FILM STRUCTURE

By David Yuzen

TODOROV'S NARRATIVE THEORY

Izetan Todorov was a Bulgarian structuralist linguist who was publishing
influential work on narrative from 1960s onwards. Todorov suggested that stories
began with an equilibrium where any possible opposing forces are in balance.
This is disrupted by some event, setting in chain a series of events. Problems
are solved so that order can be restored in the world of fiction

CONVENTIONAL NARRATIVES
Todorov suggested that conventional narratives are structured
in five stages:
1)A state of equilibrium at the outset
2)A disruption of the equilibrium by some action
3)A recognition that there has been a disruption
4)An attempt to repair disruption
5)New equilibrium
This type of narrative structure
is very familiar to us and can be applied to many
mainstream film narratives.
Equilibrium(The film is at a calm, equal
point)Disequilibrium(Where the action is happening)Nonequilibrium(Action simmers down)

TODOROV'S NARRATIVE THEORY APPLIANCE

The Simpsons movie is a clear example of todorov theory being applied:
1) Everything is normal, Homer is doing chores
2) Homer saves a pig and problems start to appear.
3) The Simpsons are forced out of Springfield and go to Alaska.
4) The Simpsons go back and try to save Springfield
5) The dome is blown up and everyone is free

HOW 'HOSTAGE' RELATES?

'HostagE' was challenged when trying to apply todorov theory and instead of
following the 5 step rule we went against it and took a very different route for
the ending.

As we can see, we start with an equilibrium when we first see the characters
A problem then arises when James sees Marcus and they start running
The problem then seems to be solved when Ashley is asked for help from James
However, instead of it staying normal we then leave the story on a cliff hanger

HOW WAS THIS USED IN EFFECT?

By challenging the normal structure rule we broke a common

boundary in the action genre. By doing this, we were able to make the
film opening:
Different being one of little films that challenge this aspect
Interesting Makes the viewers more intrigued as the normal ending
they expect isnt going to happen, giving the element of surprise
Exciting Lets the audience explore a different story that
doesnt take normal turns & twists they think it will
Innovative Shows that from research we are able to push boundaries
within the action genre and experiment more with different aspects

FILM STRUCTURE
By David Yuzen