todorov's equilibrium theory
Todorov proposed the 'equilibrium theory' which was the idea that in a story the power would be in a state of equilibrium. As a story progresses, the equilibrium can change through the events occuring on screen, resulting in a power shift.If one person has power over another, at this point in the plot they would be considered the power holder. This however can change very quickly, resulting in somebody else becoming the power holder. Throughout the story there will be several attempts to restore or find a new equilibrium, and this is what will drive the narrative until we reach a final equilibrium in the narrative.
the five stages
- At the start of each narrative there should be an an
initial equilibrium, whether this is a balnce in power or a clear example of who holds the power. - An event should disturb the equilibrium, therefore causing a disequilibrium.
- The event is of disruption is recognised within the narrative.
- There is an attempt to repair the damadge done.
- There is a restoration of the equilibrium or a new equilibrium at the end of the narrative.
APPLYING EQUILIBRIUM THEORY TO music videos
gives you hell - all american rejects
All American Reject's 'Gives you hell' looks at Todorov's equilibrium theory. The story is set in the suburbs and looks at a 'bad neighbour' who keeps getting into rows with the 'good neighbour' due to his behaviour.
Mise-en-scene plays a big part in creating the bad boy image of the one neighbour as opposed to the angelic look of the good neighbour. They use colours to show the contrast between the two. For example, the good neighbour wears baby blue and whites, and his house incorporates a lot of subtle colours like cream and beige, along with the green and blue of the fish tank which is reminiscent of peace and serenity.
The bad neighbour instead wears dark colours like black and his girlfriend wears a red rubber glove, which is symbolic of sex and lust. His home is dark and is decorated with dark reds and browns, refelcting his nighlife outlook.
The good neighbour is given his image by how he dresses presentably, with expensive looking items such as the mirror. He is percieved as very 'proper' as his house is extremely neat, his lawn freshly mowed and his life appears to be very structured. His wife is alike to an 'ideal 60's housewife' as she makes his refreshments and dresses in a posh manor.
We can tell from the bad neighbour's posture that he is quite lazy and sloppy, whereas the good neighbour's posture is more formal and sophisticated.
The initial equilibrium is peaceful, with neither of the characters having an established power over the other.
There is a power shift when the bad neighbour wakes up in the evening, and begins practicing with his band members. This disturbs the other neighbour from sleeping, giving the bad neighbour the power.
The good neighbour causes the next power shift as he seeks revenge. He proceeds to play his music through speakers in his garden, waking up his neighbour and causing feud between the two neighbours.
The bad neighbour regains his power by driving his lawnmower across their gardens and causing havoc outside. This causes the good neighbour to become enraged.
The good neighbour steals the power again by shining a light into the other neighbours bedroom using mirrors, exacerbating the vendetta between both of them.
Once again their is a power shift due to the bad neighbour, who collaborates with a party of people, all of which are out on the lawn yelling up to disturb the good neighbour.
Having decided they are fed up with their partners arguing, the two females decide to swap partners to experience what the other is going through.
The initial equilibrium of peace is restored, as both neighbours are content with their new lives.