Todorov

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Tzvetan Todorov

Closed Narrative Research

Todorov put forward a theory of a structure that all narratives should follow in order to be successful. This structure consisted of 5 stages being:

1. A state of equilibrium from the outset

2. A disruption to the equilibrium in some form

3. A recognition that the equilibrium has been disrupted

4. An attempt to repair the equilibrium

5. A re-instatement of the equilibrium

This type of narrative is very familiar with the audience, and is seen in many films and also in music videos. 

In our research, the audience suggested that they wanted our music video to have a closed narrative. Therefore, we can use this structure to base our storyboarding around.

We already know from the lyric analysis and inspiration of the story-line from the lyric analysis of our chosen song 'Don't Save Me' that we want the equilibrium to be the happy relationship. The disruption to this is what causes the relationship to spiral, and so we need to consider showing recognition it has been disturbed and an attempt to re-pair it. An idea for the attempt to re-pair has already been addressed as it could be that the female in the video is trying to fix the problems and put in the extra effort. I think that the re-instatement of the equilibrium is the most important thing to keep in mind. Whatever story we tell needs closure, and a final ending with no doubt as to what has happened; which in this case will be the female walking away. Therefore we need to make sure through camera work that this is very obvious and no alternative interpretations can be made, so that there is definitely a re-instatement. 

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