Tzvetan Todorov - Narrative Theory and Film Trailers

TZVETAN TODOROV

Who is Tzvetan Todorov and what is his theory?

Tzvetan Todorov was a Bulgarian-French philosopher of many occupations (including sociologist and essayist) who is known for his theory of the 'five stages of narrative' in film. His theory states that a film's narrative revolves around a pattern of equilibrium and disequilibrium- these 5 stages are a cycle of repairing said disequilibrium.

Stage 1: The equilibrium - where everything is as it should be; a state of normalcy.
Stage 2: The disruption - the state of normalcy comes to a halt as a problem or event occurs.
Stage 3: The recognition - the characters acknowledge the disruption.
Stage 4: The attempt to repair - the characters try to fix the disruption or conflict.
Stage 5: The new equilibrium - a new equilibrium is achieved - it is not the same state as in the first stage as if no problem ever occured, but becomes the new norm after the disruption.

This theory centers around this narrative structure, but it is important to note that not all films will conform to this structure- for example, in the horror film The Descent (2005), the characters are stuck in a cycle of repeated disruptions and numerous attempts to repair- and in fact, a new equilibrium is never achieved (at least in the UK version of the film's ending). Instead, the last character standing finds herself trapped in the disruption/attempt to repair stages.

Where do we see the five stages of narrative in media today?

The trailer for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) is a good example of the five stages of narrative structure because the trailer clearly outlines the stages in its plot- the trailer uses a voice-over to narrate the storyline and the sources of conflict.

It begins with introducing the equilibrium, which the target audience are most likely familiar with if they have seen the previous film (the first installment in the film series), and briefly reminds us of previous events (the voice-over says, "One year ago... He learned the truth" and shows a character telling Harry he is a wizard).

Next, the disruption is introduced- although there are multiple besides the main mystery of the 'Chamber of Secrets', additionally giving the trailer an element of enigma to entice the audience into seeing the film. The main disruption is that the chamber of secrets has been opened. The trailer keeps the results of this event fairly cryptic.

The recognition of this disruption is shown when one of the characters, Professor McGonagall, announces to everyone, "Unless the culprit is found, it is likely the school will be closed." This recognition stage is further emphasized when Harry's friend, a house elf named Dobby, urges him to go home.

The attempt to repair stage commences when one of the three main protagonists, Hermione Granger, verbally outlines a plan in which they (her, Harry and Ron) will find out who opened the chamber. The plan is to disguise themselves as members of the Slytherin house to find out if the person they suspect really opened it.

Finally, a montage is then shown of the most exciting and action-filled parts of the film, to further encourage the audience to see the film in order to discover if the attempt to repair is successful, and find out what the new equilibrium is (as to reveal it in the trailer would mean there is no point to audiences seeing the film as the mystery would be spoiled). Overall, this trailer is a prime example of the use of the five stages of narrative structure, and I find its conformity more or less unsurprising (due to the fact that the target audience would have likely been from children to young adults who are fans of the book series from which it was adapted).

How could this theory be used in my own film trailer?

I could use the five stages of narrative in my own trailer to show a structure and introduce the disruptions that drive the plot, as it would help to guide the audience into the storyline of the 'Anonymous' hacker/serial killer and drug addicts. The trailer could begin with the equilibrium, showing the hacker's life, perhaps while they are setting up their studio and equipment for the recorded message and getting ready. Next, the disruption could be introduced, where the hacker records the threatening message (with cross-cutting between them and the drug addicts). It could then show the recognition stage, when the drug addicts receive the message and are being killed off and panicking. However, from this point onward, I don't think that the five stages of narrative would be the most suitable structure because I think the trailer would then proceed to showing the conflict between the two sides rather than attempts to repair, and I want to keep it fairly enigmatic to maintain a sense of mystery and keep the audience intrigued; in my opinion, the film isn't one that has such a strict outline to it, and so it wouldn't be suitable to try to portray one.