lucy - This went against the theory as the ending was completely different to the equilibrium; leaving the ending of the film unfulfilling

Plot Of Our Film:

1. State of Equilibrium:

- Everything is normal, main character is just chilling at home with some of his friends; eating some dominos acting like nothing catastrophic is going to happen. 

2. Disruption of the equilibrium:

- The disruption of the equilibrium is that the zombie apocalypse breaks out and the characters are oblivious until they come to their house.

3. Recognition that disorder has occurred:

- People start boarding up houses and start making bases; realization that something like this has occurred and there is no going back. Start gathering armory just in case they need to use it.

4. Attempt (or attempts) to resolve the situation:

- People try to kill the zombie trying to make sure more and more people don't get infected; the CIA/FBI come into action try and help - making traps in order to eliminate the infectious zombies.

5. Establishment of a new equilibrium:

- The zombies start taking over the world as more people got infected; start killing everyone and no-one can do nothing about it.