Narrative Theory - Hibbert

Todorov proposes the theory that all films contain a three stage structure. The stages are equilibrium, disequilibrium and then a resolution. In the film "Disturbia" the film starts with a normal family in a house, and this is the equilibrium part. Itis the calm of the film ,where things seem normal, and everyday. In the same film, the disequilibrium is when Shia Laboeuf realises that the neighbour is a murderer, which causes some kind of disturbance and problem for the characters to solve. The disequilibrium is where a problem is raised to disrupt the calmness, and the characters have to solve this. Todorovs theory is again proved in the film Disturbia when the character manages to save his mother from being killed by the murderer by solving the problem raised and completing the cycle to resolution. This particular film proves the theory of Todorov and by also looking at other films from the horrow genre in particular, i can see many of them also follow this pattern.