Media Theory Research

    Happy Valentines Day! Just as I thought I was done, I actually had more research to do, </3 so, I'll try and end it off with a good one! Today I'll be coving the topic of media theories (well, actually only one), and how it's used in film.

    One media theory my team want to try and incorporate into our film opening is the Todorov theory of equilibrium, specifically the disequilibrium. 

What is it?

    Well, I'm glad you asked! Todorov's theory contains 5 main parts, as seen below. This theory can take place in every genre, and many famous movies, such as Frozen (2013) and The Lion King (1994). Created in 1971, Todorov's theory explains that the condition of equilibrium is subject to change throughout the film. This change happens as the film progresses but ultimately returns to a state likewise its original at the end of the cycle. According to this Weebly page, 

"Throughout the story there are many attempts to restore or find a new equilibrium which is what drives the narrative..."

    I believe including thing theory would be great for solidifying the rest of our plot. Since we are having trouble figuring out what exactly would happen in the entirety of our film, using this theory could open more possibilities for our characters. This opens a path for many hardships to befall onto the main character as the time loop goes on and would eventually settle on a choice that returns to a state of equilibrium similar to how it began. Plus, we could start off this theory quickly, by introducing the equilibrium for a short time, then almost immediately introduce the disequilibrium, all in our film opening. Although this might not work for most film ideas, I believe it works in our case (our time loop idea!) because of the unique repetitive qualities it contains.

Quick Example:

    Moana (2016) goes through these five stages! 

Equilibrium: Starting with initial equilibrium, Moana enjoys her life on the island with her family.

Disruption of the equilibrium: The people of her island began to notice negative changes throughout the land, a sort of curse has been cast upon them.

Recognition of the disruption: Moana sees why the island is behaving like this and sails off to help.

Attempt to resolve the disruption: She travels and finds Maui, who both team up to try and help restore balance to the island.

Return to a new equilibrium: They manage to succeed, and although it isn't the same equilibrium, it's even better.

Sources:

Wikipedia Contributors. (2023, November 8). Todorov’s narrative theory of equilibrium. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todorov%27s_narrative_theory_of_equilibrium#/media/File:Todorov

Todorov’s Equilibrium Theory. (2025). AS Media. https://lucytownsendasmedia.weebly.com/todorovrsquos-equilibrium-theory.html

Media Studies. (2020, October 1). Todorov’s Narrative Theory of Equilibrium and Disruption. Media Studies. https://media-studies.com/todorov/