Media Writing and Todorov's Theory

Tzvetan Todorov simplified the idea of narrative theory while also allowing a more complex interpretation of film texts with his theory of Equilibrium and Disequilibrium. The theory is simply this: * The fictional environment begins with a state of equilibrium (everything is as it should be in a state of equal balance between powers of any kind, where equality of importance or effect exists among the various parts of any complex unity). * It then suffers some …

…framework, outside the 'normal' social events (e.g., a murder happens and people are terrified or someone vanishes and the characters have to solve the mystery). In summary: * Narratives don't need to be linear. * The progression from initial equilibrium to restoration always involves a transformation. * The middle period of a narrative can depict actions that transgress everyday habits and routines. * There can be many disruptions whilst seeking a new equilibrium (horror relies on this technique).