Tsvetan Todorov's theory of equilibrium

Todorov was a bulgarian philosopher who specialized in literary theory. He came up with the theory of equilibrium, which has become one of the most influential theories in the media industry today. This theory was a basic structure for all narratives. He said that all films started with a state of equilibrium, a calm period. Then, agents of disruption cause disequilibrium, where the calm state is broken and there is a period of unsettlement and and disquiet. This is finally followed by another state of equilibrium. However, this state may not be the same as the first. Events in the plot may cause the characters to find themselves in a new state of equilibrium very different from the first. An example of this would be "The Orphan". It begins with a state of equilibrium where the main family are introduced, the disequilibrium then begins when they bring a new child, Esther into their home. This child is posessed and causes all types of chaos and horrific events for the family, the only way to rid their family of this is to kill her as the family soon realise. The equilibrium is then restored at the end where Esther eventually dies and the family can continue their life as normal. A film that does not support Todorov's theory would be "Paranormal activity". It does not begin with equilibrium, as the lives of the main characters (Katie and Micah) are disrupted by Katie's belief that she is being haunted by a demon that follows her wherever she goes. The main body of the film shows their struggle to get rid of this demon, as several paranormal events happen to the couple. At the end, equilibrium is not restored as Katie becomes posessed by the demon and kills her partner Micah. In some ways our own movie supports this theory, however we have decided to break conventions and put a unique twist on it. The story doesn't begin with equilibrium, as the start of the movie shows that the incident that happens in the chemistry lab. However, there is a period of equilibrium between the acident and the main body of the film. This is where our protagonist has been living away from home for several years and has been in a stable relationship for some time. The disequilibrium comes when she returns to her home town and the manifestations of guilt begin. The new state of equilibrium is brought about when she eventually faces her past and is able to continue her life with her husband.