Todorov Theory Essay
Todorov’s theory has a simple layout to five main parts a typical movie is split into. Each part is often found in films however it can be varied. The traditional first part is an equilibrium which consists of calm where all elements are balanced and peaceful. The second part is the disequilibrium where the original balance is upset. The third part is acknowledgement where the characters realise that the original equilibrium has been disrupted. The fourth part consists of solving where the characters try to fix the problem that has occurred. The fifth part is a new equilibrium which can be the same as the original at the beginning of the film or a new equilibrium that is also balanced.
In my A2 coursework I am creating a music video. The narrative slightly fits into the first four parts of Todorov’s theory. This is because there are 3 men, one is a dealer and the other two are buying from the dealer.
The first part of is the equilibrium that there was a simple drug deal going down with each side of the party happy. The disequilibrium is the drug dealer realising that he has been given fake money. The drug dealer then acknowledges what he must do in order to get his money or drugs back. He realises he has to chase the two customers. The drug dealer then attempts to solve the problem by chasing the two customers.
However Todorov’s theory does not entirely fit to this music video as the drug dealer never actually catches up with the two customers and so a new equilibrium is not met. This shows a prime example of how the theory is used but not completely right showing that there can be variation in the way that it is used.
To comment on my AS coursework simply on the intro of my movie would not work as it does not use Todorov’s theory, however the plot summary that we put in place does use the theory. The plot summary for our film consisted of the fighter being known as a very respected and brilliant fighter – the equilibrium. However he is then beaten badly in a fight – the disequilibrium. He then realises how his reputation has been effected and what he must do in order to gain it back– the acknowledgement.
He then trains very hard to be the best possible fighter he can be to live up to his old reputation – solving. He then beats the fighter that previously beat him regaining his old status and reputation – the new equilibrium which was the same as the original.