Luke Chillingsworth

Equilibrium means a state of balance and this is shows throughout an opening of a film. Usually Equilibrium is present at the start of the film as families continue life as usual and no problems are present. For example, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The Equilibrium begins as the new term starts and students are looking forward to the year ahead.

At some point during the film there will be some kind of disruption to the equilibrium. A challenge to authorities or fall out in a relationship may cause a problem that must be overcome. For example, in Harry Potter we find out many students have been petrified. This causes a problem that has to be solved.

The next stage will be when the main protagonists recognise the disruption that they face. In Harry Potter we understand that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened and that Ginny Weasley’s body is in the Chamber. Something must be done to fix the problem.

The next stage of the film will be the attempted repair of the disruption caused. This could be the main character repairing the damage caused earlier on in the film. In Harry Potter the repair of the disruption comes when Harry battles and defeats Lord Voldemort and the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets and saves Ginny Weasley.

A film will naturally end with a new order restored, a new equilibrium. This will restore harmony, but something may have changed from the beginning of the film. In Harry Potter the order is restored with the defeat of Lord Voldemort, the Chamber of Secrets closed, and everyone happy once more enjoying the end of term feast.

Therefore we have found out that Todorov’snarrative theory follows five simple steps that are common throughout all narratives. From the starting equilibrium, to a problem or disturbance, and then finishing with a new equilibrium once again.