Todorov's Narrative Theory

This post is about Todorov's Narrative Theory:

Todorov's theory comes in five parts. These are the five parts:

1. A state of equilibrium
2. A disruption of the equilibrium
3. A recognition of the disruption
4. An attempt to repair the disruption
5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium

Applying Todorov's theory to a Horror film. I am applying the theory to the American supernatural horror-thriller film Devil.

1. A state of equilibrium

The film starts with an upside down shot of New York. This is a negative equilibrium because the visual isn't the right way up. This may be used to make the audience feel uneasy and disorientated.

2. A disruption of the equilibrium

Five apparent strangers all enter the same lift together. This is the start of the disruption of the equilibrium because they don't know what's to come.

3. A recognition of the disruption

The recognition of the disruption is the first time the lights go off and Sarah gets 'bitten' by someone/something unknown.

4. An attempt to repair the disruption

The attempt to repair the disruption is when two of the people die and the other three go against each other, trying to figure out who is killing the others and what is happening in this lift when the lights go out.

5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium

The reinstatement of the equilibrium is when Tony apologizes to the devil for his sin (the hit and run) and the detective hears his apology, knowing he is talking about his wife and son and later forgives him. The devil disappears and the final scene we see is a skyline shot of New York the right way round.