Todorov's Equilibrium Theory
Todorov's equilibrium theory suggests that throughout film storylines, a film status quo is set up that alters continuously throughout the film engaging the viewer. The way that this theory progresses is through a number of stages;
-the story begins with an initial equilibrium being set
-then a disruption takes place
-causing a new equilibrium to take hold
-this is then disrupted
-a new equilibrium takes place
-disruption
-a new status quo/final equilibrum, or the story is restored to its initial status quo.
this theory is proved in many films, two that I analysed for research were Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone and Beauty and the Beast.
Harry Potter analysis according to Todorov's theory
-The story begins with humans (muggles) in power, this is the initial equilibrium. The initial status quo is that Harry is powerless, with no friends to help him.
-DISRUPTION- Harry visits a zoo, and finds out he has the ability to talk to snakes-he obtains power, henceforth disrupting the status quo.
-Equilibrium- Harry has power, family try to gain control.
-DISRUPTION- Hagrid comes, rescuing Harry from his family, changing the story and harry remains in power.
-Equilibrium- Harry is feared by family, power changes and they have to get used to it
Beauty and The Beast according to Todorov's Theory
Initial equilibrium- The powerful prince is in control , all fear him and he thrives in this fear and power.
Disruption- He treats a beggar with malcontent and beggar puts a curse on him, transforming him into a magnificent beast.
Equilibrium- Prince is depressed with his self image and so he locks himself away in a tower.
Disruption- a poor lady (princess according to propps theory) visits the castle, the beast imprisons her.
Equilibrium- Beast gets used to her being there, he begins to feel sorry for her.
Disruption- Beast falls in love with the woman, disrupting the equilibrium and status quo.
Equilibrium- He expresses his love and she does in return.
Disruption- The local villagers come to kill the beast.
Final Equilibrium- The Lady and the Beast kiss, he returns to his form as a prince ; bringing back the new status quo but with the new format that he is a better person. The final equilibrium is similar to the initial equilibrium but this time the prince has gained understanding and goodness.
Todorov's equilibrium theory suggests that throughout film storylines, a film status quo is set up that alters continuously throughout the film engaging the viewer. The way that this theory progresses is through a number of stages;
-the story begins with an initial equilibrium being set
-then a disruption takes place
-causing a new equilibrium to take hold
-this is then disrupted
-a new equilibrium takes place
-disruption
-a new status quo/final equilibrum, or the story is restored to its initial status quo.
this theory is proved in many films, two that I analysed for research were Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone and Beauty and the Beast.
Harry Potter analysis according to Todorov's theory
-The story begins with humans (muggles) in power, this is the initial equilibrium. The initial status quo is that Harry is powerless, with no friends to help him.
-DISRUPTION- Harry visits a zoo, and finds out he has the ability to talk to snakes-he obtains power, henceforth disrupting the status quo.
-Equilibrium- Harry has power, family try to gain control.
-DISRUPTION- Hagrid comes, rescuing Harry from his family, changing the story and harry remains in power.
-Equilibrium- Harry is feared by family, power changes and they have to get used to it
Beauty and The Beast according to Todorov's Theory
Initial equilibrium- The powerful prince is in control , all fear him and he thrives in this fear and power.
Disruption- He treats a beggar with malcontent and beggar puts a curse on him, transforming him into a magnificent beast.
Equilibrium- Prince is depressed with his self image and so he locks himself away in a tower.
Disruption- a poor lady (princess according to propps theory) visits the castle, the beast imprisons her.
Equilibrium- Beast gets used to her being there, he begins to feel sorry for her.
Disruption- Beast falls in love with the woman, disrupting the equilibrium and status quo.
Equilibrium- He expresses his love and she does in return.
Disruption- The local villagers come to kill the beast.
Final Equilibrium- The Lady and the Beast kiss, he returns to his form as a prince ; bringing back the new status quo but with the new format that he is a better person. The final equilibrium is similar to the initial equilibrium but this time the prince has gained understanding and goodness.