TODOROV theory

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 the disruption;

5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium

This type of narrative structure is very familiar to us and can be applied to many ‘mainstream’ film narratives.

Todorov's narrative theory claims that each story follows the same structure. It starts with a period of calm, and equilibrium, which is then disrupted. The disequilibrium is then brought to an end by the hero, and the chaos comes to an end. "LTROI" follows this structure. The film 'let the right one in' is a good example of Todorov's theory. The film starts with Oskar, living with his mum in a flat, being hassled by school bullies. Nothing extremely drastic happens to him. The disequilibrium is brought, however, when Eli moves in next door. The man who is looking after her kills a young boy in order to provide blood for her to drink. Oskar's bullies also get worse. The climax of the film sees his bullies trying to kill him, when Eli comes in and kills them for him. This brings the chaos to an end and restores the equilibrium. The film then ends with Oskar and Eli leaving town on a train, calm once again.